How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking for a double stroller, there are a lot of options. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, helped us select the best one for you.
You should choose a stroller that is simple to fold, push and carry. Also, consider a stroller that can accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler as well as an adult rider board.
Safety
Choose a double-stroller which includes all-terrain wheels as well as a brake that is operated by hand if want to keep the kids safe when walking. These wheels and brake help you navigate trails, gravel, and sidewalks without the risk of your children sliding or rolling off. The best double strollers also offer plenty of storage space for gear as well as kids-sized items like snacks and toys.
The first step in selecting the best double stroller is to know the age of your children and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers are designed to allow one child seat, but the ones are available in a variety of configurations so you can pick the type of seating that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar age who want to play. Some double-decker designs allow you to place one seat over the other, or add an additional riderboard for older siblings. Babies can be placed in 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 dedicated twin stroller is the way to go.
Find a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain, and even hiking. Many of these strollers were designed with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that allow you to take them on any adventure, no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs are.
In addition to all-terrain tires the best double strollers have clever features that make traversing tough terrain and weather easier. 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 an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your children cool in the summer heat.
This model is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. side by side double stroller weighs just 23 pounds, making it lighter than some single strollers, and ideal for air travel or storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a large storage basket and a one-step linked parking brake that is simple to use.
Seating
Double strollers of today are sleeker and can be configured in various ways to suit your family. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models, while others, such as 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 a variety of widths and weight limits to fit children from birth to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be simple to fold and maneuver and allows you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you're comfortable throughout your outings. A good handlebar is one that is easy to hold and should encourage you to walk with proper form (ask parents for advice on this). It should also provide various storage options that can accommodate everything you need for your kids.
If your twins are similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best option for your family. These models come with seats that are side-by-side, so you can interact with them each other and keep an eye on each of them at the same. They also recline separately which means that one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller is that it's wider than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to maneuver around the aisles of shops, sidewalks, and narrow doorways. For certain families, however the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for an ultra-compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great option. Its shock absorption, sleek design, and capacity for two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for more mobile children make it a perfect option for city-living.
Another alternative is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare-bones and offers a lot of seating space and storage, plus heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also comes with an SPF canopy that is 50+ and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and cannot recline fully flat, which makes it difficult for children to reach their food trays or get comfortable.
User-Friendliness
Double strollers are typically a large investment that you will use for many years. When you are shopping for one, you want to ensure that it is easy to operate and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as possible and come with a wide array of features that are convenient for parents.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They're also light, making them ideal for traveling. A lot of them can be gate checked on airplanes and fit in most trunks. Our testers discovered that their strollers could fold down to a smaller size than single-seat versions. Some even came with a carrying strap.
If you're looking for a flexible double stroller that will grow with your family, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller works with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth until the age of preschool. Each seat has a 5-point harness and a large canopy that gives plenty of shade from the sun.
Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight and incredibly compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines 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 extremely easy to maneuver and use.
The only drawbacks to the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry says that the packaging was enjoyable and innovative, but it was also packaged in five boxes which could be an inconvenience to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp somewhat difficult to use and it took a while before she could master it. In the end, however she was extremely pleased with this stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and styles, including tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and many that allow you to modify the layout using an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added for older children. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are light and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you're looking for a lightweight double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest choice during our tests. It weighs close to 23 pounds. It is also easy to fold, but it has all the features parents require to enjoy a great time with two kids.
tandem double stroller is another model that our testers loved especially for its sleek design and easy to use. It can fit two infant car seats or a toddler's bassinet and seat without adapters, and its rear seat can be removed to transform it into a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage and can be upgraded by adding an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires as well as side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the best double stroller to use for a toddler is one with numerous options for customization. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers are often limited in their endurance and strollers that have an integrated bassinet can offer a safe spot for them to nap. The expert says that a double stroller must also have a comfortable harness and recline position, as well as ample storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its lightweight and flexibility. It is gate-check-friendly for airlines, fits through most doorways (without removing the wheels on the front) and can be expanded into a quad or triple stroller by adding an extra tandem. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, extra-long sun canopies and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its large underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of parent and kid cup holders complete the impressive list of features. One drawback, according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a the smallest profile when folded, and could be difficult to store.