How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking for a double stroller there are a variety of options. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, helped us choose the right model for you.
Look for a stroller that's fairly easy to push, fold and carry. Also, consider a stroller that's versatile enough to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler along with a rider board.
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 a brake operated by hand. These wheels and brake help you navigate trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without the risk of your children sliding or rolling away. The best double strollers also come with 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 distant in terms of age your children are. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, some offer 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 want to play. Some models have a double-decker design, allowing you to put one of the seats above the other or add an extra rider board for older siblings. Newborns can either be snuggled in a bassinet attached to the frame, or in an attachment that lets you look at your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins, then a twin stroller will be the best option.
For families who are more adventurous consider a double stroller that can handle off-road terrain, or even hiking. A majority of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind and include features that let you take your kids on any adventure, regardless of how rough the terrain or how high the climbs may be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double strollers come with thoughtful features that make navigating difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. For example, 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 speeds that are higher. It also comes with a canopy that covers the entire area and has ventilation so your kids stay cool in the summer heat.
If you're looking to purchase a light compact double stroller take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs just over 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than other single strollers and perfect to take on air travel or for storing in overhead compartments or trunks. Plus, it has an enormous storage basket as well as a parking brake that is linked in one step that is easy to use.
Seating
In contrast to the massive strollers of the past, today's double strollers are sleek and support various configurations to fit families. Some double strollers can be used as side-by-side models, and others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddler seats as well as bassinets. They are available in a range of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns up to kindergarten.
A good double stroller must be easy to maneuver and fold, while also allowing you to adjust the handlebar's height to make sure you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A great handlebar should be comfortable to grip, and it should invite you to walk with proper form (ask parents for advice on this). It should also offer a variety of storage options that accommodate all the necessities you'll require for your kids.
If your twins have a similar age, a tandem stroller could be the best choice for your family. The seats on these models sit together, allowing you to engage with them both and keep an eye on them at the same time. They also recline separately, so one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The downside of a twin stroller can be that it's wider than a stroller designed that is designed for a single occupant. This could make it difficult to navigate narrow aisles for stores, doors or the sidewalks. However, for certain families, the benefits are worth the extra space and effort.
If you are looking for a compact double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a great alternative. off road double buggy is a great choice for urban living due to its shock absorption capabilities, 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 such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. This model is bare-bones and offers lots of space for seating and storage, plus heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also comes with an umbrella with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. However, some parents feel that the seats are a little too low and don't recline to a fully flat position, which makes it difficult for children of smaller sizes to sit comfortably or reach their snack trays.
Simple to Use
Double strollers are usually a large investment that you will be using for a long time. If you are in the market for a double stroller, make sure it is easy to use and clean. The top double strollers have been designed to be user-friendly and have many useful features.
For starters, all the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They are also light and perfect for travel. A majority of them are checked at the gate on planes and fit into most trunks. Most of our testers also found that their strollers could fold down much smaller than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carry strap.
If you're looking for a flexible double stroller that can grow with your family Look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth to preschool age. Each seat is equipped with a five-point harness and a large canopy that gives plenty of shade from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly praised. This stroller is lightweight and compact, weighing only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a full flat position and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline for each child. This stroller is easy to operate and maneuver due to its large storage basket, simple one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry notes that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, but that it came in five boxes that could be an inconvenience to carry around. She also noticed that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a bit clunky and took some time to master. However, in the end she was very pleased with the stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes 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 children. They're not created equal. Some are light and easy to use while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you are seeking a stroller with a light weight that can accommodate two children The Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It's also easy to fold and has all the features parents want to enjoy a day out with two children.
The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is a second model that our testers loved particularly for its sleek design and easy to use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat and a bassinet, with no adapters required. The rear seat can also be removed to make it 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 has multiple customization options. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. That's because toddlers often have limitations in endurance, and a stroller with a bassinet attachment will provide them with a safe spot to nap. A double stroller should also have a good harness system and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents because of its light weight and the versatility. It's gate-check-friendly on airlines and fits through the majority of doorways (without taking off the wheels at the front) and can be made to a triple or quad stroller by adding an add-on tandem. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats and the extra-long sun canopies that are adjustable are just a few of the highlights. A large underseat basket, as well as parent and child cup holders make up the impressive set of features. The one drawback according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have a an elongated profile when folded and can be difficult to stow.