How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking for a double stroller there are a variety of options. To help you pick the best one for your family, we spoke with the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
Choose a stroller reasonably easy to push, fold and carry. Consider a model that is able to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler as well as an adult rider board.
Safety
If you want to keep your kids safe on your walks make sure you choose a double stroller with features like all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These brakes and wheels will allow you to navigate trails and sand without children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space for gear and kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.
The first step to choosing the right double stroller is to figure out how old your children are and how far apart they are. Many double strollers only accommodate one child seat, however, those that do come in different configurations, so you can select the seating option that best suits your kids and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar age who like to interact. Certain models feature a double-decker design, allowing you to put one seat above the other or add an extra rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet that is attached to the frame or with an attachment that lets you play peek-a-boo with your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins then a twin stroller will be the best option.
For families who are more adventurous, look for a double stroller that is able to take on off-road terrains or even hike. A lot of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind, and have features that let you take your children to any adventure, regardless of how rough the road or how steep the climbs may be.
The top double strollers are equipped with clever features that make it easier to navigate in difficult terrain and bad weather. For example, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child so you're sure they're secure when running downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also features an all-over canopy that has ventilation so your kids stay comfortable during the summer heat.
This model is a light and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just 23 lbs, making it lighter than most single strollers and perfect for air travel or storing in trunks and overhead compartments. Plus, it has a huge storage basket and a parking brake that is linked in one step that is simple to use.
Seating
In contrast to the massive strollers of the past the modern double strollers are sleek and support various designs to accommodate families. 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 an alternative to car seats, toddlers ' seats as well as bassinets. They are available in a variety of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.
A good double stroller will be simple to fold and maneuver and will allow you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you feel comfortable throughout your outings. A good handlebar should be comfortable to grip, and it should allow you to walk with proper form (ask other parents for advice on this). It should offer a variety of storage options to accommodate all the necessities your children will require.
If your twins have a similar age, a tandem stroller could be the best option for your family. The seats on these models sit together, allowing you to be able to interact with both of them and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They can also recline independently which means that one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller is that it can be wider than a single-occupant model, which can make it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doorways. However, for certain families, the benefits 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 great choice. Its shock absorption, streamlined design and capacity for two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for older children -- make it a great choice for city living.
Another alternative is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This basic model comes with plenty of seating space and storage, plus heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also comes with a canopy that has 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. However, some parents feel that the seats are too low and don't recline completely to a flat position, which makes it difficult for small children to sit comfortably or reach their snack tray.
Ease of Use
A double stroller is usually a significant investment and one that you hope to use for years. When shopping for one you need to ensure that it is easy to operate and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and come with plenty of useful features for parents.
All strollers we tested can be folded easily and compactly with just one hand. They are light and ideal for traveling. A majority of them are gate checked on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. Our testers discovered that their strollers could be folded down smaller than the single seat equivalents. Some even came with a carrying strap.
If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that will adapt to your family's needs take a look at 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 ample shade from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly praised. This stroller is lightweight compact and weighs only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly the full flat position and the back seat has an adjustable recline that can be adjusted for each child. This stroller is easy to use and maneuver 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 enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes, which could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp somewhat awkward and took her a while before she could get it to work. However, in the end she was extremely pleased with the stroller and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in various sizes and designs that include tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and many that allow you to customize the setup with an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added to accommodate older children. But, they're not all created equal -- some are elegant and simple to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or stow.
If you're looking for a stroller that is light that can accommodate two children The Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest option in our tests, weighing close to 23 pounds. It is also easy to fold, but it has all the features parents need to have a great time out with two kids.
The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model that our testers loved. They were particularly impressed by its sleek design and easy-to-use. cheap double stroller pushchairsandprams.uk can fit two infant car seats or a toddler's seat and a bassinet without the need for adapters. The rear seat can be removed to turn 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 a toddler is one that supports multiple customization options, like a removable seat or bassinet. This is because toddlers typically have limited endurance, and having a stroller that has an attachment for a bassinet will give them a safe place to nap. She says that a double stroller should also have a comfortable recline position and harness system, as well as ample storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its lightness and flexibility. It's gate-check-friendly on airlines, fits through most doorways (without taking off the wheels on the front) and can be expanded to a triple or quad stroller by adding an additional tandem. The near-flat, independently reclined seats as well as the extra-long sun canopy that can be adjusted are among the other features. A large underseat basket, as well as cup holders for the child and parent complete this impressive feature set. Taylor says that the only drawback is that it has an enormous footprint when folded, and it can be difficult for parents to stow.