How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller there are plenty of options. To help you select the most suitable one for your family, we talked to child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
Choose a stroller reasonably easy to fold, push and carry. You should consider a stroller that can fit two infant car seats or a toddler with a riderboard.
Safety
Look for a double-stroller that has all-terrain wheels and a brake that can be operated by hand if you want to keep the kids safe when 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 away. The best double strollers come with ample storage space to store items for your kids, including snacks and toys.
The first step in selecting the best double stroller is to determine how old your children are and how far apart they are. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that do come with a variety of configurations that let you select the seating option that is best for your family.
The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar age who want to play. Double-decker designs permit you to put one seat over the other, or attach a riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into a bassinet, which is attached to the frame or as a standalone attachment that gives you an unobstructed view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the best way to go.
For double buggy who are more adventurous consider a double stroller that can take on off-road terrains or even hike. Many of these strollers have been designed with active parents in mind, and include features that let you take your children to any adventure, regardless of how rough the road or how steep the climb might be.
The best double strollers are equipped with thoughtful features to aid in navigation in difficult terrain and bad weather. This jogging stoller, for instance, features a wrist loop so that you can ensure your child's safety when running downhill at higher speeds or in harsh weather conditions. It also has an all-over canopy that has ventilation to ensure your children stay cool in the summer heat.
This model is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just over 23 lbs, making it lighter than some single strollers, and ideal for air travel or storing in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a large storage basket and an integrated parking brake that's easy to use.
Seating
Double strollers today are sleeker and can be configured in a variety of ways to suit your family. Some are used as traditional side-by-side strollers while others - like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--work as a base that car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets snap into. They are available in a variety of sizes and weight limits to accommodate children from birth through kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to fold and move and allows you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you feel at ease on all your excursions. A great handlebar should be comfortable to hold, and it should invite you to walk with proper posture (ask other parents for advice on this). It should have a range of storage options that can accommodate all the necessities your children will need.
If your twins are close in age, you could consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. These strollers have seats that are side-by-side which means you can interact with them both while keeping an eye on each of them at the same time. They can also recline separately so that one child can nap while the other is awake and ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller may be that it is larger than a stroller designed for a single person. This can make it difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles, or sidewalks. For certain families, however the benefits are well worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a compact double stroller the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great option. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice for city living thanks 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 alternative is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. It's a basic model but it comes with plenty of storage and seating space. It also has heavy-duty wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has a canopy that has 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and cannot recline fully flat, which makes it hard for small children to reach their snack trays or get comfortable.
Simple to Use
A double stroller can be an investment of a large amount and one you're likely to use for a long time. When choosing double pram and pushchair must 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 include a variety of useful features for parents.
All the strollers we tested could be folded easily and compactly using just one hand. They're also light, making them ideal for traveling. Many of them can be gate checked on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. Most of our testers also found that their strollers could be folded down smaller than their single-seat equivalents. double buggy came with a carrying strap.
If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that can adapt to your family's needs Look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller works with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth until preschool age. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and an enormous canopy that offers ample protection from the sun.
Another option that is highly regarded is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light and incredibly compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat position, and the back seat can be adjusted to suit every child. There's a large storage basket and an easy, one-step connected parking brake that makes this stroller extremely user-friendly and easy to maneuver.
The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to the model. Kerry states that the packaging was fun and clever, however it was also packaged in five boxes, which could be an inconvenience to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp a bit clunky and it took her a while before she was able to master it. She was pleased with the stroller at the end and would recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in various sizes and designs, including tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and many that let you customize the configuration using an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added to accommodate older children. But, they're not all created equal -- some are elegant and simple to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold and store.
If you're seeking a stroller with a light weight that can fit two children The Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, with a weight of just under 23 lbs. It folds easily and comes with all the features parents would want to enjoy a day out with two children.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is another model that our testers loved particularly for its sleek design and user-friendly. It can fit two infant car seats, or a toddler's bassinet as well as a seat without the need for adapters. The rear seat can be removed to turn it into a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage and can be upgraded by adding a parent organizer and all-terrain tires, as with side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the best double stroller for toddlers is one that supports multiple customization options, like a removable seat or bassinet. That's because toddlers often have little endurance, so a stroller with the bassinet attachment can give them a safe place to rest for a nap. The expert says that a double stroller should also have a good harness and recline position as well as plenty of 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 on airlines it can be accessed through all doors (without removing the wheels on the front) and can be converted to a triple or quad stroller by adding an additional tandem. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of parent and kid cup holders round out the impressive feature set. The one disadvantage according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it lacks a a small footprint when folded and can be difficult to store.