A Double Car Seat Stroller Is a Must-Have For Twins Or Two Young Kids
A double car seat stroller is an essential item for twins or two young kids. One option, the Joovy TwinRoo+, allows infant car seats to face either direction and has a sit-and-stand option for older children.
Another alternative is a baby jogger, which is ideal for parents who want to take their children on a running adventure. Which stroller is best for you?
Easy to Fold
The most comfortable double strollers are simple to fold, regardless of whether you're trying to put them in your car or stow them into an entranceway. Most models have a lever that allows you to fold the base down and flip the seat back. Some models come with an upper handle that you can use to lift the stroller and carry it, while other models have a built-in kickstand to keep the stroller when folded.
A double stroller that is able to accommodate two infant car seats and an add-on riding board is a great option if you're a parent of twins or plan to have more than one child in the future. One of the most popular options is the Baby Trend Double Snap-N-Go, which can accept any brand of infant car seats and features seating in a stadium so that both children are able to see the sights. This model however, doesn't "snap" the car seats in place rather, you tie them on using an elastic strap and the rim of the car seat rests on the frame's edge.
If you're planning to go shopping or stroll on a city sidewalk look into a stroller that has front and rear wheels that lock to allow for better steering over uneven terrain. A three-position handle with padding provides convenience and control and the tray for the parent has two cup holders and a covered storage compartment. Certain models come with bigger baskets that can fit more equipment.
For outdoor enthusiasts, a jogging stroller could be a better option over a standard stroller however it isn't easy to carry and lift with no handle. Some strollers with a jogging feature hooks to attach an infant car seat to give parents eight more months of walking time, however this can be dangerous for infants under six months and should be discussed with your pediatrician before trying. The BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 double tandem pushchair are lightweight and have convenient one-hand standing folds. The Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite, that can accommodate two toddlers or a child in the primary seating position is a fantastic choice for outdoor activities.
Sturdy
A double stroller can be an essential tool for families on the move. It should be strong enough to handle different surfaces, such as suburban sidewalks and park trails. It should also be comfortable for both toddlers and infants who may want to explore and sit up. It should allow for multiple seating arrangements to accommodate children of various age groups and fit comfortably in the trunk of your car.
This multi-functional tandem stroller from CYBEX is a great choice for all kinds of terrain. It includes a reclining seat for toddlers and is compatible with an infant car seat. The footrests and leg rests are adjustable to ensure that children are in a comfortable position. Its UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows, as well as adjustable leg rests offer plenty of sun protection for both seats. Kids can enjoy the ride in either seat or sit on the baby bouncer board. The buckles with no-rethread were among the easiest to use in our tests, making it easy to get into and out.
Despite being a double, this stroller is extremely light and compact. It also has plenty of storage space, including a large cargo net under the seats and a large basket on top. Parents are awed by the padded handlebars as well as the way that the seats recline. However, some complain that the seat backs do not fully collapse to an entirely flat position.
A similar lightweight, barebones tandem stroller is this model from Kolcraft which weighs less than 23 pounds and can accommodate children up to 40 pounds per seat (80 pounds in total). It has large pop-out canopy to provide shade, peekaboo windows and an auto-standing folding mechanism that has an easy-to-carry handle for transport.
This budget-friendly double stroller is the lightest frame we test, and it's a great option for families with two children of similar ages. It doesn't work with infant car seats however, it will accommodate two of the top-rated convertible carseats and has a handy cup holder for both parents. The seats feature an easy-to-use harness that doesn't require rethreading. It's and easy to fasten, and the ample undercarriage storage is accessible without causing any disturbance to your passengers.
Convenient Storage
The amount of storage space a stroller offers is important especially when you're carrying around two kids and their toys. Some of our top picks such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double and Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double Stroller and 2 Car Seats bundle, come with plenty of storage, including a huge basket that can be used to store the kids' snacks as well as adult items. The UPPAbaby's easy, one-hand fold means you don't have to strain your back when it's time to put it away.
Other models, like the Joovy TwinRoo+ Car Seat Frame Double Stroller have less space, but offer decent flexibility at a low cost. This model is compatible with 23 different infant car seats and cradles each seat, which is a huge advantage over other twin frames that fix cars to the frame and aren't built to last as long as the infant car seat itself.
Parents of twins typically opt for a tandem stroller that can accommodate both infant car seats at the same time. However, these strollers are more expensive and will last longer as the children grow. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that will still work when your twins get bigger and develop, consider a stroller that can transport both car seats and comes with two canopy options and a handy tray for parents with cup holders.
While it's crucial to ensure that your stroller is able to handle the heft and weight that you'll be placing on it, you also want to make sure your children are able to sit comfortably. Our testers looked for padding, good shoulder height strap adjustment, and simple buckles that do not require two hands to operate. Certain models, like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 and Evenflo Pivot Xpand have recline seats that let children rest comfortably. Others such as the Joovy Caboose Ultralight graphite and Graco Duet, have seats with limited recline options.
The location and number of the sunshades is also important. Some models, such as the UPPAbaby Vista v2 or Evenflo Pivot have two canopy options to cover both seats. Others, like the Joovy Caboose or Graco Duet have only one canopy, which has a window for the rear passenger. This can be helpful if your kids tend to sleep in the same spot, but it's worth remembering that they will only have only a small amount of coverage when the window is open.
Comfortable
The most important aspect of a stroller to consider is its ease of use. Find a seat that is spacious enough to accommodate both children and includes recline positions. The canopy should be big enough to offer shade, and there should be a tray for parents with two cup holders. Other useful features include locking front wheels, as well as a parent organizer with snacks and diaper bags.
The best double car seat strollers also have safety features that will make your child feel safe. Choose a model that has five points of safety harness that secures your child's shoulders as well as hips, which are the most rigid parts of their body. This shifts the extreme forces of an accident away from the abdomen to the seat, making this type of restraint much safer than a lap belt.
You should also think about how the stroller will fit in your home. The majority of parents have a small amount of storage space, so be sure that the stroller fits in your closet or trunk before you buy it. It is also important to take measurements of the width of any doors which you'll be required to pass through with the stroller open. Doors that are standard are between 30 to 36 inches wide. However some are wider.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is a budget-friendly option. It comes with two infant car seats, and two toddler seats that can be set either forward or backward. This model is comparable to more expensive double car seat strollers but it's more affordable for families with growing children. The one-hand fold and front foot brake make it simple to move around, while the cushioned 3-position handle is suitable for mom and dad. Under the large cargo basket is a convenient back zippered compartment that can be used to access larger items. The swivels in the rear and front have suspension for smooth riding in all terrains. Plus, the no-rethread harness allows you to quickly and easily to secure your children's seat belts. It can be washed in the washing machine, and it's easy to spot-clean.