How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are many options available when it comes to double strollers. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, was able to help us select the best one for you.
You should choose a stroller which is easy to fold and push, as well as carry. Consider a model that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler that has a riderboard.
Safety
Find a double-stroller that comes with all-terrain tires and a brake that is operated with a hand if you want to keep your kids safe when walking. These brakes and wheels allow you to navigate trails and gravel without your children falling or rolling. The best double strollers also come with plenty of storage space for gear as well as essentials for kids, such as 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. Many 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 best for your family.
Side-by-side doubles are an iconic option, and are great for kids of similar ages who want to be social with one another. Some double-decker designs allow you to put one of the seats over the other, or even attach an additional riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into a bassinet, which is attached to the frame, or as an individual attachment that offers an unobstructed view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the way to go.
For more adventurous families, look for a double stroller that is able to handle off-road terrain or 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 to any adventure, regardless of how rough the path or how high the climbs may be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers come with thoughtful features that make navigating tough terrain and weather easier. For instance, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child, so you're sure that they're safe when you run downhill or at faster speeds. It also has a canopy that covers the entire area and has ventilation to ensure your children stay comfortable during the summer heat.
If you're looking to purchase a light, compact double stroller, check out this model from Joovy. double pram and pushchair Push Chairs And Prams weighs in at just over 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than other single strollers and perfect for air travel or storing in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a large storage basket and an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
In contrast to the massive strollers of the past the modern double strollers are sleek and can accommodate an array of configurations that can be adapted to families. Some double strollers can be used as side-byside models, and others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddlers ' seats and bassinets. They are available in a range of widths and weights that can accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, as well as permitting you to adjust the height of the handlebar to ensure 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 proper manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should also have a variety of storage options that accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your kids.
If your twins are similar age, a tandem stroller could be the best choice for your family. These models come with seats that are side-byside, so you can talk to them both and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They also recline independently, so that one child can lie down while the other is awake and ready to go.
The drawback of a twin stroller is that it's larger than a single-occupant model, which can make it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doors. However, for certain families, the advantages are worth the extra space and effort.
If you are looking for a small double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a good alternative. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great option for urban living 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 option. This basic model comes with a lot of seating space and storage, plus sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also comes with a 50+ SPF canopy and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, making it difficult for children to reach their snack trays or relax.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller can be an investment you're likely to use for many years. When choosing a stroller you need to ensure that it is easy to use and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as possible and include a variety of useful features for parents.
For starters, all the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with just one hand!). They are light and are ideal for traveling. Many of them fit in the majority of trunks and are checked at the gate on planes. In addition, the majority of our testers reported that their strollers folded to smaller dimensions than their single-seat counterparts and some even included the option of carrying a strap for carrying.
If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that will expand with your family take a look at the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and a large canopy that provides plenty of shade from the sun.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. It is light and extremely compact, weighing just 22 lbs and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly the full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline for every child. The stroller is simple to operate and maneuver due to its large storage basket, easy parking brake that is one step and a large storage basket.
The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry says that the packaging is clever and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes, which can be a little cumbersome to carry around. She also felt that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a little clunky and took some time to master. She was happy with the stroller at the end and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from tandems with side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to modify your stroller with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some have even added rider boards designed for older kids. However, they're not all created equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold and store.
If you're looking for a lightweight double stroller, look into 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 comes with all the features parents would want for a fun day out with two kids.
The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model our testers loved. They especially liked its sleek design and ease-of-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters required. The rear seat can be removed to create 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 states that the best double stroller for a toddler is one that offers various options for customization, such as a removable seat or bassinet. This is because toddlers typically have limited endurance, and having a stroller that has a bassinet attachment will give them a safe place to nap. She says that a double stroller should also have a good harness and recline position and plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its lightweight and flexibility. It is airline gate-check friendly, fits through most doorways (without removing the wheels on the front), and can be made to a triple or quad stroller by adding an extra tandem. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopies and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of parent and child cup holders round out the impressive set of features. The one downside according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a small profile when folded and can be difficult to stow.