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 right one for your family, we talked to the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
Look for a stroller that's fairly easy to push, fold and carry. And consider double buggy that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler along with an adult rider board.
Safety
Choose a double-stroller which has all-terrain wheels and a brake that is operated with a hand if you want to keep your kids safe while walking. These wheels and brakes allow you to navigate paths and dirt without worrying about your children falling or rolling. The best double strollers also come with plenty of storage space for gear and essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.
The first step in selecting the best double stroller is to figure out how old your children are and how far apart they are. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, some offer a variety of configurations that let you select the seating option that's best for your family.
The classic doubles are great for children of similar ages who are keen to interact. Some options have a more double-decker design, which allows you to put one of the seats above the other or add an extra rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into a bassinet, which is attached to the frame, or as an independent attachment that offers a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the best option to go.
Look for a double-wheeled stroller that can handle off-road terrain, and even hiking. Many of these strollers were designed with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that will let you take them on any adventure no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs might be.
The top double strollers are equipped with clever features that aid in navigation in a difficult terrain or bad weather. This jogging stoller, for example, has a wrist loop, so you can ensure your child's safety when running downhill at higher speeds or in harsh weather conditions. It also features a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during the summer heat.
This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds. This makes it perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. Plus, it has a huge storage basket and a parking brake that is linked in one step that is simple to use.
Seating
Contrary to the giant strollers of the past, today's double strollers are sleek and support various configurations that can be adapted to families. Some are used as traditional side-by-side strollers while others--such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller - function as a base to which car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets snap into. They come in a variety of widths and weight limits, allowing infants and children up to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be a breeze to move and fold, while also allowing you to adjust the height of the handlebar to ensure you're comfortable throughout your outings. A great handlebar should be comfortable to hold, and it should encourage you to walk with proper form (ask other parents for advice on this). It should offer a variety of storage options to accommodate all the necessities your children will need.
If your twins are close in age, you may find a tandem stroller works best for your family. These models come with seats that are side-by-side, so you can talk to them both and keep an eye on both of them at the same. They also recline separately, so one child can rest while the other is ready to go.
The downside to a twin stroller is that it can be wider than a single-occupant model which makes it difficult to navigate the aisles of shops, sidewalks and narrow doorways. For some families 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 fantastic choice. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice for city living thanks 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.
Another option is a wagon-style stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. It's a basic model however it has plenty of space for storage and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels to handle any terrain. It also has a canopy with a 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, making it difficult for children to reach their food trays or relax.
Simple to Use
Double strollers are usually a large investment that you will use for many years. When choosing a stroller you must make sure it will be simple to operate and clean. Luckily, the top double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and include a variety of features that are convenient for parents.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly (with one hand!). They're also light, making them ideal for traveling. Many of them can be checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit into most trunks. In addition, the majority of our testers found that their strollers folded to smaller dimensions than their single-seat counterparts, and some even had an adjustable carry strap for easy carrying.
If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that will grow with your family Look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, a bassinet and other accessories, so you can use it from birth until the age of preschool. Each seat has five points of harness with a large canopy, as well as ample sun protection.
Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light and compact, weighing only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat stance, and the back seat can be adjusted for each child. The stroller is simple to operate and maneuver due to its large storage basket, easy parking brake that is one step and a large storage basket.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry says that the packaging is innovative and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes, which could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be a bit clunky and it took her some time before she could master it. In the end, however she was very pleased with this stroller and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in various sizes and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and many that let you modify the layout using the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have even added rider boards for older children. They're not all created equal. Some are lightweight and easy to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.
If you are looking for a stroller that is light that can hold two kids, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, with a weight of just under 23 lbs. It's also easy to fold and comes with all the features parents would want to enjoy a day out with two kids.
The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved. They especially liked its sleek design and easy-to-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat and a bassinet. There are 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 and all-terrain tires, as well with side storage bags.
Billingsley says the best double stroller for a toddler is one that has multiple customization options, like an adjustable seat or bassinet. This is because toddlers typically have limited endurance, and the stroller with an attachment for a bassinet will provide them with a safe space to nap. She says a double stroller must also include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its light weight and flexibility. It's airline gate-check-friendly and fits through most doors (without having to remove the front wheels) and can be expanded into a triple or quad stroller with an add-on tandem seat. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its large underseat storage basket and inclusion of parent and child cup holders complete the impressive list of features. The only drawback, according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have the smallest footprint when folded and can be difficult to store.