How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller there are plenty of options. To help double single pushchair choose the most suitable one for your family, we consulted child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
Find a stroller that's fairly easy to fold, push and carry. You should consider a stroller that can accommodate two infant car seat or a toddler who has a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to keep your kids secure on your walks, look for a double stroller with features like all-terrain tires and a hand-operated brake. These brakes and wheels will help you navigate paths and dirt without worrying about your children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space for gear and kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.
The first step to choosing the best double stroller is to know how old your children are and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, some do have a variety configurations that allow you to select the seating option that is ideal for your family.
The classic doubles are great for children of similar ages that want to play. Some double-decker designs allow you to put one seat above the other, or even attach a riderboard to older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into a bassinet attached to the frame or in an individual attachment that offers a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins, then a twin stroller is the best choice.
Look for a double-wheeled stroller that can handle off-road terrain, and even hiking. A majority of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind, and come with features that let you take your kids on any adventure, regardless of how rough the road or how steep the climbs could be.
The top double strollers are equipped with thoughtful features to aid in navigation in difficult terrain and bad weather. This jogging stoller for instance, features wrist loops so that you can make sure your child is safe when going downhill at a higher speed or in adverse weather conditions. It also comes with an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your children cool in the summer heat.
If you're looking for a lightweight, compact double stroller, take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs in at just over 23 lbs, making it lighter than some single strollers and perfect for air travel or storing in overhead compartments or trunks. Additionally, it comes with a huge storage basket and a parking brake that is linked in one step that is easy to use.
Seating
Contrary to the giant strollers of the past, today's double strollers are sleek and can accommodate a variety of configurations that can be adapted to families. Some work as traditional side-by-side strollers while others - like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller - function as a base for car seats, toddler seats or bassinets can be plugged into. They are available in a variety of widths and weights that can accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to fold and move and allows you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure that you feel comfortable throughout your excursions. A good handlebar is one that is easy to hold, and it should invite you to walk in a proper posture (ask other parents for advice on this). It should also provide a variety of storage options that will accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your kids.
If your twins are close in age, you may consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. These models come with seats that are side-by-side which means you can interact with them both while keeping an eye on both of them at the same time. They can also recline independently which means that one child can nap and 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 navigate the aisles of shops, sidewalks and narrow doorways. For certain families, however the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you are looking for a compact double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a good option. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice for urban living due to its shock absorption, sleek design, and capacity to accommodate two infant car seats. It also has 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. The model is basic, but it offers plenty of space for storage and seating. It also has heavy-duty wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has an umbrella with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are a little too low and they don't recline completely to a flat position, which makes it difficult for small children to sit comfortably or reach their snack trays.
Simple to use
Double strollers are typically an investment of a significant amount that you will be using for a long time. When shopping for one, you want to make sure it will be easy to operate and clean. The best double strollers are designed to be user-friendly and include many useful features.
All the strollers that we tested could be folded easily and compactly using just one hand. They're also lightweight, making them ideal for travel. Many of them can be gate checked on airplanes and fit in most trunks. In addition, the majority of our testers reported that their strollers folded down to a smaller size than their single-seat counterparts and some even came with an adjustable carry strap for easy carrying.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with lots of options that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth up to preschool age. Each seat is equipped with a five-point harness and a large canopy that gives plenty of shade from the sun.
Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. It is light and extremely compact, weighing just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when it's folded. The front seat reclines almost to the full flat position and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline for each child. There's a large storage bin and an easy, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller extremely simple to move and use.
The only drawbacks to the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry says that the packaging is smart and fun, but it comes in five boxes which can be a little cumbersome 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. In double pram stroller , however, she was very happy with the stroller and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and designs and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and some that let you customize the setup with the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added to accommodate 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're looking for a light double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest option in our tests at close to 23 pounds. It is also easy to fold, but it still has all of the features parents require for a fun outing with two kids.
UPPAbaby's Vista v2 double is another model that our test subjects loved. They especially liked its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters needed. The rear seat can be removed to create triple or quad stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage and can be upgraded with an organizer for parents and all-terrain tires, as as storage bags for the sides.
Billingsley says that the most suitable double stroller for toddlers is one that has various options for customization. This includes a seat or bassinet that can be removed. This is because toddlers typically have limitations in endurance, and a stroller with an attachment for a bassinet will provide them with a safe space to nap. A double stroller should have a good harness system and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its lightweight and versatility. It is airline gate-check friendly, fits through most doorways (without taking off the wheels at the front) and can be made to a triple or quad stroller by adding an extra tandem. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopies and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive list of features. The one disadvantage according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a small profile when folded and can be difficult to carry.