How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a variety of options when it comes to double strollers. To help you choose the most suitable one for your family, we consulted experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.
Find a stroller that's fairly easy to push, fold and carry. Look for a model that can fit two infant car seat or a toddler who has a riderboard.
Safety
Choose a double-stroller which has all-terrain wheels and a brake that can be operated with a hand if you want to ensure your children are safe while walking. These wheels and brakes allow you to navigate trails and sand without children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers offer plenty of storage space for gear and essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.
The best double stroller for your family begins by understanding the age and distance in terms of age your children are. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that do come with a variety of options that let you choose the seating that is best for your family.
The classic doubles are great for children of similar age who want to play. Some double-decker designs allow the user to place one seat over the other, or attach an additional riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into an infant bassinet that is attached to the frame or in an independent attachment that gives you a peek-a-boo view of 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 consider a double stroller that can handle off-road terrain or even hike. double pram pushchair of these strollers were developed with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that allow you to take them on any adventure no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs are.
The top double strollers are equipped with thoughtful features to make it easier to navigate through difficult terrain and in bad weather. This jogging stroller, for example, has a wrist loop, so you can make sure your child is safe when going downhill at a higher speed or in adverse weather conditions. It also has a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during the summer heat.
If you're looking for a light compact double stroller, take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs just 23 pounds, making it lighter than other single strollers and perfect for air travel or storing in overhead compartments or trunks. It also has a large storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers today are sleeker and can be set up in various ways to fit your family. Some are used as traditional side-by-side strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller - function as a base that car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets click into. They are available in a variety of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.
A good double stroller must be a breeze to move and fold, as well as permitting you to adjust the height of the handlebar to ensure you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A good handlebar should be easy to hold and should allow you to walk with proper posture (ask parents for advice on this). It should also provide various storage options that can accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your children.
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-by-side which means you can interact with them both and keep an eye on both of them simultaneously. They also recline independently, so one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.
The drawback of twin strollers is that it can be wider than a single-occupant model, which can make it difficult to navigate walkways, aisles for shopping 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 option. Its shock absorption, streamlined design, and capacity for two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for mobile older children make it a perfect option for urban living.
Another alternative is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. The model is basic however it has plenty of space for storage and seating. It also has sturdy wheels that can take on any terrain. It also comes with a canopy with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are a little too low and don't recline to a completely flat position, which makes it difficult for children of smaller sizes to be comfortable or reach their snack tray.
Simple to use
Double strollers are typically an investment of a significant amount that you will use for many years. If you are in the market for a double stroller, make sure it's easy to use and clean. The best double strollers have been designed to be user-friendly and have many useful features.
All strollers we tested could be folded easily and compactly using just one hand. They are also light and are ideal for traveling. A majority of them are gate checked on airplanes and fit in most trunks. Additionally, the majority of our test subjects found that their strollers folded to smaller dimensions than their single-seat counterparts, and some even came with the option of carrying a strap for carrying.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller that has many options that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible 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 provides ample shade from the sun.
Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when it's 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 large storage bin and an easy, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller easy to maneuver and use.
The only drawbacks of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that 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 the Genuis magnetic clasp to be somewhat awkward and took a while before she could get it to work. In the end, however, she was very happy with the stroller and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come with a variety of sizes and shapes, from tandems with side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to customize your layout by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some have even added rider boards for older siblings. However, they're not all created equal -- some are elegant and simple to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold and store.
If you're looking for a lightweight stroller that can fit two children The Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It folds easily and comes with all the features parents want to enjoy a day out with two kids.
UPPAbaby's Vista v2 double is another model that our test subjects loved. They particularly liked its sleek design and easy-to-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat and a bassinet, with no adapters needed. The rear seat can be removed to make it a quad or triple stroller. It has a huge storage basket and can be upgraded to include a parent organizer with wheels for all-terrain and side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the best double stroller for a toddler is one that supports various options for customization, such as an adjustable seat or bassinet. Toddlers are often limited in their endurance and strollers that have an integrated bassinet can offer a safe spot for them to sleep. 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 a popular choice for parents because of its light weight and versatility. It's gate-check-friendly on airlines and fits through the majority of doorways (without taking off the wheels on the front), and can be made into a quad or triple stroller by adding an additional tandem. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive list of features. The only downside, according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it lacks a the smallest profile when folded, and could be difficult to store.