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, has helped us choose the right model for you.
Choose a stroller reasonably easy to fold, push and carry. You should consider a stroller that can accommodate two infant car seat or a toddler that has a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to keep your kids safe on your walks, look for a double stroller that has features like all-terrain tires and a brake operated by hand. These wheels and brakes will assist you in navigating trails or sidewalks without your children falling or slipping away. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space for gear as well as kids-sized items like snacks and toys.
The first step in choosing the right double stroller is to determine how old your children are and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, some do come with a variety of configurations that allow you to select the seating option that's best for your family.
Side-byside doubles are a popular choice, and they're perfect for children of similar ages who like to be social with one another. Double-decker designs permit you to place one seat over the other, or attach an additional riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet connected to the frame or with an attachment that lets you peek-a-boo at your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins, then a twin stroller will be the best option.
For families who are more adventurous, look for a double stroller that is able to handle off-road terrain, or even hiking. Many of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind, and have features that allow you to take your children to any adventure, regardless of how rough the terrain or how steep the climb might be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double strollers feature thoughtful features that make navigating difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. 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 adverse weather conditions. It also comes with a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during summer heat.
If you're looking for a light, compact double stroller, take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs less than 23 lbs. This makes it perfect for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. Additionally, it comes with an enormous storage basket as well as a parking brake that is linked in one step that is simple to use.
Seating
In contrast to the massive strollers of the past these double strollers are sleek and support various configurations to fit families. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-byside models, and others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as a base for car seats, toddlers ' seats and bassinets. They are available in various widths and weight limits, allowing children from birth through kindergarten.
A good double stroller will be easy to fold and maneuver, as well as allowing you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you feel comfortable on all of your outings. A good handlebar should be comfortable to hold and should allow you to walk with proper posture (ask parents for advice on this). It should come with a variety of storage options to accommodate all the essentials your children will require.
If your twins are near in age, you could consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. These models have seats that are side-byside, which means you can interact with them both while keeping an eye on each of them at the same time. They also recline separately so that one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The disadvantage of twin strollers is that it's wider than a single-occupant model which makes it difficult to maneuver around walkways, aisles for shopping, and narrow doorways. However, for certain families, the benefits are worth the extra space and effort.
If you're looking for a compact double-stroller then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a good alternative. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice for urban living due to its shock absorption, sleek 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.
Another alternative is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare-bones and offers a lot of seating space and storage, as well as heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also comes with a canopy with a 50+ SPF and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, which makes it difficult for little children to reach their snacks or get comfortable.
User-Friendliness
Double strollers are usually an investment that will use for many years. When choosing a stroller, you want to ensure that it is easy to use and clean. double pram pushchair are designed to be easy-to-use and come with numerous features that are convenient.
For starters, all the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with one hand!). They're also light, making them ideal for traveling. Many of them can be gate checked on airplanes and fit into most trunks. Many of our test subjects discovered that their strollers could fold down to a smaller size than the single seat equivalents. Some even had a carrying strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller that has a lot of versatility that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-byside stroller works with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth up to the age of preschool. Each seat features five points of harness with a large canopy, as well as ample sun protection.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly praised. It is light and incredibly compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat position, and the back seat can be adjusted for each child. There's a large storage bin and an easy, one-step connected parking brake that makes this stroller extremely simple to move and use.
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, however it comes in five boxes that could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also noticed that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a little awkward and took a while to master. However, in the end, she was very happy with the stroller and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and designs, including tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and many that let you customize the configuration using the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some even have add-on rider boards for older children. They're not created equal. Some are light and easy to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.
If you're looking for a stroller that is light that can accommodate two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It's also easy to fold and comes with all the features parents want for a great day out with two children.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is a different model that our test subjects loved particularly for its sleek design and easy to use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat, and a bassinet with no adapters required. The rear seat can also be removed to make it a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include a parent organizer, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.
Billingsley says the best double stroller for a two-year-old is one that offers multiple customization options, like a removable seat or bassinet. Toddlers are often limited in their endurance and strollers with an attached bassinet will offer a safe spot for them to sleep. She suggests that a double stroller should include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents because of its light weight and the versatility. It is airline gate-check friendly, fits through most doorways (without taking off the wheels on the front) and can be expanded into a quad or triple stroller by adding an add-on tandem. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket and inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive list of features. Taylor states that the only disadvantage is that it has a the largest size when folded and it can be difficult for parents to store.