How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking for a double stroller there are a variety of options. To help you select the best one for your family, we talked to child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
Look for a stroller that's fairly easy to push, fold and carry. Look for a model that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler who has a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to keep your children secure on your walks, look for double strollers that have features like all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These brakes and wheels will allow you to navigate trails and gravel without your children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers offer plenty of storage space for equipment and essentials for kids like snacks and toys.
The first step in selecting the right double stroller is to know how old your children are and how far apart they are. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, some do have a variety configurations that let you pick the seating that's best for your family.
The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar ages who like to interact. Some models have a double-decker design, allowing the user to place one seat above the other or attach an extra rider board for older siblings. Newborns can either be snuggled in a bassinet attached to the frame or with an attachment that allows you to look at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the best way to go.
For more adventurous families, look for double strollers that can handle off-road terrain or even hiking. Many strollers were created 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 may be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers come with clever features that make traversing 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 when you run downhill or at faster speeds. It also comes with an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your children cool during the summer heat.
This model is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just 23 pounds, making it lighter than other single strollers, and ideal to take on air travel or for storing in trunks and overhead compartments. It also comes with a large storage basket and a one-step linked parking brake that is easy to use.
Seating
Unlike the behemoth strollers of the past, today's double strollers are sleek and can accommodate various configurations that can be adapted to families. Some work as traditional side-by-side strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--function as a base to which car seats, toddler seats or bassinets can be plugged into. They are available in various widths and weight limits to accommodate children from birth through kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be simple to fold and maneuver, as well as allowing you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure that you feel comfortable throughout your outings. A well-designed handlebar is easy to hold and should inspire you to walk in a logical manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should offer a variety of storage options that can accommodate all the essentials your children need.
If your twins have a similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best option for your family. The seats of these models are placed in a row, allowing you to interact with them both and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They also recline independently so that one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.
The drawback of a twin stroller could be that it is wider than a model that is designed for a single occupant. This can make it difficult to maneuver narrow doorways, store aisles, or sidewalks. For certain families, the benefits are worth the extra size and effort.
If you're looking for a compact double stroller the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a fantastic choice. cheap double pushchair is a great option for city living thanks to its shock absorption, elegant design, and ability to accommodate two infant car seats. It also comes with an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.
A wagon-style double stroller like the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. This basic model comes with lots of space for seating and storage space, along with heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also features a 50+ SPF canopy and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline completely flat, making it hard for small children to reach their snacks or relax.
Ease of Use
A double stroller is often an investment of a large amount and one you're likely to use for many years. When choosing a stroller you must ensure that it's simple to operate and clean. The best double strollers are designed to be user-friendly and include many convenient features.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They're also lightweight, making them ideal for traveling. A lot of them can be checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit into most trunks. Our testers found that their strollers could fold down much smaller than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carry strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with a lot of versatility that can adapt to the needs of 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 to the age of preschool. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and a large canopy that provides plenty of shade from the sun.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light and extremely compact, weighing just 22 lbs and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines to almost an entire flat position, and the back seat features an adjustable recline for each child. There's a large storage basket and an easy, one-step connected parking brake that makes this stroller user-friendly and easy to maneuver.
The only downsides of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry notes that the packaging was fun and clever, however it also came in five boxes that could be trouble 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 highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in various sizes and styles and styles, including tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and many that let you customize the configuration using a car seat or bassinet attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added to accommodate older children. But, they're not all created equal -- some are sleek and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold or stow.
If you're seeking a stroller with a light weight that can hold two kids, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. 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 need for a fun outing with two kids.
The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model our testers loved. They especially liked its sleek design and ease-of-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters needed. The rear seat can be removed to create a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage and can be upgraded with an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires, as as storage bags for the sides.
Billingsley states that the best double stroller to use for a toddler is one that offers numerous options for customization. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers can be weak in endurance, and strollers with a bassinet attached will provide a safe place for them to sleep. She suggests that a double stroller should also have a great recline position and harness system, as well as ample storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its light weight and versatility. It's gate-check-friendly for airlines it can be accessed through all doors (without removing the front wheels), and can expand into a quad or triple stroller with an add-on tandem seat. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, extra-long sun canopy and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its large underseat storage basket and inclusion of parent and kid cup holders complete the impressive feature set. One drawback, according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a an elongated profile when folded, and could be difficult to carry.