How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking for a double stroller there are a variety of options. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, has helped us choose the right model for you.
It is recommended to choose a stroller that is easy to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that's versatile enough to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler along with an adult rider board.
Safety
Look for a double-stroller that has all-terrain wheels and a brake that can be operated by hand if you want to ensure your children are safe when walking. These wheels and brake assist you in navigating trails or sidewalks without the risk of your children sliding or rolling off. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space for gear as well as kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.
The first step in choosing the best double stroller is to determine how old your children are and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, double pram pushchair do come with a variety of configurations that let you choose the seating that is ideal for your family.
The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar ages who are keen to interact. Some double-decker designs allow you to put one of the seats over the other, or attach a riderboard to older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into a bassinet, which is attached to the frame, or as an individual attachment that allows you to have an unobstructed view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the best option to go.
For families that are more adventurous consider a double stroller that can handle off-road terrain or even hike. A majority of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind, and have features that allow you to take your kids to any adventure, no matter how rough the terrain or how high the climbs may be.
The best double strollers have thoughtful features to make it easier to navigate in difficult terrain and bad weather. For instance this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child so you can be sure that they're safe while running downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also comes with 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, check out this model from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds. It's 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
In contrast to the massive strollers of the past the modern double strollers are sleek and can accommodate a variety of configurations to fit families. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-byside models, while others, such as 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 a variety of widths and weights that can accommodate children from newborns up to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to fold and maneuver and allows you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure you are comfortable on all of your outings. A great handlebar is one that is easy to hold and should allow you to walk in a proper posture (ask parents for advice on this). It should also offer a variety of storage options that will accommodate everything you need for your children.
If your twins are near in age, you could discover that a tandem stroller is best for your family. The seats of these models are placed together, allowing you to interact with both of them and keep an eye on them at the same time. They also recline independently so that one child can sleep while the other is awake and ready to go.
The drawback of a twin stroller is that it's larger than a single-occupant model, which can make it difficult to maneuver around walkways, aisles for shopping and narrow doorways. For some families, however the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for an ultra-compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great choice. Its shock absorption, streamlined design and capacity for two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for mobile older children make it a perfect choice for city living.
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 storage and seating space. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels to tackle 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 hard for small children to reach their food trays or get comfortable.
Ease of Use
Double strollers are typically a large investment that you will use for many years. If you are looking for a double stroller, make sure that it is easy to use and clean. Luckily, the top double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and come with a wide array of useful features for parents.
For starters, all the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They're also light, making them ideal for traveling. They can fit in the majority of trunks and are gate-checked on airplanes. Additionally, the majority of our testers reported that their strollers folded down to a smaller size than their single-seat counterparts, and some even came with a carry strap for convenient carrying.
If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that can expand with your family, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller works with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth to preschool age. Each seat has five points of harness, a large canopy and ample sun protection.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly praised. It is light and extremely compact, weighing just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when it's folded. The front seat reclines to a flat position, and the back seat can be adjusted to suit every child. The stroller is simple to use and maneuver thanks to its large storage basket, easy one-step parking brake and large storage basket.
The only drawbacks of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry says that the packaging is smart and fun, but it comes in five boxes which can be a little cumbersome to carry around. She also found that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a little difficult to master. However, in the end, she was very happy with this stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to personalize your layout by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added for older siblings. They're not all created equal. Some are light and easy to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.
If you are looking for a stroller that is light that can hold two kids and two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest option during our tests. It weighs close to 23 lbs and is also easy to fold, but it has all the features parents need to have a great time out with two kids.
The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model our testers loved. They were particularly impressed by 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 also be removed to create triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage, and can be upgraded with an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires as well as side storage bags.
Billingsley says the ideal double stroller for toddlers is one that offers multiple customization options, like a removable seat or bassinet. This is because toddlers typically have limitations in endurance, and having a stroller that has an attachment for a bassinet will provide them with a safe spot to nap. The expert says that a double stroller should 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 among parents because of its light weight and versatility. It is gate-check-friendly for airlines, fits through most doorways (without removing the wheels on the front) and can be made to a triple or quad stroller by adding an add-on tandem. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopies and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of parent and kid cup holders round out the impressive feature set. One disadvantage according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it lacks a a small profile when folded and can be difficult to carry.