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 relatively easy to push, fold and carry. Consider a model that's versatile enough to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler and an adult rider board.
Safety
If you want to ensure your children are secure on your walks make sure you choose a double stroller that has features such as all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These wheels and brakes help you navigate paths and dirt without worrying about your children falling or rolling. double to single buggy offer plenty of storage space to store items for your kids, including snacks and toys.
Selecting the best double stroller for your family starts by understanding the age and distance in age your kids are. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, those that do come with a variety of configurations that allow you to pick the seating that's best for your family.
The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar age who want to play. Some double-decker designs allow you to place one of the seats over the other, or even attach a riderboard to older siblings. Babies can be placed in a bassinet, which is attached to the frame, or as an individual attachment that offers the chance to peek at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the best way to go.
For families who are more adventurous consider double strollers that can handle off-road terrain, or even hike. Many of these strollers have been designed with active parents in mind and come with features that let you take your children on any adventure, no matter how rough the road or how steep the climb may be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the best double strollers have thoughtful features that make navigating tough terrain and weather easier. This jogging stoller, for example, has wrist loops so that you can ensure your child's safety while running downhill at higher speeds or in adverse weather conditions. It also features an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your children cool during summer heat.
This model is a light and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just over 23 pounds, making it lighter than some single strollers. It's ideal to take on air travel or for storing in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a large storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Contrary to the giant strollers of old the modern double strollers are sleek and support various designs to accommodate families. Some work as traditional side-by-side strollers while others--such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--function as a base to which car seats, toddler seats or bassinets click into. They are available in a variety of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be a breeze to move and fold, as well as permitting you to alter the handlebar height so you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A good handlebar is easy to hold and should inspire you to walk in a safe manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should also have various storage options that accommodate all the necessities you'll require for your kids.
If your twins are similar in age, you could consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. The seats on these models are positioned together, allowing you to be able to interact with them both and keep an eye on them simultaneously. They also recline separately, so one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The disadvantage of twin strollers is that it's more spacious than a model with a single occupant, which can make it difficult to navigate sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doorways. For certain families, the advantages are worth the extra space and effort.
If you're in the market for an ultra-compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a fantastic 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 a great option for city-living.
A wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. This model is bare bones however it has plenty of storage and seating space. It also has heavy-duty wheels to tackle any terrain. It also comes with a 50+ SPF canopy and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, which makes it difficult for little children to reach their snacks or to relax.
Easy of Use
Double strollers are often a large investment 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 have been designed to be easy-to-use and come with numerous features that are convenient.
All 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 in most trunks. Our testers found that their strollers could fold down much smaller than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carrying strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller that has lots of options that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-byside stroller works with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth to preschool age. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and a large canopy. It also offers plenty of sun protection.
Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. It is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches wide when it's folded. The front seat reclines almost to a full flat position and the back seat has an adjustable recline for each child. This stroller is easy to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, simple parking brake that is one step and a large storage basket.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to the model. Kerry says that the packaging is clever and fun, 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 a while before she was able to master it. She was pleased with the stroller at the end and would recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to personalize your setup with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards for older children. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are light and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you're looking for a lightweight double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest option in our tests, weighing around 23 pounds and is also simple to fold, but it has all the features parents need to have a great time out with two children.
The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is a different model that our testers adored especially for its sleek design and easy to use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, or a toddler's bassinet as well as a seat without the need for adapters. Its rear seat can be removed to make it into a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage, and can be upgraded with a parent organizer and all-terrain tires as well as storage bags for the sides.
Billingsley says that the best double stroller to use for a toddler is one with multiple customization options. This includes a seat or bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers are typically restricted in their endurance, so strollers with an integrated bassinet can provide a safe place for them to rest. The expert says that a double stroller must also have a great harness and recline position and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its lightness and versatility. It's airline gate-check-friendly and fits through most doors (without taking off the front wheels) and expands into a quad or triple stroller with an added tandem seat. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats as well as the extra-long sun canopies that are adjustable are among the other features. A large underseat storage basket as well as cup holders for both parents and children make up the impressive features. The only disadvantage, according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a the smallest profile when folded and can be difficult to stow.