How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking for a double stroller there are plenty of options. To help you pick the right one for your family, we spoke with the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
It is recommended to choose a stroller that is simple to fold and push, as well as carry. And consider a model that's versatile enough to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler and an adult rider board.
Safety
Find a double-stroller that has all-terrain wheels and a brake that is operated by hand if want to keep your kids safe when walking. These wheels and brakes help you navigate trails and gravel without your children falling or rolling. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space to store equipment and essentials for kids like snacks and toys.
The first step to choosing the right double stroller is to know how old your children are and how far apart they are. Many double strollers only allow one child seat, however, those that do come in various configurations so that you can choose the seat that best suits your kids and your lifestyle.
Side-byside doubles are a popular option, and are great for children of similar ages who like to interact with each other. Some double-decker designs allow you to put one of the seats over the other, or attach a riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into an infant bassinet that is attached to the frame or as an individual attachment that allows you to have an unobstructed view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the best way to go.
For families that are more adventurous opt for a double stroller that is able to handle off-road terrain or even hiking. A majority of these strollers were 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 high the climbs might be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the best double strollers have clever features that make traversing difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. This jogging stroller, for instance, comes with a wrist loop, so you can ensure your child's safety when running at higher speeds or in extreme weather conditions. It also comes with a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your children cool during summer heat.
If you're looking for a light compact double stroller check out this model from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds. This makes it perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a huge storage basket and an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers today are sleeker and can be set up in a variety of ways to meet the needs of your family. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers while others - like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--work as a base for car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets snap into. They are available in a variety of widths and weight limits to fit children from birth to kindergarten.
A good double stroller must be a breeze to move and fold, while also allowing you to adjust the height of the handlebar to ensure you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A good handlebar should be easy to hold and should allow you to walk in a proper posture (ask other parents for advice on this). It should also have various storage options that accommodate all the necessities you'll require for your kids.
If your twins are near in age, you may consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. The seats of these models are positioned in a row, allowing you to be able to 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 nap while the other is awake and ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller could be that it is larger than a stroller designed for a single person. This could make it more difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles, or the sidewalks. But for double pram pushchair , the benefits are worth the extra space and effort.
If you're looking for an ultra-compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double 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 city-living.
Another alternative is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This bare-bones model offers lots of space for seating and storage, plus sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also features an SPF canopy that is 50+ and adjustable handlebars. However, some parents feel that the seats are too low and don't recline to a fully flat position, which makes it difficult for smaller children to sit comfortably or reach their snack trays.
Simple to use
Double strollers are usually an investment of a significant amount that you will use for many years. When choosing a stroller you need to ensure that it's simple to operate and clean. The top double strollers are designed to be user-friendly and have many useful features.
For starters, all the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with one hand!). They are also light and ideal for traveling. A majority of them are gate checked on airplanes and fit in most trunks. Furthermore, the majority our testers found that their strollers folded down to a smaller size than their single-seat counterparts and some even included an adjustable carry strap for easy carrying.
If you're looking for a flexible double stroller that will expand with your family, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth until the age of preschool. Each seat has a 5-point harness and a large canopy that provides ample shade from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly praised. This stroller is lightweight and incredibly compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly a full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline for each child. This stroller is easy to maneuver and use 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 was fun and innovative, but it came in five boxes which can be trouble to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be somewhat difficult to use and it took her some time before she was able to master it. She was satisfied with the stroller at the end and would recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come in all shapes and sizes, from tandems with side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to personalize your setup with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added for older children. However, not all of them are made equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, whereas others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold or store.
If you are seeking a stroller with a light weight that can hold two kids and two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest option in our tests at close to 23 lbs and is also simple to fold, but it has all the features parents need for a fun outing with two kids.
UPPAbaby's Vista v2 double is another model that our test subjects loved. They particularly liked its sleek design and easy-to-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler bassinet as well as a seat without adapters. Its rear seat can be removed to make it into a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage, and can be upgraded by adding an organizer for parents and all-terrain tires, as as side storage bags.
Billingsley says the ideal double stroller for a two-year-old is one that offers multiple customization options, like the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. This is because toddlers typically have limitations in endurance, and a stroller with the bassinet attachment can provide them with a safe space to take a nap. She suggests that a double stroller must also have a good harness system and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its lightness and versatility. It's easy to check at airport gates it can be accessed through all doors (without having to remove the front wheels) and can be expanded into a triple or quad stroller with an add-on tandem seat. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats and the extra-long, adjustable sun canopies are just a few of the highlights. A large underseat basket as well as cup holders for the child and parent round out the impressive features. Taylor states that the only downside is that it has an enormous footprint when folded, and it can be difficult for parents to store.