How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller there are a variety of options. To help you select the most suitable one for your family, we talked to the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
Choose a stroller fairly easy to push, fold and carry. Look for a model that can accommodate two infant car seat or a toddler with a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to ensure your children are secure on your walks opt for a double stroller that has features such as all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These brakes and wheels will allow you to navigate trails and sand without children falling or rolling. The best double strollers also come with plenty of storage space for gear as well as kids-sized items like snacks and toys.
The first step in choosing the best double stroller is to figure out the age of your children and how far apart they are. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, those that offer a variety of configurations that let you choose the seating that's best for your family.
Side-byside doubles are a popular option, and they're great for children of similar ages who want to interact with each other. Double-decker designs permit you to put one seat over the other, or add an additional riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into a bassinet attached to the frame, or as an independent attachment that offers the chance to peek at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the way to go.
Look for a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain and even hiking. A lot of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind, and come with features that let you take your kids on any adventure, no matter how rough the terrain or how steep the climb might be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double strollers feature clever features that make traversing tough terrain and weather easier. For example this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child so you can be sure that they're safe when you run downhill or at higher speeds. It also features a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during summer heat.
If you're looking for a lightweight compact double stroller check out this model from Joovy. It weighs less than 23lbs. This makes it perfect for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. Plus, it has an enormous storage basket as well as a parking brake that is linked in one step that's easy to use.
Seating
In contrast to the massive strollers of old, today's double strollers are sleek and can accommodate a variety of designs to accommodate families. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers while others--such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller - function as a base for car seats, toddler seats or bassinets snap into. They are available in a range of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to fold and move and will allow you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you feel comfortable throughout your outings. A good handlebar should be comfortable to hold, and it should encourage you to walk in a proper posture (ask parents for advice on this). It should also offer a variety of storage options that can accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your children.
If your twins are of a similar age and are in the same age group, a tandem stroller might be the ideal option for your family. These models have seats that are side-byside, which means you can interact with them each other and keep an eye on each of them at the same. They also recline independently which means 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 sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doorways. For some families the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're in the market for a compact double stroller the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design and capacity for two infant car seats, plus an optional running board for older children--make it an ideal choice for city living.
A wagon-style double stroller such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. The model is basic however it has plenty of storage and seating space. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels that can tackle any terrain. It also has a canopy with a 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. But all terrain double stroller say the seats are too low and don't recline to a fully flat position, making it difficult for children of smaller sizes to sit comfortably or reach their snack tray.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller is often an investment that you hope to use for years. If you are in the market for a double stroller, be sure it's easy to use and clean. The best double strollers are designed to be user-friendly and include numerous features that are convenient.
For starters, all the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly (with one hand!). They are light and ideal for traveling. A lot of them can be gate checked on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. In addition, the majority of our testers found that their strollers folded to a smaller size than the single seat models, and some even came with an adjustable carry strap for easy carrying.
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 and other accessories. It can be used from birth to preschool age. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and a large canopy that gives ample shade from the sun.
Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight and compact, weighing only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a full flat position and the back seat has an adjustable recline for each child. There's a huge storage basket and an easy, one-step connected parking brake that makes this stroller user-friendly and easy to maneuver.
The only drawbacks to the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry says that the packaging is clever and fun, but it comes in five boxes, which could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be a bit clunky, and it took her a while before she could master it. She was pleased with the stroller, however, and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come in all sizes and shapes, ranging from tandems with side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to customize your layout with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards which can be added for older children. 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 lightweight stroller that can hold two kids, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. 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 need for a fun day out with two children.
UPPAbaby's Vista v2 double is another model that our testers loved. They particularly liked its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat, and a bassinet with no adapters needed. The rear seat can be removed to make it a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large storage basket that can be upgraded to include a parent organizer wheel, all-terrain wheels, as well as side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the best double stroller to use for a toddler is one with multiple customization options. This includes a bassinet or seat that can be removed. Toddlers are typically weak in endurance, and strollers that have an attached bassinet will offer a safe spot for them to nap. She says that a double stroller must also have a great recline position and harness system 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's airline gate-check-friendly it can be accessed through all doors (without removing the front wheels), and can expand into a quad or triple stroller with an added tandem seat. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopies and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its large underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive feature set. Taylor states that the only drawback is that it has an enormous profile when folded, and can be difficult for parents to store.