How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are many options available in the field of double strollers. To help you pick the most suitable one for your family, we consulted the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
Choose a stroller reasonably easy to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that can fit two infant car seat or a toddler that has a riderboard.
Safety
Find a double-stroller that has all-terrain wheels and a brake that can be operated with a hand if you want to keep the kids safe while walking. These wheels and brake 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 have plenty of storage space to store gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.
Selecting the best double stroller for your family starts with understanding the age and distance in age. Most double strollers can only accommodate one child seat, however, those do come with various configurations so that you can choose the type of seating that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
Side-byside doubles are a popular option, and they're great for kids of similar ages that like to play with one another. Double-decker designs permit you to place one seat over the other, or attach a riderboard to older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet attached to the frame, or in an attachment that allows you to play peek-a-boo with your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a dedicated twin stroller is the best way to go.
Find a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain as well as hiking. Many of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind and have features that allow you to take your kids on any adventure, no matter how rough the terrain or how steep the climbs could be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the best double strollers have thoughtful features that make navigating difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. For instance this stroller for jogging has a wrist loop for your child so you're sure that they're safe while running downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also features an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your children cool during the summer heat.
If you're looking to purchase a light, compact double stroller, look at this model from Joovy. double pram and pushchair weighs less than 23 lbs., making it ideal for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a huge storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Unlike the behemoth strollers of the past, today's double strollers are sleek and can accommodate a variety of designs to accommodate families. Some double strollers can be used as side-by-side models, and others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddler seats, and bassinets. They come in various sizes and weight limits to accommodate infants and children up to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to fold and maneuver, as well as allowing you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you're comfortable on all of your outings. A good handlebar is easy to hold and should inspire you to walk in a proper manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should also provide various storage options that will accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your kids.
If your twins are similar in age, you may consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. These models come with seats that are side-byside, so you can interact with them both while keeping an eye on each of them at the same time. They can also recline independently so that one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The downside to twin strollers is that it can be larger than a single-occupant model which makes it difficult to maneuver around walkways, aisles for shopping and narrow doorways. For some families the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a compact double-stroller then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a great option. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for more mobile children--make it an ideal option for urban living.
Another option is a wagon-style stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. It's a basic model, but it offers plenty of storage space and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels that can take on any terrain. It also features a 50+ SPF canopy and adjustable handlebars. However, some parents feel that the seats are a little too low and don't recline completely to a flat position, which makes it difficult for children of smaller sizes to be comfortable or reach their snack tray.
Simple to Use
A double stroller can be an investment of a large amount and one you're hoping to use for years. When you are shopping for a double stroller, be sure it's easy to use and clean. Luckily, the top double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and come with plenty of features that are convenient for parents.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested folded 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. Additionally, the majority of our test subjects found that their strollers folded down to smaller sizes than the single seat models, and some even had the option of carrying a strap for carrying.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with many options that can grow with your family. This side-by-side stroller works with infant car seats, a bassinet and other accessories, so you can use it from birth until the age of preschool. Each seat comes with five-point harnesses, a large canopy and ample sun protection.
Another option that is highly regarded is the Joovy Twin Roo. It is light and extremely compact, weighing just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when it's folded. The front seat reclines to almost the full flat position and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline for every child. There's a large storage bin and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller easy to maneuver and use.
The only drawbacks to 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 can be a bit heavy 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. She was pleased with the stroller in the end and would recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come with a variety of sizes and shapes, from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to customize your stroller with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added for older children. They're not all created equal. Some are lightweight and easy to use while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you are seeking a stroller with a light weight that can hold two kids, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest option during our tests. It weighs close to 23 lbs and is also easy to fold, yet it has all the features parents require to have a great time out with two children.
The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is another model that our testers loved especially for its sleek design and easy to use. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler's bassinet and seat without adapters. The rear seat can be removed to make it into a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large storage basket that can be upgraded to include a parent organizer with wheels for all-terrain and side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the most suitable double stroller to use for toddlers is one that has multiple customization options. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. This is due to toddlers having little endurance, so having a stroller that has an attachment for a bassinet will provide them with a safe space to nap. A double stroller should also include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its lightweight and versatility. It is airline gate-check friendly, fits through most doorways (without taking off the wheels on the front), and can be converted to a triple or quad stroller by adding an extra tandem. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, extra-long sun canopy and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of parent and child cup holders complete the impressive list of features. Taylor states that the only disadvantage is that it has a a large size when folded and it can be difficult for parents to stow.