How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking for a double stroller, there are a lot of options. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, helped us choose the right model for you.
Find a stroller that's reasonably easy to fold, push and carry. Look for a model that can fit two infant car seats or a toddler with a riderboard.
Safety
Choose a double-stroller which includes all-terrain wheels as well as a brake that can be operated by hand if want to ensure your children are safe while walking. These wheels and brakes will aid you in traversing trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without the risk of your children sliding or rolling away. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space for gear as well as kids-sized items like snacks and toys.
The first step in choosing 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, however, those do come with different configurations, so you can choose the seating option that best suits your kids and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar age who are keen to interact. Some options have a more double-decker style, allowing you to put one seat higher than the other or even attach an extra rider board for older siblings. Newborns can either be snuggled in a bassinet connected to the frame or with an attachment that allows you to peek-a-boo at your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins then a twin stroller is the best choice.
For more adventurous families consider a double stroller that can take on off-road terrains or even hike. A majority of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind, and have features that allow you to take your children to any adventure, no matter how rough the terrain or how steep the climb might be.
The best double strollers have thoughtful features to aid in navigation in difficult terrain and bad weather. For instance, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child, so you'll be able to ensure they're secure when running downhill or at higher speeds. It also has a canopy that covers the entire area and has ventilation to ensure your children stay comfy in the summer heat.
If you're looking to purchase a light compact double stroller, take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs in at just over 23 lbs, making it lighter than most single strollers and perfect for air travel or storage in trunks and overhead compartments. It also has a large storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers of today are more sleek and can be arranged in a variety of ways to suit your family. Some are used as traditional side-by-side strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller - function as a base that car seats, toddler seats or bassinets can be plugged into. They are available in a variety of widths and weights that can accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.
A good double stroller will be easy to fold and move and will allow you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you're comfortable on all of your excursions. A well-designed handlebar should be easy to hold, and it should encourage you to walk with proper form (ask other parents for tips on this). It should offer a variety of storage options to accommodate all the necessities your children need.
If your twins have a similar age, a tandem stroller may be the ideal option for your family. These models come with seats that are side-by-side which means you can interact with them both and keep an eye on each of them simultaneously. They also recline independently, so that one child can sleep while the other is awake and ready to go.
The disadvantage of twin strollers is that it can be wider than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to navigate the aisles of shops, sidewalks, and narrow doorways. For some families, the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you are looking for a compact double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is an excellent option. Its shock absorption, sleek 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.
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, as well as heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also has a canopy with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and they don't recline to a fully flat position, which makes it difficult for children of smaller sizes to sit comfortably or reach their snack tray.
User-Friendliness
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. The best double strollers have been designed to be user-friendly and include many useful features.
All the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly using just one hand. They're also light, which makes them ideal for traveling. Many of them can be checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit into most trunks. In addition, the majority of our testers reported 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 can grow with your family take a look at the Valco Snap Duo Trend. 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 the age of preschool. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and a large canopy that provides ample protection from the sun.
Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light compact and weighs only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines almost to the full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline for each child. There's a large storage bin and an easy, one-step connected parking brake that makes this stroller extremely user-friendly and easy to maneuver.
twin pushchair of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry says that the packaging is innovative and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes which can be a little cumbersome to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp somewhat difficult to use and took her some time before she could get it to work. She was pleased with the stroller at the end and would recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come in all sizes and shapes, from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to customize your setup with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added to accommodate older siblings. However, they're not all made equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or store.
If you're looking to purchase a light double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest option in our tests, weighing close to 23 lbs and is also simple to fold, but it has all the features parents require to enjoy a great time with two kids.
strollers double strollers is another model that our test subjects loved especially for its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters needed. The rear seat can also be removed to make it a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage, and can be upgraded by adding an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires as well with side storage bags.
Billingsley says the ideal double stroller for a toddler is one that offers different options for customization, including an adjustable seat or bassinet. This is due to toddlers having limitations in endurance, and having a stroller that has an attachment for a bassinet will provide them with a safe space to take a nap. A double stroller should have a good harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents due to its light weight and versatility. It's airline gate-check-friendly and fits through most doors (without taking off the front wheels) and can be expanded into a triple or quad stroller with an add-on tandem seat. The near-flat, independently reclined seats and extra-long sun canopies that are adjustable are among the other features. A large underseat storage basket as well as parent and child cup holders make up the impressive features. One drawback according to Taylor, is that it lacks a an elongated profile when folded and can be difficult to carry.