How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller there are plenty of options. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, was able to help us choose the right one for you.
You should look for a stroller that is easy to fold, push and carry. You should consider a stroller that can accommodate two infant car seat or a toddler with a riderboard.
Safety
Look for a double-stroller that has all-terrain wheels and a brake that can be operated by hand if you want to keep your kids safe while walking. These brakes and wheels will help you navigate trails and sand without children falling or rolling. The best double strollers come with ample storage space to store gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.
The first step in selecting the right double stroller is to figure out how old your children are and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that do have a variety configurations that let you select the seating option that is ideal for your family.
The classic doubles are great for children of similar ages who want to play. Some models have a double-decker style, allowing the user to place one of the seats above the other or attach a rider board to older siblings. Babies can be placed in a bassinet attached to the frame or in an independent attachment that offers an unobstructed view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins and want to have a twin stroller, it is the best choice.
Find a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain, and even hiking. Many of these strollers were developed with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that will let you take them on any adventure, no regardless of how challenging or difficult the climbs may be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double strollers feature thoughtful features that make getting around difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. For instance, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child so you're sure that they're safe while running downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also comes with an all-over canopy that has ventilation to ensure your children stay comfy in the summer heat.
This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23lbs. This makes it perfect for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. Plus, it has a huge storage basket and a one-step linked parking brake that's easy to use.
Seating
Unlike the behemoth strollers of the past the modern double strollers are sleek and support an array of configurations that can be adapted to families. Some double strollers can be used as side-byside models, while others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddlers ' seats and bassinets. They are available in a range of widths and weights that can accommodate children from newborns up to kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be a breeze to move and fold, while permitting you to alter the height of the handlebar to ensure you're comfortable throughout your outings. A good handlebar is easy to grip and should encourage you to walk in a proper manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should also have various storage options that can accommodate everything you need for your children.
If your twins are close in age, you could discover that a tandem stroller is best for your family. The seats on these models are placed side by side, enabling you to engage with both of them 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 drawback of a twin stroller is that it can be wider than a single-occupant model, which can make it difficult to navigate walkways, aisles for shopping and narrow doorways. For some families, however the benefits are well worth the extra effort and size.
If you're in the market for an ultra- compact double stroller , the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice. Its shock absorption, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats, plus an optional running board for more mobile children -- make it a great option for city-living.
A wagon-style double stroller like the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. This basic model comes with lots of space for seating and storage space, along with sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also features a canopy with a 50+ SPF and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not recline completely flat, making it difficult for little children to reach their snacks or relax.
User-Friendliness
Double strollers are often an investment of a significant amount that you will use for many years. 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 include a variety of features that are convenient for parents.
All strollers we tested fold easily and compactly using just one hand. They are light and are ideal for traveling. Many of them fit in most trunks and can be checked for gate-checking on planes. Many of our test subjects discovered that their strollers could fold down much smaller than single-seat versions. Some even had a carry strap.
If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that will expand with your family, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, a bassinet and other accessories, so you can use it from birth until the age of preschool. Each seat comes with five-point harnesses, a large canopy and plenty of sun protection.
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 it's folded. The front seat reclines to almost an entire flat position, and the back seat features an adjustable recline for every child. There's a huge storage basket and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller extremely easy to maneuver and use.
The only downsides of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry notes that the packaging was fun and innovative, but it also came in five boxes which could be an inconvenience to carry around. She also noticed that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a little difficult to master. However, in the end, she was very happy with the stroller and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in various sizes and styles and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and some that let you customize the configuration using an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some come with rider boards for older children. However, not all of them are made equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or stow.
If you are looking for a lightweight stroller that can accommodate two children and two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, weighing just under 23 lbs. It's also easy to fold and comes with all the features parents want to enjoy a day out with two kids.
UPPAbaby's Vista v2 double is another model our testers loved. They were particularly impressed by 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 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 two-year-old is one that supports various options for customization, such as an adjustable seat or bassinet. This is because toddlers typically have limited endurance, and a stroller with a bassinet attachment will give them a safe place to nap. She says that a double stroller must also have a good recline position and harness system, as well as ample storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its lightness and flexibility. It is gate-check-friendly for airlines and fits through the majority of doorways (without taking off the wheels at the front) and can be converted to a triple or quad stroller by adding an add-on tandem. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopies and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its large underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive list of features. One downside according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have the smallest profile when folded and can be difficult to carry.