How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a variety of options in the field of double strollers. To help you choose the right one for your family, we talked to the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
It is recommended to choose a stroller which is easy to fold and push, as well as carry. Consider a model that can hold two infant car seats or a toddler with a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to ensure your children are safe on your walks, look for a double stroller with features like all-terrain tires as well as an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These wheels and brake assist you in navigating trails, gravel, and sidewalks without the risk of your children sliding or rolling off. The best double strollers offer plenty of storage space for gear as well as essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.
Choosing the right double stroller for your family starts by determining how old and far apart in terms of age your children are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that do come with a variety of options that let you pick the seating that is best for your family.
The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar ages that are keen to interact. Double-decker designs permit you to put one of the seats over the other, or add a riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into an infant bassinet that is attached to the frame or in an independent attachment that offers a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or 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 as well as hiking. A lot of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind, and have features that allow you to take your children on any adventure, no matter how rough the terrain or how steep the climb may be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers feature clever features that make traversing difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. This jogging stoller, for instance, features a wrist loop so that you can ensure your child's safety while running downhill at higher speeds or in extreme weather conditions. It also has an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your kids cool during summer heat.
This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than most single strollers and perfect to take on air travel or for storing in trunks and overhead compartments. double pushchair has a large storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers today are more sleek and can be arranged in various ways to suit your family. Some double strollers can be used as side-byside models, while others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as a base for car seats, toddler seats and bassinets. They are available in a range of sizes and weights to accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be simple to fold and maneuver and allows you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you're comfortable throughout your excursions. A good handlebar is easy to hold and should inspire you to walk in a safe manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should also provide a variety of storage options that accommodate all the necessities you'll require for your kids.
If your twins have a similar age and are in the same age group, a tandem stroller might be the best choice for your family. The seats of these models are placed together, allowing you to interact with them both and keep an eye on them at the same time. They also recline separately, so one child can rest while the other is ready to go.
The drawback of twin strollers is that it's larger than a single-occupant model which makes it difficult to navigate walkways, aisles for shopping and narrow doorways. For certain families, however the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a small double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a good alternative. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice for urban living due to its shock absorption capabilities, sleek design, and ability to accommodate two infant car seats. It also has an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.
A wagon-style double stroller such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. The model is basic, but it offers plenty of storage and seating space. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels to handle any terrain. It also comes with an umbrella with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and cannot recline fully flat, making it hard for small children to reach their food trays or get comfortable.
Simple to use
A double stroller is usually an investment you're likely to use for many years. When you are shopping for one you need to ensure that it is easy to use and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and come with a wide array of convenient features for parents.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They're also light, which makes them ideal for travel. A majority of them are checked at the gate on planes and fit in most trunks. Most of our testers also found that their strollers can be folded down to a smaller size than the single seat equivalents. Some even came with a carrying strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller with a lot of versatility that will grow with your family. This side-by-side stroller works with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth until the age of preschool. Each seat has five points of harness and a large canopy. It also offers ample sun protection.
Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. It is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly the full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline for every child. The stroller is simple to operate and maneuver due to its large storage basket, easy one-step parking brake and large storage basket.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry says that the packaging was enjoyable and innovative, but it was also packaged in five boxes that can be an inconvenience to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp somewhat awkward and it took her a while before she was able to master it. She was satisfied with the stroller at the end and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and designs and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and many that allow you to customize the configuration using an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some come with rider boards for older siblings. They're not all created equal. Some are lightweight and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you're seeking a stroller with a light weight that can accommodate two children and two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest option in our tests, weighing close to 23 lbs and is also easy to fold, but it still has all of the features parents need to enjoy a great time with two kids.
The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved. They particularly liked its sleek design and ease-of-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, or a toddler's bassinet as well as a seat without adapters. The rear seat can be removed to transform it into a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage, and it can be upgraded with a parent organizer and all-terrain tires as well with side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the best double stroller for toddlers is one with numerous options for customization. This includes a seat or bassinet that can be removed. This is because toddlers typically have limited endurance, and the stroller with a bassinet attachment will provide them with a safe space to rest for a nap. She says a double stroller should also come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its light weight and flexibility. 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 into a quad or triple stroller by adding an add-on tandem. The near-flat, independently reclining seats and the extra-long, adjustable sun canopies are other highlights. A spacious underseat basket as well as parent and child cup holders round out the impressive features. Taylor states that the only disadvantage is that it has a an enormous profile when folded, and it can be difficult for parents to stow.