How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking for a double stroller there are plenty of options. To help you select the most suitable one for your family, we consulted the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
Look for a stroller that's relatively easy to push, fold and carry. Consider a model that can hold two infant car seat or a toddler that has a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to ensure your children are safe while walking, look for a double stroller that has features like all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These wheels and brakes will aid you in traversing trails, gravel, and sidewalks without the risk of your children sliding or rolling away. The best double strollers offer plenty of storage space to store gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.
The first step in selecting the best double stroller is to know how old your children are and how far apart they are. Most double strollers can only accommodate one child seat, however, those are available in a variety of configurations so you can pick the type of seating that is most suitable for your children and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar age who are keen to interact. Some models have a double-decker style, allowing you to put one seat higher than the other or add a rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into a bassinet attached to the frame, or as an independent attachment that offers the chance to peek at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the best way to go.
For families who are more adventurous opt for a double stroller that can handle off-road terrain or even hike. A lot of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind and include features that let you take your kids on any adventure, no matter how rough the road or how steep the climbs might 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 instance this jogging stroller comes with 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 has an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your children cool during the summer heat.
This model is a light and compact double stroller from Joovy. just click the up coming article weighs just 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than other single strollers. It's ideal for air travel or storing in trunks and overhead compartments. It also comes with a huge storage basket and an integrated parking brake that's easy to use.
Seating
Unlike the behemoth strollers of old, today's double strollers are sleek and can accommodate an array of configurations that can be adapted to families. Some double strollers can be used as side-by-side models, while others, such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as a base for car seats, toddlers seats, and bassinets. They are available in a range of sizes and weights to accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be a breeze to move and fold, as well as allowing you to adjust the height of the handlebar to ensure you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A well-designed handlebar is easy to hold and will encourage you to walk in a safe manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should also have a variety of storage options that will accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your children.
If your twins are near in age, you could consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. These models have seats that are side-byside, which means you can interact with them each other and keep an eye on each of them simultaneously. They also recline independently, so one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.
The downside to twin strollers is that it can be more spacious than a model with a single occupant and can make it difficult to maneuver around the aisles of shops, sidewalks and narrow doors. However, for certain families, the advantages are worth the extra space and effort.
If you are looking for a compact double-stroller then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is an excellent alternative. Its shock absorption, sleek design, and capacity for two infant car seats, plus an optional running board for older children make it a perfect option for urban living.
Another option is a wagon-style stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare bones however it has plenty of storage and seating space. It also has sturdy wheels that can tackle any terrain. It also features a canopy with a 50+ SPF and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, which makes it difficult for little children to reach their food trays or to relax.
Simple to Use
Double strollers are usually an investment of a significant amount that you will be using for a long time. When shopping for one you need to ensure that it's simple to operate and clean. Luckily, the top double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and come with plenty of convenient features for parents.
All strollers we tested fold quickly and compactly in one hand. They're also light, making them ideal for travel. They can fit in the majority of trunks and are checked for gate-checking on planes. Many of our test subjects found that their strollers could be folded down to a smaller size than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carrying strap.
If you're looking for a flexible double stroller that will expand with your family, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller works with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth up to preschool age. Each seat has a 5-point harness and a large canopy. It also offers plenty of sun protection.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light, compact and only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly an entire flat position, and the back seat has an adjustable recline for every child. The stroller is simple to use and maneuver thanks to its large storage basket, easy parking brake that is one step and a large storage basket.
The only downsides of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry states that the packaging was fun and clever, but that it also came in five boxes that can be a hassle to lug around. She also noticed that Genuis's magnetic buckle was clunky and took some time to master. However, in the end she was very pleased with her stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in various sizes and designs that include tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and many that let you modify the layout using a car seat or bassinet attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added to accommodate older siblings. They're not all created equal. Some are lightweight and easy to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.
If you're looking for a lightweight stroller that can hold two kids and two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest choice during our tests. It weighs close to 23 pounds. double seat stroller is also easy to fold, yet it has all the features parents need to have a great time out with two kids.
The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved. They particularly liked its sleek design and easy-to-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler's bassinet as well as a seat without adapters. Its rear seat can be removed to transform it into a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a large storage basket that can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents wheel, all-terrain wheels, as well as side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the ideal double stroller for toddlers is one that supports various options for customization, such as a removable seat or bassinet. That's because toddlers often have limitations in endurance, and a stroller with the bassinet attachment can give them a safe place to take a nap. She says a double stroller should have a good harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its lightness and versatility. It's gate-check-friendly on airlines it can be accessed through all doors (without taking off the wheels on the front), and can be made to a triple or quad stroller by adding an additional tandem. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopies and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its large underseat storage area and the inclusion of parent and kid cup holders complete the impressive list of features. Taylor says the one downside is that it has an enormous profile when folded, and is difficult for parents to stow.