How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a lot of options when it comes to double strollers. To help you pick the most suitable one for your family, we spoke with child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
It is recommended to choose a stroller that is easy to fold and push, as well as carry. And consider a model that is able to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler along with an adult rider board.
Safety
If you want to keep your children safe on your walks opt for a double stroller that has features like all-terrain tires as well as a brake operated by hand. These wheels and brake help you navigate trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without your children falling or rolling away. The best double strollers offer plenty of storage space to store equipment and essentials for kids like snacks and toys.
The first step to choosing the right double stroller is to determine the age of your children and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers are designed to accommodate one child seat, but those that do come in various configurations so that you can select the type of seating that best suits your kids and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are great for children of similar ages who want to play. Some models have a double-decker design, allowing you to place one seat higher than the other or even attach a rider board to older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet that is attached to the frame or with an attachment that allows you to look at your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins and want to have a twin stroller, it will be the best option.
For families that are more adventurous, look for a double stroller that is able to handle off-road terrain or even hike. Many of these strollers have been designed with active parents in mind, and have features that allow you to take your kids to any adventure, regardless of how rough the path or how steep the climb may be.
The top double strollers have intelligent features that aid in navigation in a difficult terrain or bad weather. For instance this stroller for jogging has a wrist loop for your child so you're sure they're secure when running downhill or at higher speeds. It also has a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your children cool during the summer heat.
If you're looking for a light, compact double stroller, take a look at this model by 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 as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Contrary to the giant strollers of the past, today's double strollers are sleek and support an array of designs to accommodate families. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models, while others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddler seats and bassinets. They are available in a variety of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.
A good double stroller will be easy to fold and move and allows you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you feel at ease on all your excursions. A well-designed handlebar is easy to hold and should inspire you to walk in a proper manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should have a range of storage options to accommodate all the essentials your children will need.
If your twins have a similar age, a tandem stroller could be the best option for your family. The seats of these models are positioned side by side, enabling you to interact with them both 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 downside of a twin stroller can be that it's wider than one designed for a single-occupant. This makes it difficult to navigate narrow aisles in store aisles, doors, or sidewalks. For some families, however the benefits are well worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a small double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a good alternative. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design, and capacity for two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for mobile older children--make it an ideal option for urban living.
A wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. This model is bare bones but it comes with plenty of storage space and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels to handle any terrain. It also has an umbrella with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. However, some parents feel that the seats are too low and don't recline to a fully flat position, which makes it difficult for smaller children to sit comfortably or reach their snack tray.
Simple to use
Double strollers are usually an investment that will be using for a long time. When you are shopping for one you must make sure it will be easy to use and clean. The top double strollers have been developed to be user-friendly and include many useful features.
All the strollers that we tested can be folded easily and compactly using just one hand. They're also light, which makes them ideal for traveling. A majority of them are checked at the gate on planes and fit in the majority of trunks. In addition, the majority of our test subjects found that their strollers folded to a smaller size than the single seat models, and some even had a carry strap for convenient carrying.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller with lots of options that can grow with your family. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth up to preschool age. Each seat has five points of harness, a large canopy and ample sun protection.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight and extremely compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat position and the back seat can be adjusted for every child. There's a large storage bin and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller extremely easy to maneuver and use.
The only drawbacks to the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry says that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, however it was also packaged in five boxes, which could be a hassle to lug around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be somewhat awkward, and it took her some time before she was able to master it. She was satisfied with the stroller in the end and would recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from tandems with side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to personalize your stroller with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have even added rider boards for older children. But, they're not all made equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold or store.
If you're looking to purchase a light double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest option in our tests, weighing around 23 pounds and is also simple to fold, but it still has all of the features parents require to have a great time out with two kids.
The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved. They especially liked its sleek design and easy-to-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler 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 by adding a parent organizer and all-terrain tires, as well with side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the best double stroller for a toddler is one that offers multiple customization options, like an adjustable seat or bassinet. Toddlers are often limited in their endurance and strollers with a bassinet attached will provide a safe place for them to nap. She suggests that a double stroller must also have a comfortable harness and recline position, as well as ample storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents due to its light weight and versatility. It's easy to check at airport gates, fits through most doors (without taking off the front wheels) and can be expanded into a triple or quad stroller that has an additional tandem seat. The near-flat, independently reclined seats and extra-long sun canopy that can be adjusted are other highlights. A spacious underseat basket, as well as cup holders for the child and parent round out the impressive set of features. The one downside, according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a the smallest footprint when folded and can be difficult to stow.