How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a lot of options when it comes to double strollers. To help you choose the most suitable one for your family, we talked to experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.
Choose a stroller relatively easy to push, fold and carry. You should consider a stroller that can hold two infant car seat or a toddler with a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to keep your children safe while walking opt for double strollers that have features such as all-terrain tires and a brake operated by hand. These wheels and brakes assist you in navigating trails and sand without children falling or rolling. The best double strollers come with 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 figure out how old your children are and how far apart they are. Many double strollers only can accommodate one child's seat, but those are available in different configurations, so you can choose the seating option that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
Side-byside doubles are a popular option, and they're great for kids of similar ages who like to be social with one another. Some double-decker designs allow the user to place one seat over the other, or add an additional riderboard for older siblings. Babies can be placed in an infant bassinet that is attached to the frame or as a standalone attachment that gives you a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins, then a twin stroller is the best choice.
Choose a stroller with two wheels that can handle off-road terrain, and even hiking. A lot strollers were created with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that will let you take them on any adventure, no matter how rough or high the climbs may be.
The top double strollers come with intelligent features that make it easier to navigate through difficult terrain and in bad weather. For twin strollers for newborns for jogging has a wrist loop for your child, so you can be sure that they're safe while running downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also comes with a full-coverage canopy with 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. It weighs less than 23 lbs. It's perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. Plus, it has 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 set up in many ways to suit your family. Some work 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 can be plugged into. They come in various sizes and weight limits to fit infants and children up to kindergarten.
A good double stroller must be a breeze to move and fold, while permitting you to alter the handlebar's height to make sure you're comfortable throughout your outings. A good handlebar is comfortable to grip and should encourage you to walk in a safe manner (ask for advice from other parents). twin strollers for newborns should also offer a variety of storage options that accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your kids.
If your twins are close in age, you could find a tandem stroller works best for your family. These strollers have seats that are side-by-side so you can 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 lie down while the other is awake and ready to go.
The downside to twin strollers is that it's larger than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to navigate sidewalks, shop aisles, and narrow doorways. For some families the benefits are well worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for an ultra-compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice. Its shock absorption, sleek design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for mobile older children--make it an ideal option for city-living.
A wagon-style double stroller like the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. The model is basic however it has plenty of storage and seating space. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels to handle any terrain. It also features a canopy with a 50+ SPF and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and cannot recline fully flat, making it difficult for children to reach their snacks or relax.
Ease of Use
Double strollers are usually a large investment that you will use for many years. When choosing a stroller you must make sure it will be easy to operate and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and come with a wide array of features that are convenient for parents.
All strollers we tested fold easily and compactly with just one hand. They're also light, making them ideal for traveling. A lot of them can be checked at the gate on planes and fit into most trunks. Additionally, the majority of our testers reported that their strollers folded down to smaller sizes than their single-seat counterparts and some even had a carry strap for convenient carrying.
If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that will expand with your family, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, a bassinet and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth until preschool age. Each seat has five-point harnesses and a large canopy. It also offers plenty of sun protection.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly praised. This stroller is lightweight, compact and only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a full flat position and the back seat has an adjustable recline for each child. There's a large storage basket and an easy, one-step linked parking brake which makes this stroller user-friendly and easy to maneuver.
The only drawbacks of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to the model. Kerry says that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, but that it came in five boxes, which can be a bit of a hassle to lug around. She also found that Genuis's magnetic buckle was awkward and took a while to master. In the end, though, she was very happy with the stroller and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in various sizes and styles and styles, including tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and many that allow you to customize the configuration using a car seat or bassinet attachment. Some have even added rider boards designed for older kids. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are lightweight and easy to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.
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 at close to 23 pounds. It is also easy to fold, but it still has all of the features parents need for a fun outing with two children.
The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved. They were particularly impressed by its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler bassinet and seat 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 basket for storage, and can be upgraded with an organizer for parents and all-terrain tires, as well with side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the best double stroller for a two-year-old is one that supports different options for customization, including the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. Toddlers are typically weak in endurance, and strollers with an integrated bassinet can give them a safe space for them to nap. A double stroller should include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, 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 can be expanded into a quad or triple stroller with an added tandem seat. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths 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 only downside according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have a small profile when folded, and could be difficult to carry.