How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are many options available when it comes to double strollers. To help you choose the most suitable 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. And consider a model that is able to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler as well as an adult rider board.
Safety
Look for a double-stroller that has all-terrain wheels and a brake that is operated by hand if you want to ensure your children are safe when walking. These brakes and wheels will help you navigate trails and sand without children falling or rolling. The best double strollers offer ample storage space to store gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.
The best double stroller for your family starts by determining the age and distance in terms of age your children are. A majority of double strollers are designed to can accommodate one child's seat, but the ones do come with a variety of configurations so you can pick the type of seating that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
Side-by-side doubles are a classic option, and they're great for kids of similar ages who like to interact with each other. Certain models feature a double-decker design, allowing you to place one seat above the other or even attach an extra rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet that is connected to the frame or in an attachment that lets you peek-a-boo at your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins and want to have a twin stroller, it will be the best option.
Look for a double-wheeled stroller that can handle off-road terrain and even hiking. Many of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind and have features that allow you to take your children to any adventure, regardless of how rough the road or how steep the climbs could be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the best double strollers have thoughtful features that make getting around difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. For instance, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child so you can be sure that they're safe while running downhill or at faster speeds. It also comes with a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your children cool during the summer heat.
This model is a light and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just 23 lbs, making it lighter than other single strollers and perfect for air travel or storage in trunks and overhead compartments. It also has a large storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.
Seating
Unlike the behemoth strollers of the past the modern double strollers are sleek and can accommodate various configurations to fit families. Some work as traditional side-by-side strollers while others - like 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 quality double stroller should be a breeze to move and fold, while allowing you to adjust the handlebar's height to make sure you're comfortable throughout your outings. A great handlebar should be easy to grip, and it should encourage you to walk in a proper posture (ask parents for advice on this). It should also provide various storage options that will accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your children.
If your twins are close in age, you could discover that a tandem stroller is best for your family. These models have seats that are side-by-side so you can talk to them both while keeping an eye on each of them simultaneously. They also recline independently so that one child can sleep while the other is awake and ready to go.
The drawback of a twin stroller is that it can be larger than a single-occupant model, which can make it difficult to maneuver around walkways, aisles for shopping and narrow doors. For certain families, the advantages are worth the extra space and effort.
If you're looking for an ultra-compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a fantastic choice. double buggy with carrycot , sleek design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for mobile older children--make it an ideal option for city-living.
Another option is a wagon-style double 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 has heavy-duty wheels that can take on any terrain. It also features a canopy with a 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline completely flat, making it difficult for little children to reach their snacks or to relax.
Easy of Use
Double strollers are often a large investment that you will be using for a long time. When you are shopping for one you need to ensure that it is easy to operate and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as possible and come with plenty of convenient features for parents.
To start, all the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly (with one hand!). They are light and are ideal for traveling. A lot of them fit into most trunks and can be gate-checked on airplanes. Our testers found that their strollers could fold down much smaller than single-seat versions. Some even had a carrying strap.
If you're looking for a flexible double stroller that will expand with your family take a look at the Valco Snap Duo Trend. 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 comes with a 5-point harness with a large canopy, as well as ample sun protection.
Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight and extremely compact, weighing just 22 lbs and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat position and the back seat can be adjusted to fit each child. This stroller is easy to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, easy parking brake that is one step and a large storage basket.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry states that the packaging was fun and innovative, but it also came in five boxes, which could be trouble to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp somewhat awkward and it took her a while before she could master it. She was pleased with the stroller, however, and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come with a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from tandems with side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to modify your setup with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards which can be added for older siblings. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are light and easy to use while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you are looking for a lightweight stroller that can accommodate two children The Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest option in our tests, weighing close to 23 lbs and is also easy to fold, but it has all the features parents need to enjoy a great time with two kids.
The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is a different model that our test subjects loved especially for its sleek design and user-friendly. It can fit two infant car seats or a toddler's bassinet and seat without adapters. The rear seat can be removed to turn it into a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large storage basket that can be upgraded to include a parent organizer wheel, all-terrain wheels, as well as side storage bags.
Billingsley says the ideal double stroller for toddlers is one that has various options for customization, such as a removable seat or bassinet. Toddlers are typically restricted in their endurance, so strollers that have an attached bassinet will give them a safe space for them to nap. She suggests that a double stroller should include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents due to its light weight and versatility. It's airline gate-check-friendly, fits through most doors (without having to remove the front wheels) and expands into a quad or triple stroller that has an additional tandem seat. The near-flat, independently reclined seats and extra-long sun canopies that are adjustable are among the other features. A large underseat storage basket as well as parent and child cup holders make up this impressive feature set. One disadvantage, according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it lacks a a small profile when folded, and could be difficult to stow.