How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking for a double stroller there are plenty of options. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, was able to help us select the best one for you.
Look for a stroller that's relatively easy to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that can fit two infant car seats or a toddler that has a riderboard.
Safety
Find a double-stroller that has all-terrain wheels and a brake that can be operated by hand if want to keep your kids safe when walking. These wheels and brakes help you navigate trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without your kids slipping or rolling off. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space for gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.
Selecting the best 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, those that do come with a variety of configurations that let you select the seating option that is best for your family.
The classic doubles are great for children of similar ages who want to play. Certain models feature a double-decker design, allowing the user to place one of the seats above the other or attach a rider board to older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into a bassinet, which is attached to the frame, or as an individual attachment that offers the chance to peek at your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins and want to have a twin stroller, it will be the best option.
Look for a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain and even hiking. A majority of these strollers have been designed with active parents in mind, and come with features that allow you to take your children to any adventure, no matter how rough the terrain or how steep the climb may be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the best double strollers have clever features that make traversing tough terrain and weather easier. For instance this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child, so you can be sure that they're safe while running downhill or at higher speeds. It also comes with a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your kids cool in the summer heat.
If you're looking for a light compact double stroller take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs just 23 pounds, making it lighter than some single strollers. It's ideal for air travel or storing in trunks and overhead compartments. Additionally, it comes with an enormous storage basket as well as a parking brake that is linked in one step that's easy to use.
Seating
Double strollers of today are more sleek and can be arranged in many ways to suit your family. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models while others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as a base for car seats, toddlers seats as well as bassinets. They come in various widths and weight limits, allowing children from birth through kindergarten.
A good double stroller will be simple to fold and maneuver and allows you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure you are at ease on all your outings. A good handlebar is easy to hold and will encourage you to walk in a logical manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should have a range of storage options to accommodate all the necessities your children will require.
If your twins are similar in age, you might discover that a tandem stroller is best for your family. The seats of these models are positioned together, allowing you to engage with them both and keep an eye on them simultaneously. They can also recline separately so that one child can nap while the other is awake and ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller can be that it is larger than one designed that is designed for a single occupant. This can make it difficult to navigate narrow aisles in store aisles, doors or sidewalks. For certain families, the benefits are worth the extra size and effort.
If you're in the market for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great option. Its shock absorption, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for more mobile children--make it an ideal option for urban living.
Another alternative is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare bones, but it offers plenty of space for storage and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels that can tackle any terrain. It also comes with a 50+ SPF canopy and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, making it difficult for little children to reach their snack trays or to relax.
Ease of Use
A double stroller is often a significant investment and one you're hoping to use for years. If you are looking for a double stroller, make sure 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 plenty of useful features for parents.
For starters, all the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They're also light, which makes them ideal for travel. Many of them fit in most trunks and can be gate-checked on airplanes. Most of our testers also found that their strollers can be folded down much smaller than single-seat versions. Some even had a carrying strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller with a lot of versatility that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, so you can use it from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and a large canopy that provides ample protection from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly regarded. It is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly a full flat position and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline for every child. There's a huge storage basket and an easy, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller simple to move and use.
The only downsides of 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 bit heavy to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp somewhat awkward, and it took her some time before she was able to master it. However, in the end, she was very happy with the stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to customize your layout with a bassinet or car seat attachment. single to double buggy have rider boards that can be added 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're looking for a light double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It is also easy-to-fold and has all the features parents need for a fun day out with two kids.
The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model our testers loved. They particularly liked its sleek design and ease-of-use. 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 a triple or quad stroller. It has a huge storage basket that can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents wheel, all-terrain wheels, as well as side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the ideal double stroller for a toddler is one that supports various options for customization, such as an adjustable seat or bassinet. This is because toddlers typically have limited endurance, and having a stroller that has the bassinet attachment can give them a safe place to take a nap. She suggests that a double stroller should also include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents because of its light weight and the versatility. single to double buggy -check-friendly for airlines, fits through most doors (without taking off the front wheels) and expands into a quad or triple stroller with an added tandem seat. The near-flat, independently reclined seats as well as the extra-long sun canopy that can be adjusted are just a few of the highlights. A spacious underseat basket and the inclusion of cup holders for both parents and children round out this impressive feature set. Taylor states that the only downside is that it has a large size when folded and is difficult for parents to store.