How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are many options available in the field of double strollers. To help you choose the right one for your family, we talked to the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
Find a stroller that's reasonably easy to fold, push and carry. And consider a model that is able to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler along with an adult rider board.
Safety
Find a double-stroller that includes all-terrain wheels as well as a brake that can be operated with a hand if you want to keep the kids safe when walking. These wheels and brakes assist you in navigating trails, gravel, and sidewalks without your kids slipping or slipping away. The best double strollers also come with plenty of storage space for gear and kids-sized items like snacks and toys.
Selecting the best double stroller for your family starts by understanding how old and far apart in age. A majority of double strollers are designed to accommodate one child seat, however, those do come with different configurations, so you can pick the seat that is most suitable for your children and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar ages that are keen to interact. Some options have a more double-decker style, allowing you to put one seat higher than the other or attach a rider board to older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into a bassinet, which is attached to the frame, or as an individual attachment that offers a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a dedicated twin stroller is the best option to go.
For more adventurous families consider a double stroller that is able to handle off-road terrain or even hike. Many strollers were created with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that let you take them on any adventure, no matter how rough or high the climbs may be.
The best double strollers come with intelligent features that aid in navigation through difficult terrain and in bad weather. This jogging stoller, for example, has a wrist loop so that you can ensure your child's safety while going downhill at a higher speed or in adverse weather conditions. It also has a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your children cool in the summer heat.
If you're looking for a light compact double stroller, look at this model from Joovy. double jogging stroller weighs less than 23 lbs., making it ideal for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a huge storage basket and an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers today are sleeker and can be configured in many ways to fit your family. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side 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 come in a variety of sizes and weight limits, allowing children from birth to kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, while permitting you to alter the handlebar height so you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A well-designed handlebar is easy to hold and will encourage you to walk in a safe manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should have a range of storage options to fit all the necessities your children will need.
If your twins are of a similar age and are in the same age group, a tandem stroller might be the ideal option for your family. The seats of these models are positioned side by side, enabling you to be able 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 lie down while the other is awake and ready to go.
The drawback of twin strollers is that it can be more spacious than a model with a single occupant which makes it difficult to navigate sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doors. For some 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 an excellent choice for city living thanks 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.
Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This basic model comes with a lot of seating space and storage, as well as heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also features a 50+ SPF canopy and adjustable handlebars. However, some parents feel that the seats are a little too low and they don't recline completely to a flat position, making it difficult for children of smaller sizes to sit comfortably or reach their snack tray.
User-Friendliness
Double strollers are typically a large investment that you will be using for a long time. When choosing a stroller you must ensure that it's easy to operate and clean. The best double strollers have been developed to be user-friendly and include many useful features.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly (with one hand!). These strollers are lightweight and are ideal for traveling. A lot of them can be checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. In addition, the majority of our testers reported that their strollers folded to a smaller size than their single-seat counterparts, and some even came with an adjustable carry strap for easy carrying.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller with a lot of versatility that will 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 until 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 is highly praised. The stroller is light and incredibly compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a full flat position and the back seat has an adjustable recline for every child. The stroller is simple to use and maneuver thanks to its large storage basket, simple one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.
The only drawbacks to the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry says that the packaging is innovative and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes that can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp a bit clunky and it took a while before she was able to master it. She was satisfied with the stroller at the end and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come in all sizes and shapes, from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) styles, and a lot allow you to personalize your layout with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards which can be added for older siblings. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are lightweight and easy to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.
If you're looking for a stroller that is light that can accommodate two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, with a weight of less than 23 pounds. It is also easy-to-fold and has all the features parents would want to enjoy a day out with two kids.
The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is a different model that our test subjects loved, especially for its sleek design and easy to use. 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 create a triple or quad stroller. It has a huge storage basket and can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the ideal double stroller for a two-year-old is one that has various options for customization, such as an adjustable seat or bassinet. Toddlers can be limited in their endurance and a stroller that has a bassinet attached will provide a safe place for them to rest. She says that a double stroller should 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 for parents because of its light weight and flexibility. It is gate-check-friendly for airlines it can be accessed through all doors (without taking off the wheels at the front), and can be expanded into a quad or triple stroller by adding an additional tandem. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its large underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of parent and kid cup holders complete the impressive list of features. Taylor states that the only drawback is that it has a large profile when folded, and it can be difficult for parents to carry.