How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a variety of options in the field of double strollers. To help you select the best one for your family, we talked to 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 accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler who has a riderboard.
Safety
Find a double-stroller that has all-terrain wheels and a brake that is operated by hand if want to keep the kids safe when walking. These brakes and wheels assist you in navigating trails and sand without children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space to store equipment and essentials for kids like snacks and toys.
The first step in selecting the best double stroller is to figure out the age of your children and how far apart they are. Many double strollers only allow one child seat, but the ones that do come in various configurations so that you can pick the type of seating that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are great for children of similar age who are keen to interact. Some models have a double-decker style, allowing you to place one seat higher than the other or add a rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into a bassinet, which is attached to the frame, or as a standalone attachment that gives you a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins and want to have a twin stroller, it is the best choice.
Choose a stroller with two wheels that can handle off-road terrain and even hiking. A majority of these strollers have been designed with active parents in mind and include features that let you take your kids on any adventure, regardless of how rough the path or how steep the climb may be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the best double strollers have thoughtful features that make getting around tough terrain and weather easier. This jogging stroller, for example, has a wrist loop, so you can make sure your child is safe when running downhill at higher speeds or in adverse weather conditions. It also features a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during summer heat.
If you're looking to purchase a light compact double stroller, look at this model from Joovy. It weighs in at just over 23 lbs, making it lighter than other single strollers, and ideal for air travel or storing in trunks and overhead compartments. Additionally, it comes with a huge storage basket and a parking brake that is linked in one step that is easy to use.
Seating
Double strollers are now sleeker and can be set up in various ways to meet the needs of your family. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-byside models, while others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddlers ' seats and bassinets. They are available in various sizes and weight limits to fit children from birth to kindergarten.
A good double stroller must be a breeze to move and fold, while allowing you to adjust the handlebar's height to make sure you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A well-designed handlebar is one that is easy to grip, and it should invite you to walk with proper posture (ask other parents for advice on this). It should have a range of storage options to accommodate all the essentials your children will need.
If double pram pushchair are similar age and are in the same age group, a tandem stroller might be the best option for your family. The seats of these models are placed side by side, enabling you to be able to interact with them both and keep an eye on them at the same time. They can also recline independently so that one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller is that it's more spacious than a model with a single occupant which makes it difficult to maneuver around walkways, aisles for shopping and narrow doorways. For some families, however the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great option. Its shock absorption, sleek design, and capacity for two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for mobile older children--make it an ideal option for urban living.
A wagon-style double stroller such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. This bare-bones model offers plenty of seating space and storage space, along with robust wheels that can handle any terrain. It also features a 50+ SPF canopy and a handlebar that can be adjusted. But some parents say the seats are a little too low and they don't recline to a fully flat position, making it difficult for smaller children to get comfortable or reach their snack trays.
Easy of Use
A double stroller can be an investment you're hoping to use for many years. When shopping for one you must make sure it will be easy to use and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and come with a wide array of features that are convenient for parents.
All the strollers that we tested fold easily and compactly with just one hand. These strollers are lightweight and ideal for traveling. A lot of them can be checked at the gate on planes and fit into most trunks. Most of our testers also found that their strollers could fold down to a smaller size than their single-seat equivalents. Some even came with a carrying strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller with a lot of versatility that can grow with your family. This side-by-side stroller works with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth until preschool age. Each seat has a 5-point harness and an enormous canopy that offers plenty of shade from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly regarded. This stroller is lightweight and compact, weighing only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat position, and the back seat can be adjusted to fit every child. There's a large storage bin and a simple, one-step linked parking brake which makes this stroller simple to move and use.
The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry says that the packaging is smart and fun, but it comes in five boxes which can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp somewhat difficult to use and it took a while before she could master it. In the end, however she was extremely pleased with her stroller and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and styles that include tandems (single-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and many that allow you to customize the configuration using a car seat or bassinet attachment. Some have rider boards which can be added for older children. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are lightweight and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you're looking to purchase a light double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. double pram and pushchair was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, weighing just under 23 lbs. It's also easy to fold and has all the features parents want to enjoy a day out with two children.
UPPAbaby's Vista v2 double is another model our testers loved. They were particularly impressed by its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler's seat and a bassinet without the need for adapters. The rear seat can be removed to make it into a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage and can be upgraded with an organizer for parents and all-terrain tires, as as side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the ideal double stroller for a two-year-old is one that supports multiple customization options, like an adjustable seat or bassinet. Toddlers can be weak in endurance, and a stroller that has a bassinet attached will offer a safe spot for them to sleep. The expert says that a double stroller should also have a good recline position and harness system as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its lightness and versatility. It's airline gate-check-friendly it can be accessed through all doors (without taking off the front wheels) and can be expanded into a quad or triple stroller with an added tandem seat. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its large underseat storage area and the inclusion of parent and kid cup holders round out the impressive feature set. The one downside, according to Taylor, is that it lacks a the smallest profile when folded, and could be difficult to stow.