How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are many options available in the field of double strollers. To help you select the best one for your family, we consulted experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.
Look for a stroller that's fairly easy to push, fold and carry. Also, consider a stroller that's versatile enough to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler along with an adult rider board.
Safety
Find a double-stroller that has all-terrain wheels and a brake that can be operated by hand if want to keep the kids safe when walking. These wheels and brakes help you navigate paths and dirt without worrying about your children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers come with ample storage space to store equipment and essentials for kids like snacks and toys.
The first step in choosing the best double stroller is to determine how old your children are and how far apart they are. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, some do have a variety options that let you select the seating option that's best for your family.
Side-by-side doubles are an iconic choice, and they're perfect for children of similar ages who want to play with one another. Certain models feature a double-decker design, which allows you to put one of the seats above the other or even attach an extra rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into a bassinet, which is attached to the frame or in a standalone attachment that allows you to have a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the way to go.
For families that are more adventurous consider a double stroller that is able to handle off-road terrain or even hike. A majority of these strollers have been designed with active parents in mind, and include features that let you take your kids to any adventure, regardless of how rough the path or how high the climbs could be.
The best double strollers have intelligent features that help you navigate through difficult terrain and in bad weather. This jogging stroller, for example, has a wrist loop, so you can make sure your child is safe when running at higher speeds or in harsh weather conditions. It also comes with an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your kids cool in the summer heat.
If you're looking to purchase a light, compact double stroller, look at this model from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds. It's perfect for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a large storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
In contrast to the massive strollers of old these double strollers are sleek and offer an array of designs to accommodate families. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers while others--such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller - function as a base for car seats, toddler seats or bassinets can be plugged 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, while allowing you to adjust the handlebar's height to make sure you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A good handlebar is comfortable to hold and will encourage you to walk in a safe manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should offer a variety of storage options to fit all the necessities your children will require.
If your twins are of a similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best option for your family. The seats of these models are placed side by side, enabling you to interact with them both and keep an eye on 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 drawback of a twin stroller is that it's wider than a single-occupant model, which can make it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doorways. However, for certain families, 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 option. Its shock absorption, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats, plus an optional running board for mobile older children--make it an ideal choice for city living.
A wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. This model is bare-bones and offers plenty of seating space and storage, plus heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also features a canopy with a 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not recline fully flat, making it difficult for little children to reach their snacks or relax.
Ease of Use
A double stroller can be an investment of a large amount 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 have been designed to be user-friendly and include numerous features that are convenient.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They're also light, making them ideal for travel. Many of them can be checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. Additionally, the majority of our testers reported that their strollers folded to a smaller size than their single-seat counterparts, and some even came with an adjustable carry strap for easy carrying.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with a lot of versatility that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth until preschool age. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness, a large canopy and ample sun protection.
Another option that is highly regarded is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light and extremely compact, weighing just 22 lbs and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines almost to an entire 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 that makes this stroller simple to move and use.
The only drawbacks of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry notes that the packaging was fun and innovative, but it also came in five boxes which can be a hassle to lug around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp a bit clunky and it took her some time before she was able to master it. She was pleased with the stroller at the end and would recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in various sizes and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and some that let you customize the setup with the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some even have add-on rider boards for older children. But, they're not all made equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold or store.
If you're looking for a lightweight double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest choice in our tests, weighing close to 23 pounds. It is also easy to fold, yet it still has all of the features parents need for a fun outing with two kids.
The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model our testers loved. They especially liked its sleek design and ease-of-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler bassinet as well as a seat without adapters. The 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 by adding an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires, as as side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the best double stroller for a toddler is one that offers various options for customization. This includes a bassinet or seat that can be removed. Toddlers are often limited in their endurance and strollers that have an attached bassinet will offer a safe spot for them to sleep. A double stroller should include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents due to its light weight and flexibility. It is gate-check-friendly for airlines, fits through most doorways (without taking off the wheels at the front) and can be made into a quad or triple stroller by adding an additional tandem. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopies and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its large underseat storage area and the inclusion of parent and child cup holders complete the impressive list of features. Going Listed here says that the only disadvantage is that it has a a large size when folded and it can be difficult for parents to stow.