How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller, there are a lot of options. To help you select the right one for your family, we talked to experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.
It is recommended to choose a stroller that is simple to fold and push, as well as carry. Also, consider a stroller that's versatile enough to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler and an adult rider board.
Safety
Find a double-stroller that comes with all-terrain tires and a brake that is operated by hand if you want to keep your kids safe while walking. These brakes and wheels will help you navigate paths and dirt without worrying about your children slipping or rolling. compact twin stroller offer plenty of storage space for gear as well as kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.
The best double stroller for your family starts by determining how old and distant in age your kids are. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, those that do come with a variety of configurations that let you choose the seating that is best for your family.
The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar age who like to interact. Some models have a double-decker design, allowing you to put one seat higher than the other or attach an extra rider board for older siblings. Babies can be placed in an infant bassinet that is attached to the frame, or as an individual attachment that allows you to have the chance to peek at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the best option to go.
For more adventurous families, look for double strollers that can take on off-road terrains or even hike. A lot of these strollers were developed with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that will allow you to take them on any adventure no matter how rough or high the climbs may be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double strollers come with clever features that make traversing difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. This jogging stoller for instance, features a wrist loop so that you can ensure your child's safety while running at higher speeds or in adverse weather conditions. It also features a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your children cool during summer heat.
This model is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds. This makes it perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a large storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers are now sleeker and can be configured in a variety of ways to meet the needs of your family. Some double strollers can 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 as well as bassinets. They are available in various widths and weight limits, allowing children from birth through kindergarten.
A good double stroller must be a breeze to move and fold, while permitting you to alter the handlebar height so you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A great handlebar is one that is easy to grip, and it should encourage you to walk in a proper posture (ask parents for advice on this). It should also provide various storage options that accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your children.
If your twins are of a similar age and are in the same age group, a tandem stroller might be the best choice 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 can be that it is wider than a model for a single person. This can make it difficult to maneuver narrow aisles for stores, doors, or walkways. For some families, however, the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great option. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great option for urban living due to its shock absorption capabilities, sleek design, and ability to accommodate two infant car seats. It also comes with an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.
Another alternative is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This bare-bones model offers lots of space for seating and storage, as well as sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also comes with a 50+ SPF canopy and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and cannot recline fully flat, which makes it difficult for little children to reach their snacks or get comfortable.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller can be a significant investment and one you're hoping to use for many years. When shopping for one you must ensure that it's easy to use and clean. The top double strollers have been designed to be user-friendly and have many convenient features.
For starters, all the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with one hand!). They are light and ideal for traveling. Many of them fit in the majority of trunks and are gate-checked on airplanes. Most of our testers also found that their strollers could be folded down to a smaller size than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carry strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with a lot of versatility that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth until the age of preschool. Each seat has a 5-point harness and an enormous canopy that offers ample protection from the sun.
Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. It is light and extremely compact, weighing just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat stance, and the back seat can be adjusted for every child. There's a large storage bin and an easy, one-step linked parking brake which makes this stroller easy to maneuver and use.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry says that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, however it came in five boxes which can be a bit of trouble to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be a bit clunky and took a while before she could get it to work. In the end, however she was very pleased with her stroller and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in various sizes and designs, including tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and some that let you customize the configuration using an automobile 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 bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or store.
If you are looking for a stroller that is light that can fit two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, with a weight of less than 23 pounds. It is also easy-to-fold and has all the features parents want to enjoy a day out with two children.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is a second model that our testers adored, especially for its sleek design and easy to use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat and a bassinet, with no adapters required. The rear seat can be removed to create triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include a parent organizer with wheels for all-terrain and side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the ideal double stroller for toddlers is one that has different options for customization, including a removable seat or bassinet. This is because toddlers typically have little endurance, so the stroller with the bassinet attachment can provide them with a safe space to nap. double buggy with carrycot suggests that a double stroller should also have a great harness and recline position as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents because of its light weight and the versatility. It's gate-check-friendly on airlines it can be accessed through all doors (without removing the wheels on the front) and can be converted into a quad or triple stroller by adding an extra tandem. The near-flat, independently reclining seats and extra-long sun canopies that are adjustable are other highlights. A large underseat storage basket as well as parent and child cup holders round out the impressive set of features. Taylor says the one drawback is that it has an enormous profile when folded, and can be difficult for parents to store.