How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller, there are a lot of options. To help you choose the best one for your family, we talked to child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
It is recommended to choose a stroller that is easy to fold, push and carry. Also, consider a stroller that is able to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler and a rider board.
Safety
If you want to keep your children secure on your walks make sure you choose a double stroller that has features like all-terrain tires as well as a brake operated by hand. These brakes and wheels assist you in navigating trails and gravel without your children falling or rolling. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space for gear and kids-sized items like snacks and toys.
The first step to choosing the right double stroller is to determine how old your children are and how far apart they are. Many double strollers only can accommodate one child's seat, but those that do come in various configurations so that you can pick the type of seating that best suits your kids and your lifestyle.
Side-by-side doubles are a classic choice, and they're perfect for kids of similar ages who like to play with one another. Double-decker designs permit the user to place one seat above the other, or attach a riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into an infant bassinet that is attached to the frame or as an individual attachment that allows you to have the chance to peek at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the way to go.
Choose a stroller with two wheels that is capable of handling off-road terrain, and even hiking. A lot of these strollers were designed with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that will allow you to take them on any adventure no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs might be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers come with thoughtful features that make navigating tough terrain and weather easier. For example, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child, so you'll be able to ensure that they're safe while running downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also has a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during summer heat.
This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just over 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than some single strollers, and ideal for air travel or storage in trunks and overhead compartments. Additionally, it comes with a huge storage basket and an integrated parking brake that is easy to use.
Seating
Double strollers of today are sleeker and can be set up in various ways to meet the needs of your family. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers while others - like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--work as a base for car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets can be plugged into. They are available in a variety of widths and weight limits to accommodate children from birth to 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 feel at ease on all your outings. A well-designed handlebar is one that is easy to hold, and it should allow you to walk in a proper form (ask other parents for advice on this). It should also provide a variety of storage options that can accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your kids.
If your twins are similar in age, you might find a tandem stroller 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 both of them simultaneously. They also recline independently which means that one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.
The drawback of a twin stroller is that it's larger than a single-occupant model, which can make it difficult to navigate the aisles of shops, sidewalks, and narrow doorways. For certain families, however the benefits are well worth the extra effort and size.
If you are looking for a compact double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is an excellent option. Its shock absorption, streamlined design, and capacity for two infant car seats, plus an optional running board for more mobile children make it a perfect option for urban living.
A wagon-style double stroller such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. It's a basic model but it comes with plenty of space for storage and seating. It also has heavy-duty wheels to take on any terrain. It also comes with an SPF canopy that is 50+ and a handlebar that can be adjusted. double buggy from birth complain that the seats are a little too low and don't recline to a completely flat position, which makes it difficult for small children to sit comfortably or reach their snack trays.
Simple to use
Double strollers are typically a large investment that you will be using for a long time. If you are in the market for a double stroller, be sure that it is easy to use and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and come with plenty of convenient features for parents.
All strollers we tested fold easily and compactly using just one hand. They're also lightweight, making them ideal for traveling. Many of them can be gate checked on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. Furthermore, the majority our testers reported that their strollers folded down to a smaller size than their single-seat counterparts and some even included a carry strap for convenient carrying.
If you're looking for a flexible double stroller that can adapt to your family's needs take a look at the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth to preschool age. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and an enormous canopy that offers ample shade from the sun.
Another option that is highly regarded is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light, compact and only weighs 22 pounds 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 huge storage basket and an easy, one-step connected parking brake that makes this stroller user-friendly and easy to maneuver.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry says that the packaging is clever and fun, however it comes in five boxes, which could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also found that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a bit difficult to master. In the end, though she was very pleased with this stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Storage
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 the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have even added rider boards for older children. However, they're not all created equal -- some are sleek and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold and store.
If you're looking for a stroller that is light that can hold two kids and two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing just under 23 lbs. It folds easily and comes with all the features parents would want for a fun day out with two children.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is another model that our testers adored particularly for its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters needed. The rear seat can also be removed to create a 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 as side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the best double stroller for toddlers is one with various options for customization. This includes a seat or a 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 rest. A double stroller should include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, and plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its lightness and flexibility. It is airline gate-check friendly and fits through the majority of doorways (without taking off the wheels on the front), and can be made to a triple or quad 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 large underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of parent and kid cup holders complete the impressive list of features. Taylor says the one disadvantage is that it has a a large profile when folded, and is difficult for parents to store.