How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are many options available when it comes to double strollers. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, has helped us choose the right one for you.
You should look for a stroller that is simple to fold, push and carry. And consider a model that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler as well as a rider board.
Safety
Choose a double-stroller which includes all-terrain wheels as well as a brake that can be operated by hand if want to keep your kids safe when walking. These wheels and brake help you navigate trails or sidewalks without your children falling or rolling away. The best double strollers have ample storage space to store equipment and essentials for kids like snacks and toys.
The first step in selecting the right double stroller is to figure out the age of your children and how far apart they are. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, some do have a variety options that let you select the seating option that is best for your family.
Side-byside doubles are a popular choice, and they're perfect for children of similar ages who like to be social with one another. Certain models feature a double-decker design, which allows the user to place one seat higher than the other or attach an extra rider board for older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet connected to the frame or in an attachment that allows you to peek-a-boo at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a dedicated twin stroller is the best option to go.
For families who are more adventurous, look for a double stroller that is able to take on off-road terrains or even hike. A majority of these strollers have been designed with active parents in mind and come with features that let you take your children on any adventure, regardless of how rough the terrain or how high the climbs might be.
The best double strollers come with clever features that help you navigate through difficult terrain and in bad weather. For instance, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child so you'll be able to ensure that they're safe while running downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also has an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your kids cool during the summer heat.
This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than most single strollers, and ideal to take on air travel or for storing in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a huge storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Unlike the behemoth strollers of the past these double strollers are sleek and support an array of designs to accommodate families. Some double strollers can be used as side-by-side models while others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as a base for car seats, toddler seats and bassinets. They are available in various sizes and weight limits, allowing infants and children up to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to fold and move, as well as allowing you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure you are comfortable throughout your excursions. A well-designed handlebar is easy to grip and should encourage you to walk in a logical manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should also provide various storage options that can accommodate all the necessities you'll require for your children.
If your twins are similar age, a tandem stroller could be the best choice for your family. The seats of these models sit together, allowing you to be able to interact with them both and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They also recline independently so that one child can nap while the other is awake and ready to go.
The downside to twin stroller s is that it can be larger than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to navigate sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doors. For some families, however the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you are looking for a small double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a good option. Its shock absorption, sleek design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for mobile older children make it a perfect option for city-living.
Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This basic model comes with plenty of seating space and storage space, along with sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has a canopy with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not recline fully flat, making it difficult for children to reach their snacks or to relax.
Ease of Use
A double stroller is usually an investment you're likely to use for many years. When shopping for one you must make sure it will be simple to operate and clean. The best double strollers are designed to be user-friendly and have many useful features.
For starters, all the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with one hand!). They're also lightweight, making them ideal for traveling. Many of them fit in most trunks and can be checked for gate-checking on planes. Our testers discovered that their strollers could fold down to a smaller size than single-seat versions. Some even had a carrying strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with a lot of versatility that will grow with your family. twin pushchair -byside stroller works with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth until preschool age. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and a large canopy that provides ample shade from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly praised. The stroller is light compact and weighs only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat stance, and the back seat can be adjusted for each child. This stroller is easy to operate and maneuver due to its large storage basket, easy parking brake that is one step and a large storage basket.
The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry says that the packaging is innovative and fun, but it comes in five boxes, which can be a little cumbersome to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be somewhat awkward and it took her some time before she could master it. In the end, though, she was very happy with the stroller and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in various sizes and designs and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and many that let you customize the configuration using the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added to accommodate older children. However, they're not all created equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or stow.
If you're looking for a stroller that is light that can fit two children and two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It is also easy-to-fold and comes with all the features parents want to enjoy a day out with two kids.
UPPAbaby's Vista v2 double is another model that our testers loved. They were particularly impressed by its sleek design and ease-of-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler seat and a bassinet without adapters. The rear seat can be removed to transform it into a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage, and it can be upgraded by adding a parent organizer and all-terrain tires as well as storage bags for the sides.
Billingsley states that the ideal double stroller for a toddler is one that offers various options for customization, such as the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. This is because toddlers typically have limitations in endurance, and having a stroller that has a bassinet attachment will provide them with a safe spot to nap. The expert says that a double stroller must also have a comfortable recline position and harness system and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents because of its light weight and the versatility. It's gate-check-friendly for airlines, fits through most doors (without removing the front wheels), and can expand into a triple or quad stroller with an add-on tandem seat. The near-flat, independently reclined seats and extra-long, adjustable sun canopies are other highlights. A large underseat basket as well as cup holders for the child and parent make up the impressive features. Taylor states that the only disadvantage is that it has a a large size when folded and can be difficult for parents to stow.