How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking for a double stroller there are a variety of options. To help you choose the most suitable one for your family, we consulted the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
It is recommended to choose a stroller that is easy to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler who has a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to keep your kids safe on your walks make sure you choose double strollers that have features like all-terrain tires and a brake operated by hand. These wheels and brakes assist you in navigating trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without the risk of your children sliding or slipping away. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space for equipment and essentials for kids like snacks and toys.
Choosing double push chair for your family starts by understanding how old and distant in age your kids are. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that do have a variety configurations that allow you to select the seating option that's best for your family.
Side-byside doubles are a popular choice, and they're perfect for kids of similar ages that like to play with one another. Some options have a more double-decker style, allowing you to place one of the seats above the other or attach an extra rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into an infant bassinet that is attached to the frame, or as a standalone attachment that offers an unobstructed view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the best option to go.
For families that are more adventurous opt for a double stroller that can handle off-road terrain or even hike. A majority of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind and include features that allow you to take your children to any adventure, no matter how rough the road or how steep the climb may be.
The top double strollers are equipped with clever features that make it easier to navigate in a difficult terrain or bad weather. This jogging stroller, for example, has a wrist loop so that you can ensure your child's safety when running downhill at higher speeds or in adverse weather conditions. It also comes with an all-over canopy that has ventilation to ensure your children stay cool in the summer heat.
If you're looking to purchase a light, compact double stroller, look at this model from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 lbs. This makes it perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also has a large storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers of today are more sleek and can be arranged in many ways to meet the needs of your family. Some double strollers can be used as side-byside models, and others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddlers seats and bassinets. They are available in a range of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be easy to fold and move and allows you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure you are at ease on all your excursions. A well-designed handlebar should be comfortable to hold and should encourage you to walk with proper posture (ask other parents for tips on this). It should have a range of storage options to fit all the essentials your children will require.
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 together, allowing you to interact with both of them and keep an eye on them simultaneously. They also recline independently so that one child can sleep while the other is awake and ready to go.
The drawback of twin strollers is that it's wider than a single-occupant model which makes it difficult to navigate sidewalks, shop aisles, and narrow doorways. For certain families, the advantages are worth the extra space and effort.
If you're looking for a compact double stroller the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice. Its shock absorption, sleek design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats, plus an optional running board for more mobile children -- make it a great option for urban living.
Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare-bones and offers plenty of seating space and storage space, along with sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has a canopy with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and can't recline to a fully flat position, which makes it difficult for children of smaller sizes to sit comfortably or reach their snack tray.
Simple to use
A double stroller is usually an investment of a large amount and one that you hope to use for many years. When choosing a stroller, you want to make sure it will be simple to operate and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as possible and come with plenty of convenient features for parents.
All strollers we tested fold easily and compactly with just one hand. They're also light, making them ideal for travel. A majority of them are checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. Our testers found that their strollers could fold down to a smaller size than the 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 and other accessories. It can be used from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat comes with five-point harnesses, a large canopy and ample sun protection.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly praised. It is light and incredibly compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when it's folded. The front seat reclines to a flat stance, and the back seat can be adjusted for every child. There's a large storage basket and an easy, one-step linked parking brake which makes this stroller user-friendly and easy to maneuver.
The only drawbacks to the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry says that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, but that it was also packaged in five boxes that could be a hassle to lug around. She also noticed that Genuis's magnetic buckle was awkward and took a while to master. She was satisfied with the stroller in the end and would recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in various sizes and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and many that let you customize the configuration using the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have even added rider boards for older siblings. But, they're not all created equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or stow.
If you are looking for a lightweight stroller that can accommodate two children and two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It folds easily and has all the features parents need for a fun day out with two children.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is a different model that our test subjects loved particularly for its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler seat and a bassinet without the need for adapters, and its rear seat can be removed to transform it into a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include a parent organizer wheel, all-terrain wheels, as well as side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the ideal double stroller for toddlers is one that offers multiple customization options, like an adjustable seat or bassinet. That's because toddlers often have limitations in endurance, and a stroller with a bassinet attachment will provide them with a safe spot to rest for a nap. She suggests that 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 light weight and versatility. It's gate-check-friendly for airlines and fits through most doors (without having to remove the front wheels), and can expand into a quad or triple stroller that has an additional tandem seat. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its large underseat storage area and the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive set of features. The only drawback, according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have a an elongated footprint when folded and can be difficult to store.