How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a lot of options in the field of double strollers. To help you select the best one for your family, we consulted child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
It is recommended to choose a stroller that is easy to fold and push to carry. Consider a model that can fit two infant car seats or a toddler with a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to ensure your children are safe on your walks make sure you choose double strollers that have features such as all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These wheels and brakes assist you in navigating paths and dirt without worrying about your children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers also have 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 begins by determining the age and distance in age your kids are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that do come with a variety of configurations that allow you to select the seating option that is ideal for your family.
Side-byside doubles are a popular option, and they're great for kids of similar ages who want to play with one another. Some options have a more double-decker design, which allows you to put one seat higher than the other or attach a rider board to older siblings. Babies can be placed in a bassinet, which is attached to the frame, or as a standalone 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 way to go.
Choose a stroller with two wheels 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 include features that let you take your kids on any adventure, no matter how rough the path or how steep the climb may be.
The top double strollers come with intelligent features that aid in navigation in difficult terrain and bad weather. For instance this stroller for jogging has a wrist loop for your child, so you'll be able to ensure that they're safe when you run downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also comes with an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your kids cool during summer heat.
If you're looking for a light, compact double stroller, look at this model from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 lbs., making it ideal for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a huge storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers today are sleeker and can be set up in many ways to meet the needs of your family. Some double strollers can be used as side-by-side models while others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddler seats, and bassinets. They come in a variety of sizes and weight limits to accommodate children from birth to kindergarten.
A good double stroller must be a breeze to move and fold, as well as allowing you to adjust the handlebar's height to make sure you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A good handlebar should be easy to grip, and it should allow you to walk in a proper posture (ask other parents for advice on this). It should also have various storage options that accommodate everything you need for your kids.
If your twins are close in age, you could consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. The seats of these models are placed together, allowing you to engage with both of them and keep an eye on them at the same time. They can also recline separately so that one child can nap while the other is awake and ready to go.
The downside of a twin stroller can be that it is wider than one designed for a single-occupant. This can make it difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles or walkways. For certain families, however, the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you are looking for a small double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a great option. Its shock absorption, sleek design, and capacity for two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for mobile older children make it a perfect option for urban living.
Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This basic model comes with plenty of seating space and storage, plus robust wheels that can handle any terrain. It also comes with a canopy with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. But some parents say the seats are too low and they don't recline completely to a flat position, making it difficult for small children to get comfortable or reach their snack tray.
Easy of Use
A double stroller is often an investment of a large amount and one you're hoping to use for a long time. When you are shopping for a double stroller, be sure that it is easy to use and clean. double buggy with car seat have been designed to be user-friendly and include many useful features.
All the strollers that we tested fold quickly and compactly in one hand. These strollers are lightweight and ideal for traveling. Many of them can be gate checked on airplanes and fit into most trunks. Our testers found that their strollers could fold down 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 will grow with your family. tandem double stroller -by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth up to the age of preschool. Each seat has a 5-point harness, a large canopy and plenty of sun protection.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly praised. It is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat stance, and the back seat can be adjusted to fit every child. The stroller is simple to operate and maneuver due to its large storage basket, simple one-step parking brake and large storage basket.
The only downsides of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry states that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, but that it also came in five boxes that can be a bit of a hassle to lug around. She also felt that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a bit clunky and took some time to master. She was satisfied with the stroller, however, and would recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and designs and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and many that allow you to modify the layout using a car seat or bassinet attachment. Some even have add-on rider boards for older children. However, not all of them are created equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold or store.
If you're seeking a stroller with a light weight that can fit two children and two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest choice in our tests at close to 23 pounds. It is also simple to fold, but it has all the features parents require for a fun outing with two children.
The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is a second model that our test subjects loved especially for its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats, or a toddler's bassinet as well as a seat without adapters. The rear seat can be removed to make it into a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage, and can be upgraded by adding an organizer for parents and all-terrain tires, as as storage bags for the sides.
Billingsley says that the best double stroller for toddlers is one that supports various options for customization, such as the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. Toddlers can be weak in endurance, and strollers that have an attached bassinet will give them a safe space for them to rest. 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 snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its lightness and versatility. It's airline gate-check-friendly it can be accessed through all doors (without having to remove the front wheels) and can be expanded into a triple or quad stroller that has an additional tandem seat. The near-flat, independently reclining seats and extra-long sun canopy that can be adjusted are just a few of the highlights. A large underseat basket, as well as cup holders for both parents and children complete the impressive features. Taylor says that the only drawback is that it has the largest size when folded and can be difficult for parents to store.