How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a lot of options in the field of double strollers. To help single to double buggy pick the most suitable one for your family, we talked to child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
Look for a stroller that's relatively easy to push, fold and carry. Consider a model that is able to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler and an adult rider board.
Safety
Choose a double-stroller which comes with all-terrain tires and a brake that is operated with a hand if you want to keep your kids safe when walking. These wheels and brakes help you navigate trails and gravel without your children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers also offer plenty of storage space for gear and kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.
Choosing the right double stroller for your family begins with understanding how old and distant in age. Many double strollers only can accommodate one child's seat, but the ones that do come in different configurations, so you can choose the seat that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar age who like to interact. Certain models feature a double-decker design, allowing you to put one of the seats above the other or attach an extra rider board for older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet attached to the frame or with an attachment that allows you to peek-a-boo at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the way to go.
For families that are more adventurous consider a double stroller that can take on off-road terrains or even hiking. A lot of these strollers were designed with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that let you take them on any adventure, no regardless of how challenging or difficult the climbs are.
In addition to all-terrain tires the best double strollers have clever features that make traversing difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. This jogging stoller for example, has a wrist loop, so you can ensure your child's safety when going downhill at a higher speed or in extreme weather conditions. It also features a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during the summer heat.
This model is a light and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just 23 pounds, making it lighter than some single strollers and perfect for air travel or storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a huge storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Unlike the behemoth strollers of the past the modern double strollers are sleek and can accommodate a variety of configurations to fit families. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers while others - like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller - function as a base that car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets snap into. They are available in various widths and weight limits to fit children from birth through kindergarten.
A good double stroller must be easy to maneuver and fold, while permitting you to adjust the handlebar height so you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A well-designed handlebar should be easy to hold and should invite you to walk with proper posture (ask other parents for advice on this). It should also provide a variety of storage options that can accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your kids.
If your twins are of a similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best choice for your family. These models have seats that are side-byside, which means you can interact with them each other 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 is that it's more spacious than a model with a single occupant, which can make it difficult to navigate walkways, aisles for shopping, and narrow doorways. However, 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 V2 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 a perfect option for city-living.
Another option is a wagon-style stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare-bones and offers a lot of seating space and storage, as well as robust wheels that can handle any terrain. It also comes with a canopy that has 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and can't recline to a completely flat position, making it difficult for small children to sit comfortably or reach their snack tray.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller is often a significant investment and one that you hope to use for many years. When you are shopping for a double stroller, be sure it is easy to use and clean. The top double strollers are designed to be easy-to-use and come with many useful features.
All the strollers that we tested could be folded easily and compactly using just one hand. They are light and perfect for travel. A lot of them fit into most trunks and can be gate-checked on airplanes. Most of our testers also found that their strollers could fold down smaller than single-seat versions. Some even had a carry strap.
If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that can adapt to your family's needs Look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller works with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth until preschool age. Each seat is equipped with a five-point harness and a large canopy that provides ample shade from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly regarded. The stroller is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when it's folded. The front seat reclines to nearly a full flat position and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline for each child. This stroller is easy to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, easy one-step parking brake and large storage basket.
The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to the model. Kerry notes that the packaging was fun and innovative, but it also came in five boxes which can be a bit of an inconvenience to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be somewhat awkward and took her some time before she could get it to work. In the end, though she was extremely pleased with this stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and designs, including tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and some that let you modify the layout using the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards for older children. However, not all of them are created equal -- some are sleek and easy to use, whereas others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold or stow.
If you're looking to purchase a light double stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, weighing just under 23 lbs. It folds easily and has all the features parents need to enjoy a day out with two kids.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is a different model that our testers adored especially for its sleek design and easy to use. 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 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 states that the best double stroller for a toddler is one with multiple customization options. This includes a seat or bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers can be limited in their endurance and a stroller that has an integrated bassinet can give them a safe space for them to nap. She says a double stroller should also come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents due to its light weight and the versatility. It's airline gate-check-friendly it can be accessed through all doors (without removing 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 footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of parent and child cup holders round out the impressive feature set. Taylor states that the only drawback is that it has a large footprint when folded, and it can be difficult for parents to stow.
