How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a variety of options when it comes to double strollers. To help you select the right one for your family, we talked to child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
Look for a stroller that's fairly easy to fold, push and carry. Also, consider a stroller that is able to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler along with a rider board.
Safety
Look for a double-stroller that comes with all-terrain tires and a brake that is operated by hand if you want to ensure your children are safe while walking. These wheels and brake aid you in traversing trails or sidewalks without your children falling or rolling away. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space for gear and kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.
The first step in choosing the best double stroller is to figure out how old your children are and how far apart they are. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, those that do have a variety configurations that allow you to pick the seating that is ideal for your family.
Side-byside doubles are a popular choice, and they're perfect for children of similar ages that like to be social with one another. Double-decker designs permit the user to place one seat above the other, or even attach an additional riderboard for older siblings. Babies can be placed in a bassinet, which is attached to the frame or as a standalone attachment that allows you to have the chance to peek at your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins then a twin stroller will be the best option.
For families that are more adventurous opt for a double stroller that is able to handle off-road terrain, or even hike. A lot of these strollers were designed 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 challenging or difficult the climbs might be.
The top double strollers are equipped with intelligent features that aid in navigation through difficult terrain and in bad weather. This jogging stroller, for example, has wrist loops so that you can ensure your child's safety while running at higher speeds or in harsh weather conditions. It also has a full-coverage canopy with ventilation to ensure your children stay comfortable during the 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 trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a huge storage basket and a one-step linked parking brake that is simple to use.
Seating
Contrary to the giant strollers of old the modern double strollers are sleek and can accommodate a variety of configurations to fit families. Some double strollers can be used as side-by-side models while others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller can be used as a base for car seats, toddler seats and bassinets. They come in various widths and weight limits, allowing infants and children up to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to fold and move and allows you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure that you're comfortable throughout your excursions. A good handlebar is easy to hold and will encourage you to walk in a logical manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should have a range of storage options to fit all the necessities your children need.
If your twins have a similar age, a tandem stroller could be the best option for your family. These strollers have seats that are side-by-side, so you can interact with them both and keep an eye on both of them at the same. They also recline separately, so one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The downside of a twin stroller could be that it's wider than a model for a single-occupant. This could make it more difficult to navigate narrow aisles in store aisles, doors or even walkways. But for certain families, the benefits are worth the extra size and effort.
If you're in the market for a compact double stroller the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice. Its shock absorption, streamlined design and capacity for two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for older children--make it an ideal option for urban living.
Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare bones but it comes with plenty of space for storage and seating. It also has heavy-duty wheels to take on any terrain. It also features a canopy with a 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. But some parents say the seats are a little too low and don't recline completely to a flat position, making it difficult for smaller children to get comfortable or reach their snack tray.
Ease of Use
Double strollers are typically an investment that will be using for a long time. When you are shopping for a double stroller, make sure it is easy to use and clean. The best double strollers have been developed to be user-friendly and have many convenient features.
stokke double stroller tested could be folded easily and compactly using just one hand. They're also light, which makes them ideal for traveling. A lot of them fit into most trunks and can be checked for gate-checking on planes. Many of our test subjects found that their strollers could fold down to a smaller size than the single seat equivalents. Some even came with a carrying strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with many options that will grow with your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, so you can use it from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat has a 5-point harness and an enormous canopy that offers ample protection from the sun.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight and extremely compact, weighing just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines to almost a full flat position and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline that can be adjusted for each child. There's a large storage bin and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller user-friendly and easy to maneuver.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry says that the packaging is smart and fun, but it comes in five boxes that can be a little cumbersome to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp a bit clunky and it took her some time before she was able to master it. She was pleased with the stroller in the end and would recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come with a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) styles, and a lot allow you to personalize your layout by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some have rider boards which can be added for older siblings. There are stokke double stroller of rider boards. Some are lightweight and easy to use, while others are bulky, heavy 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, with a weight of just under 23 lbs. It folds easily and comes with all the features parents want to enjoy a day out with two kids.
The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved particularly for its sleek design and ease of use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters required. The rear seat can be removed to make it a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage, and can be upgraded with an organizer for parents and all-terrain tires as well as storage bags for the sides.
Billingsley says that the ideal double stroller for a toddler is one that offers various options for customization, such as the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. This is because toddlers typically have limited endurance, and the stroller with the bassinet attachment can provide them with a safe space to nap. She suggests that a double stroller must also have a good harness system and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents due to 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 converted to a triple or quad stroller by adding an extra tandem. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its large underseat storage basket and inclusion of parent and child cup holders round out the impressive list of features. Taylor states that the only disadvantage is that it has a the largest profile when folded, and is difficult for parents to stow.