How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller, there are a lot of options. To help you select the most suitable one for your family, we consulted the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
Choose a stroller fairly easy to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that's versatile enough to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler along with an adult rider board.
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Look for a double-stroller that has all-terrain wheels and a brake that is operated with a hand if you want to keep the kids safe while walking. These wheels and brake assist you in navigating trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without your children falling or rolling away. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space to store items for your kids, including 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. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that do come with a variety of options that let you select the seating option that's best for your family.
Side-by-side doubles are a classic option, and they're great for children of similar ages who like to interact with each other. Some options have a more double-decker design, allowing you to put one seat above the other or attach a rider board for older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet attached to the frame, or with an attachment that allows you to peek-a-boo at your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins, then a twin stroller is the best choice.
For more adventurous families opt for a double stroller that is able to handle off-road terrain, or even hiking. A majority of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind, and come with features that allow you to take your kids to any adventure, no matter how rough the road or how steep the climb may be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the best double strollers have thoughtful features that make navigating difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. This jogging stoller, for example, has a wrist loop so that you can ensure your child's safety while running at higher speeds or in adverse weather conditions. It also comes with a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your children cool during 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 pounds, which makes it lighter than most single strollers. It's ideal for air travel or storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also has a large storage basket and an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
In contrast to the massive strollers of the past these double strollers are sleek and offer a variety of designs to accommodate families. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers while others - like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--work as a base for car seats, toddler seats or bassinets click into. They come in various sizes and weight limits, allowing infants and children up to kindergarten.
A good double stroller will be easy to fold and move and allows you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure you are at ease on all your excursions. A good handlebar should be comfortable to hold, and it should invite you to walk with proper form (ask other parents for tips on this). It should also provide various storage options that will accommodate everything you need for your kids.
If your twins are of a similar age and are in the same age group, a tandem stroller might be the best choice 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 each of them at the same time. They also recline separately so that one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The downside to twin strollers is that it's larger than a single-occupant model which makes it difficult to maneuver around the aisles of shops, sidewalks, and narrow doorways. For some families the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a small double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a good option. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great option for city dwellers due to its shock absorption, 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.
A wagon-style double stroller such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. The model is basic but it comes with plenty of space for storage and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels to tackle any terrain. It also has a canopy with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. But some parents say the seats are too low and don't recline to a fully flat position, which makes it difficult for small children to be comfortable or reach their snack trays.
User-Friendliness
Double strollers are usually an investment of a significant amount that you will be using for a long time. When you are shopping for one, you want to ensure that it's easy to use and clean. The best double strollers are designed to be user-friendly and include many convenient features.
All the strollers that we tested can be folded easily and compactly with just one hand. They're also light, making them ideal for traveling. Many of them can be checked at the gate on planes and fit in the majority of trunks. Additionally, 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 a double stroller with a lot of versatility that can grow with your family. This side-by-side stroller works with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and a large canopy that gives ample shade from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly praised. The stroller is light and extremely compact, weighing just 22 lbs and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat stance, and the back seat can be adjusted for each child. There's a large storage bin and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller easy to maneuver and use.
The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry states that the packaging was fun and clever, but that it came in five boxes that can be a bit of an inconvenience to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be a bit clunky and took her a while before she could master it. However, in the end, she was very happy with this stroller and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come in all sizes and shapes, ranging from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to customize your stroller with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added for older children. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are lightweight and easy to use while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you're looking for a lightweight double stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, with a weight of less than 23 pounds. It folds easily and has all the features parents need for a great day out with two kids.
The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model that our testers 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 needed. The rear seat can also be removed to make it triple or quad stroller. It has a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include a parent organizer with wheels for all-terrain and side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the best double stroller to use for toddlers is one that has various options for customization. This includes a bassinet or seat that can be removed. Toddlers can be weak in endurance, and strollers with an attached bassinet will offer a safe spot for them to rest. A double stroller should also come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents due to its light weight and the versatility. It's easy to check at airport gates and fits through most doors (without taking off the front wheels) and expands into a triple or quad stroller with an add-on tandem seat. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats and the extra-long sun canopies that are adjustable are just a few of the highlights. A large underseat basket and the inclusion of cup holders for both parents and children complete this impressive feature set. The one drawback according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a the smallest profile when folded and can be difficult to store.