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 best one for your family, we spoke with experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.
You should look for a stroller that is simple to fold, push and carry. Also, consider a stroller that's versatile enough to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler as well as an adult rider board.
Safety
Find a double-stroller that comes with all-terrain tires and a brake that can be operated by hand if want to keep your kids safe while walking. These wheels and brake aid you in traversing trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without your kids slipping or rolling away. The best double strollers also come with plenty of storage space for gear as well as kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.
The best double stroller for your family begins by understanding how old and far apart in terms of age your children are. Many double strollers only accommodate one child seat, but those are available in various configurations so that you can pick the seat that is most suitable for your children and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar ages who are keen to interact. Certain models feature a double-decker style, allowing you to put one seat above the other or even attach an extra rider board for older siblings. Babies can be placed in a bassinet attached to the frame or in a standalone attachment that gives you the chance to peek at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the best option to go.
For families who are more adventurous, look for a double stroller that can take on off-road terrains or even hike. A lot of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind, and come with features that allow you to take your children on any adventure, no matter how rough the path or how steep the climbs could be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double strollers feature clever features that make traversing difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. This jogging stoller for instance, features a wrist loop, so you can ensure your child's safety when going downhill at a higher speed or in adverse weather conditions. It also features a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during the summer heat.
This model is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds. It's perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also has a large storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers today are more sleek and can be arranged in various ways to fit your family. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models, while 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 to accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to fold and maneuver and will allow you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure you are at ease on all your outings. A good handlebar is one that is easy to grip, and it should invite you to walk in a proper posture (ask other parents for advice on this). It should also offer various storage options that will accommodate all the necessities you'll require for your kids.
If your twins are close in age, you might find a tandem stroller works best for your family. These models have seats that are side-by-side, so you can talk to them both while keeping an eye on each of them at the same. They also recline independently, so that one child can lie down while the other is awake and ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller could be that it is wider than a stroller designed for a single-occupant. This makes it more difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles or sidewalks. For certain families, the benefits are worth the extra size and effort.
If you're looking for a compact double-stroller then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is an excellent option. Its shock absorption, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats, plus an optional running board for mobile older children make it a perfect choice for city living.
A wagon-style double stroller such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. This basic model comes with plenty of seating space and storage, as well as heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also has a canopy with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. But some parents say the seats are too low and they don't recline to a fully flat position, making it difficult for children of smaller sizes to sit comfortably or reach their snack tray.
Simple to Use
Double strollers are typically an investment that will use for many years. When you are shopping for a double stroller, be sure it's easy to use and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and include a variety of convenient features for parents.
To start, all the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They're also lightweight, making them ideal for travel. They can fit in the majority of trunks and are gate-checked on airplanes. Our testers found that their strollers could fold down to a smaller size than the single seat equivalents. Some even had a carrying strap.
If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that can adapt to your family's needs 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. It also offers ample sun protection.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. It is light compact and weighs only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to the full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline that can be adjusted for each child. There's a huge storage basket and an easy, one-step connected parking brake which makes this stroller easy to maneuver and use.
The only downsides of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry notes that the packaging was enjoyable and innovative, but it came in five boxes which can be a hassle to lug around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp somewhat difficult to use, and it took her some time before she could get it to work. She was pleased with the stroller, however, and would recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come in all sizes and shapes, from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to customize your stroller with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards designed for older kids. They're not created equal. Some are light and easy to use while others are heavy, bulky 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, with a weight of less than 23 pounds. It is also easy-to-fold and has all the features parents would want for a great day out with two kids.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is a different model that our test subjects loved, especially for its sleek design and ease of use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat, and a bassinet with no adapters required. The rear seat can be removed to create triple or quad stroller. pushchair twin comes with a large basket for storage, and it can be upgraded with a parent organizer and all-terrain tires, as well as storage bags for the sides.
Billingsley says that the best double stroller for a toddler is one that offers numerous options for customization. This includes a bassinet or seat that can be removed. Toddlers are typically limited in their endurance and a stroller that has an attached bassinet will offer a safe spot for them to nap. She says that a double stroller should also have a comfortable recline position and harness system as well as plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents due to its light weight and flexibility. It's airline gate-check-friendly and fits through most doors (without having to remove the front wheels) and expands into a quad or triple stroller that has an additional tandem seat. The near-flat, independently reclined seats as well as the extra-long, adjustable sun canopies are among the other features. A spacious underseat basket as well as parent and child cup holders round out the impressive set of features. Taylor says the one disadvantage is that it has a a large profile when folded, and it can be difficult for parents to store.