How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a variety of options in the field of double strollers. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, has helped us choose the right model for you.
You should look for a stroller that is simple to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler along with an adult rider board.
Safety
Look for a double-stroller that 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 will help you navigate trails, gravel, and sidewalks without your kids slipping or rolling off. The best double strollers offer plenty of storage space for gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.
The first step in selecting 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 options that let you choose the seating that is ideal for your family.
Side-by-side doubles are a classic option, and are great for children of similar ages that like to play with one another. Certain models feature a double-decker style, allowing you to place one seat higher than the other or even attach a rider board for older siblings. Newborns can either be snuggled in a bassinet that is attached to the frame or in an attachment that allows you to play peek-a-boo with 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 is capable of handling off-road terrain, and even hiking. A lot of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind and come with features that allow you to take your children on any adventure, regardless of how rough the terrain or how high the climbs may be.
The best double strollers are equipped with thoughtful features to aid in navigation in a difficult terrain or bad weather. This jogging stoller for example, has wrist loops so that you can ensure your child's safety when running downhill at higher speeds or in harsh weather conditions. Full Survey features a canopy that covers the entire area and has ventilation to ensure your children stay cool in the summer heat.
This model is a light and compact double stroller 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 an enormous storage basket as well as a parking brake that is linked in one step that is easy to use.
Seating
Double strollers are now sleeker and can be configured in a variety of ways to suit your family. Some double strollers can be used as side-by-side models and others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as a base for car seats, toddlers ' seats and bassinets. They are available in various sizes and weight limits to accommodate children from birth to kindergarten.
A good double stroller must be a breeze to move and fold, while permitting you to alter the handlebar height so you're comfortable throughout your outings. A well-designed handlebar is easy to grip and should encourage you to walk in a logical manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should have a range of storage options to accommodate all the essentials your children need.
If your twins are near in age, you could consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. These models have seats that are side-by-side so you can interact with them both while keeping an eye on both of them at the same. They also recline separately, so one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.
The drawback of a twin stroller can be that it's wider than one designed for a single-occupant. This can make it difficult to navigate narrow aisles for stores, doors or walkways. But for certain families, the benefits are worth the extra size and effort.
If you're looking for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice. Its shock absorption, streamlined design and capacity for two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for mobile older children make it a perfect option for city-living.
A wagon-style double stroller like the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. This model is bare bones but it comes with plenty of space for storage and seating. It also has sturdy wheels to handle any terrain. It also comes with a canopy that has 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and cannot recline fully flat, making it difficult for little children to reach their snacks or get comfortable.
Easy of Use
A double stroller is usually a significant investment and one that you hope to use for many years. When you are shopping for one, you want to ensure that it's easy to use and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and come with a wide array of convenient features for parents.
All the strollers that we tested can be folded quickly and compactly in one hand. They're also light, making them ideal for travel. A majority of them are checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit in most trunks. In addition, the majority of our testers reported that their strollers folded to smaller sizes 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 many options that can grow with your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth until the age of preschool. Each seat is equipped with a five-point harness and a large canopy that provides plenty of shade from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly regarded. It is light compact and weighs only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly a full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline that can be adjusted for each child. The stroller is simple to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, simple one-step parking brake and large storage basket.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry says that the packaging is smart and fun, but it comes in five boxes, which could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also noticed that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a bit awkward and took a while to master. In the end, however, she was very happy with her stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and designs that include tandems (single-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and many that let you customize the configuration using the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards for older siblings. But, they're not all created equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or store.
If you're looking for a lightweight double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It folds easily and comes with all the features parents want for a great day out with two kids.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is another model that our testers adored especially for its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler bassinet and seat without adapters. Its rear seat can be removed to transform it into a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large storage basket that can be upgraded to include a parent organizer with wheels for all-terrain and side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the ideal double stroller for toddlers is one that has different options for customization, including an adjustable seat or bassinet. Toddlers can be weak in endurance, and a stroller that has an integrated bassinet can provide a safe place for them to sleep. She says that a double stroller should also have a comfortable recline position and harness system and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents because of its light weight and the versatility. It's gate-check-friendly for airlines, fits through most doors (without taking off the front wheels) and expands into a triple or quad stroller with an added tandem seat. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopies and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its large underseat storage basket and inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive set of features. The one downside, according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a the smallest profile when folded and can be difficult to stow.