How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are many options available in the field of double strollers. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, helped us choose the right model for you.
You should choose a stroller which is easy to fold and push to carry. Consider a model that's versatile enough to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler as well as an adult rider board.
Safety
If you want to keep your children safe on your walks, look for a double stroller that has features like all-terrain tires and a brake operated by hand. These wheels and brakes aid you in traversing trails or sidewalks without your children falling or rolling away. The best double strollers have ample storage space to store gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.
The best double stroller for your family begins by determining how old and distant in terms of age your children are. A majority of double strollers are designed to allow one child seat, however, those that do come in different configurations, so you can choose the type of seating that best suits your kids and your lifestyle.
Side-byside doubles are a popular choice, and they're perfect for kids of similar ages that like to be social with one another. Double-decker designs permit the user to place one of the seats over the other, or add an additional riderboard for older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet connected to the frame or with an attachment that lets you look at your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins and want to have a twin stroller, it will be the best option.
Choose a stroller with two wheels that is capable of handling off-road terrain, and even hiking. A majority of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind and have features that let you take your kids on any adventure, regardless of how rough the path or how high the climbs could be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers feature clever features that make traversing difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. This jogging stroller, for instance, comes with a wrist loop, so you can make sure your child is safe when going downhill at a higher speed or in extreme weather conditions. It also comes with an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your children cool during summer heat.
This model is a light 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 huge storage basket and a one-step linked parking brake that is easy to use.
Seating
Double strollers of today are sleeker and can be set up in a variety of ways to meet the needs of your family. 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 weight limits to fit infants and children up to kindergarten.
A good double stroller must be a breeze to move and fold, while also permitting you to adjust the height of the handlebar to ensure you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A well-designed handlebar should be comfortable to hold and should invite you to walk in a proper posture (ask other parents for tips on this). It should also have a variety of storage options that accommodate all the necessities you'll require for your children.
If your twins are close in age, you may find a tandem stroller works best for your family. The seats on these models are positioned side by side, enabling 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 lie down while the other is awake and ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller is that it can be more spacious than a model with a single occupant which makes it difficult to maneuver around walkways, aisles for shopping and narrow doorways. For certain 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 choice. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great option for city dwellers due to its shock absorption, sleek 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. This basic model comes with plenty of seating space and storage space, along with heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also comes with an SPF canopy that is 50+ and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and cannot recline fully flat, making it difficult for little children to reach their food trays or relax.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller can be a significant investment and one you're hoping to use for a long time. If you are in the market for a double stroller, make sure that it is easy to use and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and come with a wide array of useful features for parents.
To start, smallest double buggy tested fold easily and compactly (with just one hand!). They are light and are ideal for traveling. Many of them fit in most trunks and can be checked at the gate on planes. Our testers discovered that their strollers could be folded down smaller than the single seat equivalents. Some even had a carrying strap.
If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that will expand with your family take a look at the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats and 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 plenty of shade from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly praised. The stroller is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines to almost a full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline for each 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 drawbacks to the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry states that the packaging was enjoyable and innovative, but it came in five boxes that can be a bit of an inconvenience to carry around. She also found that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a little awkward and took a while to master. In the end, however, she was very happy with her stroller and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in various sizes and designs, including tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and many that let you modify the layout using an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added to accommodate older children. They're not created equal. Some are light and easy to use while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.
If you're looking for a light double stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It folds easily and has all the features parents want for a great day out with two kids.
The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model that our testers loved. They especially liked its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters needed. The rear seat can be removed to make it triple or quad stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage and can be upgraded by adding an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires, as well with side storage bags.
Billingsley says the ideal double stroller for a toddler is one that offers different options for customization, including an adjustable seat or bassinet. Toddlers are typically restricted in their endurance, so a stroller that has a bassinet attached will give them a safe space for them to rest. She suggests that a double stroller must also have a comfortable harness and recline position, as well as ample storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents due to its light weight and versatility. It's easy to check at airport gates and fits through most doors (without taking off the front wheels), and can expand into a triple or quad stroller that has an additional tandem seat. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopies and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders complete the impressive feature set. Taylor states that the only disadvantage is that it has a a large profile when folded, and can be difficult for parents to stow.