How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a lot of options when it comes to double strollers. To help you choose the most suitable one for your family, we spoke with the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
Choose a stroller relatively easy to push, fold and carry. Also, consider a stroller that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler along with a rider board.
Safety
Choose a double-stroller which comes with all-terrain tires and a brake that can be operated by hand if want to ensure your children are safe when walking. These wheels and brakes aid you in traversing trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without the risk of your children sliding or rolling off. The best double strollers also come with plenty of storage space for gear and essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.
The first step in choosing the right double stroller is to determine how old your children are and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, those that do have a variety configurations that allow you to choose the seating that's best for your family.
The classic doubles are great for children of similar ages that want to play. Some models have a double-decker design, which allows you to place one seat higher than the other or even attach a rider board to older siblings. Babies can be placed in a bassinet attached to the frame, or as an independent 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.
For more adventurous families opt for double strollers that can take on off-road terrains or even hiking. A lot strollers were created with active parents and their children in mind. off road double buggy have features that will allow you to take them on any trip, no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs may be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers come with clever features that make traversing tough terrain and weather easier. This jogging stroller, for instance, features a wrist loop so that you can ensure your child's safety when running at higher speeds or in adverse weather conditions. It also has a full-coverage canopy with ventilation to ensure your children stay cool during the summer heat.
If you're looking for a lightweight, compact double stroller, take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs just over 23 pounds, making it lighter than some single strollers, and ideal for air travel or storing in trunks and overhead compartments. Plus, it has a huge storage basket and an integrated parking brake that is easy to use.
Seating
Double strollers are now sleeker and can be configured in a variety of ways to suit your family. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-byside models, while others, such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddlers seats as well as bassinets. They come in various widths and weight limits to fit children from birth through kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be a breeze to move and fold, as well as permitting you to adjust the height of the handlebar to ensure you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A well-designed handlebar is easy to hold and should inspire you to walk in a proper manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should also offer various storage options that accommodate everything you need for your kids.
If your twins are similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best choice for your family. These strollers have seats that are side-byside, so you can interact with them both and keep an eye on each of them at the same time. They can also recline independently, so one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The drawback of a twin stroller may be that it is wider than a model for a single-occupant. This makes it difficult to navigate narrow aisles for stores, doors, or walkways. For some families, the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you are looking for a compact double-stroller then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is an excellent alternative. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great choice for city dwellers due to its shock absorption, sleek design, and capacity to accommodate two infant car seats. It also comes with an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.
Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare bones however it has plenty of storage space and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels that can take on any terrain. all terrain double stroller comes with a 50+ SPF canopy and a handlebar that can be adjusted. But some parents say the seats are a little too low and can't recline completely to a flat position, which makes it difficult for small children to sit comfortably or reach their snack trays.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller is often an investment of a large amount and one you're hoping to use for a long time. When you are shopping for one you must ensure that it is simple to operate and clean. The top double strollers have been designed to be easy-to-use and come with many convenient features.
To start, all the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with just one hand!). They're also light, making them ideal for travel. Many of them fit in the majority of trunks and can be checked for gate-checking on planes. In addition, the majority of our testers found that their strollers folded to a smaller size than the single seat models, and some even included an adjustable carry strap for easy carrying.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller that has many options that will grow with your family. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and a large canopy. It also offers ample sun protection.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly praised. It is light compact and weighs only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat position and the back seat can be adjusted to suit every child. This stroller is easy to operate and maneuver due to its large storage basket, easy parking brake that is one step and a large storage basket.
The only drawbacks of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry notes that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, however it came in five boxes that could be an inconvenience to carry around. She also found that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a bit clunky and took some time to master. However, in the end she was very pleased with the stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come with a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, and a lot allow you to modify your layout by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some have even added rider boards for older children. They're not created equal. Some are lightweight and easy to use while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.
If you're looking for a light double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest choice in our tests, weighing around 23 pounds and is also simple to fold, but it still has all of the features parents need for a fun outing with two kids.
The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is a second model that our test subjects loved, especially for its sleek design and ease of use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat and a bassinet, with no adapters required. The rear seat can be removed to make it triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents with wheels for all-terrain and side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the best double stroller for toddlers is one with multiple customization options. This includes a bassinet or seat that can be removed. This is due to toddlers having limited endurance, and having a stroller that has a bassinet attachment will provide them with a safe space to rest for a nap. She 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 a popular choice among parents due to its light weight and versatility. It is airline gate-check friendly and fits through the majority of doorways (without taking off the wheels at the front), and can be converted into a quad or triple stroller by adding an extra tandem. The near-flat, independently reclined seats and the extra-long sun canopy that can be adjusted are other highlights. A large underseat basket and the inclusion of cup holders for the child and parent complete this impressive feature set. The one disadvantage, according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a an elongated profile when folded, and could be difficult to store.