How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a lot of options in the field of double strollers. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, has helped us select the best one for you.
Find a stroller that’s relatively easy to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler with a riderboard.
Safety
Find a double-stroller that includes all-terrain wheels as well as a brake that can be operated by hand if you want to ensure your children are safe while walking. These wheels and brakes assist you in navigating trails or sidewalks without your children falling or rolling off. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space to store items for your kids, including snacks and toys.
The first step to choosing the best double stroller is to know the age of your children and how far apart they are. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, those that do have a variety configurations that allow you to choose the seating that is ideal for your family.
Side-by-side doubles are a classic choice, and they’re perfect for kids of similar ages who want to play with one another. Some double-decker designs allow you to place one seat above the other, or add an additional riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet that is attached to the frame, or in an attachment that allows you to look at your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins then a twin stroller is the best choice.
For more adventurous families opt for double running stroller strollers that can take on off-road terrains or even hike. Many of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind, and include features that allow you to take your children to any adventure, regardless of how rough the path or how high the climbs may be.
The best double strollers are equipped with intelligent features that help you navigate in a difficult terrain or bad weather. This jogging stoller for instance, comes with a wrist loop, so you can make sure your child is safe when running at higher speeds or in adverse weather conditions. It also has a full-coverage canopy with ventilation so your kids stay comfy during the summer heat.
If you’re looking for a light, compact double stroller, look at this model from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds., making it ideal 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 sleeker and can be configured in various ways to fit your family. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models and others, like the Baby Trend Sit ‘N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as a base for car seats, toddler seats, and bassinets. They are available in a variety of widths and weight limits to accommodate infants and children up to kindergarten.
A good double car seat stroller stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, as well as permitting you to alter the handlebar height so you’re comfortable throughout your outings. A good handlebar is one that is easy to hold and should allow you to walk with proper posture (ask other parents for tips on this). It should have a range of storage options that can accommodate all the essentials your children will need.
If your twins have a similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best option for your family. These models come with seats that are side-by-side, so you can talk to them both and keep an eye on both of them simultaneously. They also recline separately so that one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The drawback of a twin stroller could be that it is larger than one designed for a single person. This makes it more difficult to navigate narrow aisles for stores, doors, or sidewalks. However, for some families, the advantages are worth the extra space and effort.
If you’re looking for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 double stroller with infant car seat is a great choice. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design and capacity for two infant car seats, plus an optional running board for mobile older children–make it an ideal option for urban living.
A wagon-style double stroller such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. This model is bare bones however it has plenty of storage space and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels that can take on any terrain. It also comes with an SPF canopy that is 50+ 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 snack trays or relax.
Easy of Use
Double strollers are typically a large investment that you will be using for a long time. If you are looking 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 is possible and include a variety of features that are convenient for parents.
To start, all the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with just one hand!). They’re also lightweight, making them ideal for travel. Many of them fit in the majority of trunks and can be checked at the gate on planes. Our testers found that their strollers could fold down to a smaller size than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carry strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller that has lots of options that will grow with your family. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth to preschool age. Each seat features a 5-point harness with a large canopy, as well as ample sun protection.
The Joovy twin stroller with car seats Roo is another option that is highly praised. This stroller is lightweight and extremely compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when it’s folded. The front seat reclines almost to a full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline for each child. There’s a large storage basket and an easy, one-step connected 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 this model. Kerry says that the packaging is clever and fun, but it comes in five boxes that can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also felt that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a little difficult to master. She was happy with the stroller, however, and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in various sizes and designs, including tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and some that let you customize the configuration using the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added to accommodate older siblings. However, they’re not all created equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or store.
If you’re seeking a stroller with a light weight that can fit two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It’s also easy to fold and has all the features parents want for a fun day out with two children.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is another model that our test subjects loved particularly for its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler’s seat and a bassinet, with no adapters required. The rear seat can also be removed to make it a quad or triple stroller. It has a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the best double travel stroller stroller for a toddler is one that offers various options for customization, such as the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. This is because toddlers typically have limitations in endurance, and the stroller with an attachment for a bassinet will provide them with a safe space to rest for a nap. She says a double stroller should also have a good harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its lightness and versatility. It is airline gate-check friendly, fits through most doorways (without taking off the wheels at the front), and can be expanded into a quad or triple stroller by adding an add-on tandem. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of parent and child cup holders round out the impressive list of features. One downside, according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it lacks a an elongated profile when folded, and could be difficult to carry.