How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking for a double stroller there are plenty of options. To help you choose the best one for your family, we talked to the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
It is recommended to choose a stroller which is easy to fold and push, as well as carry. Also, consider a stroller that is able to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler and an adult rider board.
Safety
If you want to ensure your children are safe on your walks opt for a double stroller with features such as all-terrain tires and a hand-operated brake. These brakes and wheels allow you to navigate trails and sand without children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers also come with plenty of storage space for gear as well as kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.
Choosing the right double stroller for your family starts with understanding how old and far apart in age your kids are. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that do have a variety options that let you pick the seating that is ideal for your family.
The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar ages that like to interact. Some models have a double-decker style, allowing you to place one of the seats above the other or add a rider board for older siblings. Babies can be placed in a bassinet, which is attached to the frame or in an independent attachment that allows you to have a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins then a twin stroller is the best choice.
Choose a stroller with two wheels that can handle off-road terrain as well as hiking. A lot of these strollers were designed with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that allow you to take them on any trip, no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs might be.
The top double strollers are equipped with clever features that aid in navigation in difficult terrain and bad weather. For example, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child so you'll be able to ensure that they're safe when you run downhill or at faster speeds. It also features a canopy that covers the entire area and has airflow to keep your kids comfy during the summer heat.
If you're looking for a lightweight compact double stroller look at this model from Joovy. It weighs just 23 lbs, making it lighter than most single strollers, and ideal to take on air travel or for storing in trunks and overhead compartments. It also has a large storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers of today are sleeker and can be configured in a variety of ways to suit your family. 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 click into. They are available in a variety of sizes and weights to accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be simple to fold and maneuver, as well as allowing you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you feel at ease on all your outings. A well-designed handlebar is easy to grip and should encourage you to walk in a safe manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should have a range of storage options that can accommodate all the necessities your children will need.
If your twins have a similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best option for your family. The seats on these models are placed side by side, enabling you to be able to interact with both of them and keep an eye on them at the same time. They also recline separately, so one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The downside of a twin stroller could be that it's wider than one designed for a single-occupant. This could make it difficult to maneuver narrow aisles for stores, doors or walkways. For some families, the advantages are worth the extra size and effort.
If you're looking for a compact double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is an excellent alternative. Its shock absorption, sleek design and capacity for two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for older children -- make it a great option for urban living.
Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare bones, but it offers plenty of space for storage and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels that can handle any terrain. It also comes with a canopy that has 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. But some parents say the seats are a little too low and don't recline to a completely flat position, making it difficult for small children to be comfortable or reach their snack tray.
Easy of Use
A double stroller is often a significant investment and one you're hoping to use for years. When you are shopping for a double stroller, make sure that it is easy to use and clean. Luckily, double pram and pushchair are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and come with a wide array of useful features for parents.
All the strollers that we tested can be folded easily and compactly using just one hand. They are also light and ideal for traveling. A majority of them are checked at the gate on planes and fit in most trunks. Most of our testers also found that their strollers could fold down smaller than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carry strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller that has a lot of versatility that can grow with your family. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth up to the age of preschool. Each seat has a 5-point harness and a large canopy that gives plenty of shade from the sun.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight, compact and only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to almost the full flat position and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline for each child. This stroller is easy to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, simple one-step parking brake and large storage basket.
The only drawbacks of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry says that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, however it came in five boxes which can be a bit of trouble to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp somewhat difficult to use and it took her some time before she was able to master it. She was satisfied with the stroller at the end and would recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to customize your setup with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added to accommodate older children. But, they're not all made 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 light double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It 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 need for a fun 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 be removed to create triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage and can be upgraded by adding an organizer for parents and all-terrain tires, as well with side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the best double stroller for a toddler is one that has different options for customization, including an adjustable seat or bassinet. This is due to toddlers having limited endurance, and a stroller with a bassinet attachment will provide them with a safe space to nap. She says a double stroller should also have a good harness system and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its lightweight and versatility. It's airline gate-check-friendly and fits through most doors (without having to remove the front wheels) and can be expanded into a triple or quad stroller with an add-on tandem seat. The near-flat, independently reclining seats as well as the extra-long sun canopy that can be adjusted are among the other features. A spacious underseat basket as well as cup holders for both parents and children complete the impressive set of features. The only downside according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a a small profile when folded, and could be difficult to stow.