How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a lot of options in the field of double strollers. To help you choose the best one for your family, we consulted child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
Choose a stroller reasonably easy to push, fold and carry. You should consider a stroller that can fit two infant car seats or a toddler that has a riderboard.
Safety
Choose a double-stroller which includes all-terrain wheels as well as a brake that is operated with a hand if you want to ensure your children are safe while walking. These wheels and brakes will assist you in navigating trails, gravel, and sidewalks without your children falling or slipping away. The best double strollers also have plenty of storage space for gear as well as essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.
Choosing the right double stroller for your family starts with understanding the age and distance in age your kids are. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, those that do come with a variety of configurations that let you select the seating option that is ideal for your family.
The classic doubles are great for children of similar ages who are keen to interact. Double-decker designs permit you to put one of the seats over the other, or add a riderboard to older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into a bassinet, which is attached to the frame, or as a standalone attachment that offers a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins and want to have a twin stroller, it will be the best option.
Look for a double-wheeled stroller that can handle off-road terrain and even hiking. A lot of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind and include features that let you take your children to any adventure, regardless of how rough the path or how steep the climbs might be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers come with thoughtful features that make getting around difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. For instance this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child so you can be sure that they're safe when you run downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also has an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your children cool during the summer heat.
If you're looking to purchase a light compact double stroller, look at this model from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds. This makes it perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also has a large storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.
Seating
Contrary to the giant strollers of old, today's double strollers are sleek and offer various designs to accommodate families. Some are used as traditional side-by-side strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller - function as a base for car seats, toddler seats or bassinets can be plugged into. They are available in a variety of widths and weight limits, allowing children from birth to kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, while also allowing you to adjust the height of the handlebar to ensure you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A well-designed handlebar is easy to grip and should encourage you to walk in a logical manner (ask for tips from other parents). tandem double stroller should also provide a variety of storage options that will accommodate everything you need for your kids.
If your twins are similar age, a tandem stroller could be the best choice for your family. These strollers have seats that are side-by-side, which means you can interact with them both and keep an eye on both of them at the same. They also recline separately so that one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller could be that it's wider than a model for a single-occupant. This can make it more difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles or sidewalks. For certain families, the advantages are worth the extra size and effort.
If you're in the market for an ultra-compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great choice. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great option for city living thanks to its shock absorption, elegant design, and ability to accommodate two infant car seats. It also has an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.
A wagon-style double stroller such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. It's a basic model however it has plenty of space for storage and seating. It also has sturdy wheels that can tackle any terrain. double stroller with bassinet features an SPF canopy that is 50+ and adjustable handlebars. However, some parents feel that the seats are too low and they don't recline to a completely flat position, making it difficult for small children to be comfortable or reach their snack tray.
Ease of Use
Double strollers are typically an investment that will use for many years. When you are shopping for a double stroller, make sure that it is easy to use and clean. The best double strollers have been developed to be user-friendly and have many useful features.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly (with just one hand!). They're also light, making them ideal for traveling. A lot of them can be gate checked on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. Many of our test subjects found that their strollers could fold down to a smaller size than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carrying strap.
If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that will grow with your family take a look at the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth to preschool age. Each seat is equipped with a five-point harness and a large canopy that provides ample protection from the sun.
Another option that is highly regarded is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light compact and weighs only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat position, and the back seat can be adjusted to suit every child. There's a large storage basket and an easy, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller simple to move and use.
The only downsides of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry states that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, but that it also came in five boxes, which can be a bit of trouble to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp somewhat awkward and took her some time before she was able to master it. However, in the end, she was very happy with the stroller and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in various sizes and styles and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and some that let you customize the configuration using a car seat or bassinet attachment. Some have even added rider boards designed for older kids. However, they're not all created equal -- some are sleek and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold and store.
If you're looking for a light double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, weighing just under 23 lbs. It's also easy to fold and comes with all the features parents need for a great day out with two kids.
The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model that our testers loved. They especially liked its sleek design and ease-of-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat, and a bassinet with no adapters needed. The rear seat can be removed to create a quad or triple stroller. It has a huge storage basket and can be upgraded to include a parent organizer, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the best double stroller for toddlers is one that supports multiple customization options, like an adjustable seat or bassinet. This is because toddlers typically have limited endurance, and the stroller with an attachment for a bassinet will provide them with a safe spot to rest for a nap. She says that a double stroller must also have a good harness and recline position, as well as ample storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its light weight and flexibility. It is airline gate-check friendly, fits through most doorways (without taking off the wheels on the front) and can be converted into a quad or triple stroller by adding an additional tandem. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats as well as the extra-long sun canopy that can be adjusted are among the other features. A large underseat basket and the inclusion of cup holders for the child and parent round out the impressive set of features. Taylor states that the only downside is that it has an enormous footprint when folded, and it can be difficult for parents to carry.