How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking for a double stroller there are a variety of options. To help you choose the best one for your family, we spoke with experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.
You should choose a stroller that is easy to fold and push, as well as carry. Look for a model that can fit two infant car seats or a toddler that has a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to ensure your children are safe while walking opt for double strollers that have features such as all-terrain tires and a hand-operated brake. These wheels and brakes aid you in traversing trails or sidewalks without the risk of your children sliding or slipping away. The best double strollers also come with plenty of storage space for gear as well as essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.
Selecting the best double stroller for your family starts by understanding how old and far apart in age your kids are. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, those that offer a variety of configurations that let you pick the seating that is best for your family.
Side-byside doubles are a popular option, and they're great for kids of similar ages that like to be social with one another. Some options have a more double-decker style, allowing you to place one of the seats above the other or add a rider board to older siblings. Babies can be placed in a bassinet, which is attached to the frame or in an individual attachment that offers a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins and want to have a twin stroller, it will be the best option.
Find a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain and even hiking. Many of these strollers have been designed with active parents in mind and have features that let you take your kids to any adventure, no matter how rough the path or how steep the climbs may be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the best double strollers have thoughtful features that make getting around difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. This jogging stoller, for instance, features a wrist loop so that you can make sure your child is safe when running at higher speeds or in extreme weather conditions. It also comes with an all-over canopy that has ventilation to ensure your children stay cool during the summer heat.
If you're looking to purchase a light compact double stroller check out this model from 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 and a simple one-step parking brake.
Seating
Contrary to the giant strollers of old, today's double strollers are sleek and offer various configurations to fit families. Some work as traditional side-by-side 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. sit and stand double stroller come in a variety of widths and weight limits to fit infants and children up to kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, as well as permitting you to adjust the handlebar height so you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A well-designed handlebar should be easy to hold and should allow you to walk in a proper form (ask parents for advice on this). It should also offer a variety of storage options that will accommodate everything you need for your kids.
If your twins are close in age, you could consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. These models come with seats that are side-by-side so you can interact with them both and keep an eye on each of them at the same time. They also recline independently which means that one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The downside to a twin stroller is that it's wider than a single-occupant model which makes it difficult to maneuver around the aisles of shops, sidewalks and narrow doors. For some families, however, the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a compact double-stroller then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is an excellent option. Its shock absorption, sleek design and capacity for two infant car seats, plus an optional running board for more mobile children make it a perfect option for city-living.
Another option is a wagon-style stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare bones but it comes with plenty of storage space and seating. It also has heavy-duty wheels to take on any terrain. It also has an umbrella with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and cannot recline fully flat, which makes it difficult for children to reach their snacks or to relax.
Simple to use
Double strollers are typically an investment that will be using for a long time. When choosing a stroller you must ensure that it is easy to use and clean. Luckily, the top double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as possible and come with plenty of features that are convenient for parents.
To start, all the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They're also lightweight, making them ideal for traveling. A lot of them can be checked at the gate on planes 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 had an adjustable carry strap for easy carrying.
If you're looking for a flexible double stroller that can adapt to your family's needs, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, so you can use it 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.
Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight and extremely compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches wide when it's folded. The front seat reclines almost to a full flat position and the back seat has an adjustable recline that can be adjusted for each child. The stroller is simple to maneuver and use 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 the model in question. Kerry says that the packaging is smart and fun, however it comes in five boxes which can be a little cumbersome to carry around. She also felt that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a little difficult to master. In the end, however she was very pleased with her stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in various sizes and styles and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and some that let you modify the layout using the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some even have add-on rider boards designed for older kids. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are light and easy to use while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you're looking for a light double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing just under 23 lbs. It folds easily and has all the features parents would want for a fun day out with two children.
The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved especially for its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters required. The rear seat can also be removed to make it triple or quad stroller. It has a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include a parent organizer with wheels for all-terrain and side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the best double stroller to use for a toddler is one that offers numerous options for customization. This includes a seat or bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers are often weak in endurance, and a stroller that has a bassinet attached will give them a safe space for them to nap. She says a double stroller should also come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents due to its light weight and flexibility. It is airline gate-check friendly, fits through most doorways (without removing the wheels on the front) and can be converted to a triple or quad stroller by adding an extra tandem. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its large underseat storage area and the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive list of features. The one drawback according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have the smallest profile when folded, and could be difficult to stow.