How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a lot of options when it comes to double strollers. To help you pick the best one for your family, we consulted experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.
Choose a stroller fairly easy to fold, push and carry. And consider a model that can accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler and a rider board.
Safety
Choose a double-stroller which includes all-terrain wheels as well as a brake that can be operated with a hand if you want to keep the kids safe while walking. These brakes and wheels help you navigate trails and sand without children falling or rolling. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space for gear and kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.
The best double stroller for your family starts by determining how old and far apart in age your kids are. Most double strollers can only accommodate one child seat, but those are available in a variety of configurations so you can choose the seat that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar ages that are keen to interact. Some double-decker designs allow the user to place one seat above the other, or even attach a riderboard to older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into an infant bassinet that is attached to the frame or in an independent attachment that gives you 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 is able to handle off-road terrain, or even hike. Many 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 regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs may be.
The best double strollers have clever features that aid in navigation in difficult terrain and bad weather. For example this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child so you're sure they're secure when running downhill or at faster speeds. It also has a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during the summer heat.
If you're looking to purchase a light compact double stroller, take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds., making it ideal for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. Plus, it has a large storage basket and a one-step linked parking brake that's easy to use.
Seating
In contrast to the massive strollers of the past these double strollers are sleek and can accommodate an array of configurations to fit families. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--function as a base that car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets can be plugged into. They are available in a variety of widths and weights that can accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, while also allowing you to adjust the handlebar height so you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A good handlebar is comfortable to hold and will encourage you to walk in a logical manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should also have a variety of storage options that accommodate everything you need for your children.
If your twins are of a similar age, a tandem stroller could be the ideal option for your family. The seats of these models are placed together, allowing you to be able to interact with them both and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They also recline separately, so one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller is that it's wider than a single-occupant model, which can make it difficult to navigate sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doorways. However, for certain families, the advantages are worth the extra space and effort.
If you're looking for an ultra-compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a fantastic choice. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is an excellent choice for urban living due to its shock absorption, sleek design, and capacity 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 model is bare-bones and offers plenty of seating space and storage space, along with sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has a canopy with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and cannot recline completely flat, making it hard for small children to reach their snacks or to relax.
Ease of Use
A double stroller can be an investment of a large amount and one you're hoping to use for many years. When you are shopping for a double stroller, be sure it's easy to use and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and include a variety of convenient features for parents.
For starters, all the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with one hand!). These strollers are lightweight and perfect for travel. double infant stroller of them are checked at the gate on planes and fit in most trunks. Furthermore, the majority our testers reported that their strollers folded down to smaller dimensions than the single seat models, and some even had a carry strap for convenient carrying.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller that has many options that can grow with your family. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth until the age of preschool. Each seat has five-point harnesses, a large canopy and plenty of sun protection.
Another option that is highly regarded is the Joovy Twin Roo. It is light compact and weighs only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to an entire flat position, and the back seat features an adjustable recline for every child. There's a large storage basket 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 were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry notes that the packaging was fun and clever, but that it was also packaged in five boxes that can be an inconvenience to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be a bit clunky and it took her a while before she could master it. She was happy with the stroller at the end and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come in all sizes and shapes, ranging from tandems with side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, and a lot allow you to customize your layout by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards designed for older kids. They're not all created equal. Some are lightweight and easy to use, whereas others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you're looking to purchase a light double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It is also easy-to-fold and has all the features parents need for a great 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 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 a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a large storage basket that can be upgraded to include a parent organizer, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the most suitable double stroller for toddlers is one that offers numerous options for customization. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers can be limited in their endurance and strollers that have an attached bassinet will give them a safe space for them to rest. She suggests that a double stroller should also include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, and plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents due to its light weight and the versatility. It's easy to check at airport gates, fits through most doors (without removing the front wheels) and can be expanded into a triple or quad stroller with an added tandem seat. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats and the extra-long sun canopies that are adjustable are just a few of the highlights. A large underseat basket and the inclusion of cup holders for both parents and children round out the impressive features. Taylor states that the only downside is that it has an enormous profile when folded, and is difficult for parents to store.