How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller there are plenty of options. To help you choose the right one for your family, we spoke with the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
Find a stroller that's relatively easy to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that can accommodate two infant car seat or a toddler that has a riderboard.
Safety
Choose a double-stroller which has all-terrain wheels and a brake that can be operated by hand if you want to keep the kids safe while walking. These wheels and brakes will help you navigate trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without your kids slipping or rolling off. The best double strollers also have plenty of storage space for gear and essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.
The best double stroller for your family starts by determining how old and distant in terms of age your children are. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that do come with a variety of configurations that let you select the seating option that's best for your family.
Side-by-side doubles are a classic choice, and they're perfect for kids of similar ages that like to be social with one another. Some double-decker designs allow you to put one seat above the other, or add a riderboard for older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet that is connected to the frame or with an attachment that lets you play peek-a-boo with your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a dedicated twin stroller is the best way to go.
Choose a stroller with two wheels that is capable of handling off-road terrain as well as hiking. Many of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind, and have features that let you take your children to any adventure, regardless of how rough the road or how steep the climbs could be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the best double strollers have thoughtful features that make navigating difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. For example this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child, so you can be sure that they're safe while running downhill or at faster speeds. It also features an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your children cool during the summer heat.
This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds., making it ideal for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a huge storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.
Seating
double stroller with car seat strollers are now more sleek and can be arranged in a variety of ways to suit your family. Some work as traditional side-by-side strollers while others - like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--function as a base for car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets can be plugged into. They are available in a range of widths and weights that can accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be simple to fold and maneuver, as well as allowing you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure that you're comfortable on all of your outings. A good handlebar is easy to hold and should inspire you to walk in a safe manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should also provide various storage options that will accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your children.
If your twins are similar age, a tandem stroller could be the best choice for your family. These strollers have seats that are side-by-side so you can talk to them both and keep an eye on both of them simultaneously. They also recline separately so that one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller is that it can be more spacious than a model with a
single and double stroller occupant and can make it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles, and narrow doorways. However, for certain families, the benefits are worth the extra size and effort.
If you are looking for a small double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 double pram stroller (
check out here) is a good option. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is an excellent choice for city living thanks to its shock absorption capabilities, elegant design, and ability to accommodate two infant car seats. It also comes with 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 option. This basic model comes with a lot of seating space and storage space, along with sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also features a canopy with a 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline completely to a flat position, which makes it difficult for children of smaller sizes to sit comfortably or reach their snack trays.
Simple to Use
A double stroller is usually an investment of a large amount and one that you hope to use for a long time. When you are shopping for one you need to ensure that it's easy to operate and clean. The top double strollers are designed to be user-friendly and have many convenient features.
For starters, all the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They're also lightweight, making them ideal for travel. A majority of them are gate checked on airplanes and fit in most 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 lots of options that will grow with your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, a bassinet and other accessories, so you can use it from birth to preschool age. Each seat has five points of harness with a large canopy, as well as plenty of sun protection.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly praised. The stroller is light and extremely compact, weighing just 22 pounds and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines almost to the full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline for each child. There's a large storage basket and a simple, one-step linked parking brake which makes this stroller easy to maneuver and use.
The only drawbacks of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry states that the packaging was fun and innovative, but it also came in five boxes which can be a bit of a hassle to lug around. She also found that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a bit awkward and took a while to master. She was happy with the stroller in the end and would recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in various sizes and designs, including tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and many that let you modify the layout using the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added to accommodate older children. However, they're not all created equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, whereas others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold or stow.
If you are seeking a stroller with a light weight that can hold two kids The Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest choice during our tests. It weighs around 23 pounds and is also easy to fold, but it has all the features parents need to enjoy a great time with two kids.
The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model that 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 required. The rear seat can be removed to create a quad or triple stroller.
