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 right one for your family, we consulted experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.
Choose a stroller fairly easy to push, fold and carry. Also, consider a stroller that's versatile enough to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler and an adult rider board.
Safety
Choose a double-stroller which includes all-terrain wheels as well as a brake that can be operated with a hand if you want to keep the kids safe while walking. These wheels and brakes assist you in navigating trails, gravel, and sidewalks without the risk of your children sliding or slipping away. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space to store items for your kids, including snacks and toys.
The first step in choosing the right double stroller is to determine how old your children are and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, some offer a variety of configurations that let you choose the seating that is ideal for your family.
The classic doubles are great for children of similar age who want to play. Some double-decker designs allow the user to place one seat over the other, or attach a riderboard to older siblings. Newborns can either be snuggled in a bassinet that is attached to the frame or in an attachment that lets you peek-a-boo at your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins then a twin stroller will be the best option.
For families that are more adventurous, look for a double stroller that is able to take on off-road terrains or even hiking. Many of these strollers have been 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 high the climbs may be.
The best double strollers come with thoughtful features to make it easier to navigate in a difficult terrain or bad weather. For instance this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child so you'll be able to ensure they're secure when running downhill or at faster speeds. It also has a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your children cool during the summer heat.
This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23lbs., making it ideal for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. Additionally, it comes with a huge storage basket and a parking brake that is linked in one step that is simple to use.
Seating
Double strollers are now sleeker and can be set up in many ways to meet the needs of your family. Some are used as traditional side-by-side strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller - function as a base to which car seats, toddler seats or bassinets snap into. They are available in a variety of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns up to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be a breeze to move and fold, while permitting you to alter the handlebar height so you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A well-designed handlebar is easy to hold and will encourage you to walk in a logical manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should also offer various storage options that accommodate all the necessities you'll require for your children.
If your twins are of a similar age, a tandem stroller could be the ideal option for your family. The seats of these models are placed together, allowing you to be able to interact with them both and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They also recline independently, so that one child can nap while the other is awake and ready to go.
The disadvantage of twin strollers is that it can be wider than a single-occupant model which makes it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doors. For some families, the advantages are worth the extra space and effort.
If you're in the market for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a fantastic choice. Its shock absorption, streamlined design, and capacity for two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for older children--make it an ideal choice for city living.
Another option is a wagon-style stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare bones however it has plenty of storage space and seating. It also has sturdy wheels that can take on any terrain. It also has an umbrella with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not recline fully flat, making it difficult for children to reach their snacks or to relax.
Easy of Use
Double strollers are typically an investment that will use for many years. When choosing a stroller you need to ensure that it's easy to operate and clean. The top double strollers have been designed to be user-friendly and include numerous features that are convenient.
All strollers we tested could be folded quickly and compactly in one hand. They're also lightweight, making them ideal for travel. Many of them can be gate checked on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. In double pushchair , the majority of our testers found that their strollers folded to smaller dimensions than the single seat models, and some even included a carry strap for convenient carrying.
If you're looking for a flexible double stroller that can grow with your family Look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. double pram pushchair -byside stroller works with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth to preschool age. Each seat has a 5-point harness, a large canopy and ample sun protection.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly regarded. The stroller is light compact and weighs only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to the full flat position and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline that can be adjusted for each child. There's a huge storage basket and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller extremely simple to move and use.
The only drawbacks to the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry says that the packaging is smart and fun, however it comes in five boxes, which can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also noticed that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a bit difficult to master. She was happy with the stroller, however, and would recommend it.
Stores
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 modify your layout with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added for older siblings. They're not created equal. Some are lightweight and easy to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.
If you're looking for a lightweight stroller that can fit two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It folds easily and has all the features parents want to enjoy a day out with two kids.
The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model our testers loved. They especially liked its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat and a bassinet, with no adapters needed. The rear seat can be removed to create a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include a parent organizer with wheels for all-terrain and side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the ideal double stroller for a two-year-old is one that has multiple customization options, like an adjustable seat or bassinet. Toddlers are typically limited in their endurance and strollers with an attached bassinet will offer a safe spot for them to rest. A double stroller must also come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its light weight and versatility. It's gate-check-friendly for airlines it can be accessed through all doors (without removing the front wheels), and can expand into a triple or quad stroller with an added tandem seat. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopies and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of parent and child cup holders round out the impressive list of features. The only disadvantage according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a the smallest footprint when folded and can be difficult to carry.
