How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a lot of options when it comes to double strollers. To help you pick the most suitable one for your family, we spoke with child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
Look for a stroller that's fairly easy to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that can hold two infant car seat or a toddler that has a riderboard.
Safety
Look for a double-stroller that has all-terrain wheels and a brake that can be operated with a hand if you want to keep your kids safe when walking. These wheels and brakes will aid you in traversing trails, gravel, and sidewalks without your children falling or rolling away. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space for gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.
Selecting the best double stroller for your family starts by determining the age and distance in age your kids are. Many double strollers only allow one child seat, however, those do come with various configurations so that you can select the type of seating that is most suitable for your children and your lifestyle.
Side-by-side doubles are an iconic option, and they're great for kids of similar ages that like to interact with each other. Certain models feature a double-decker style, allowing you to place one seat higher than the other or add a rider board for older siblings. Newborns can either be snuggled in a bassinet connected to the frame or in an attachment that lets you play peek-a-boo with your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the best way to go.
For more adventurous families consider double strollers that can take on off-road terrains or even hike. Many of these strollers were designed with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that allow you to take them on any trip, no regardless of how challenging or difficult the climbs might be.
The top pushchair double strollers have intelligent features that aid in navigation in a difficult terrain or bad weather. For instance this stroller for jogging has a wrist loop for your child so you're sure that they're safe while running downhill or at faster speeds. It also has a canopy that covers the entire area and has airflow to keep your kids cool during the summer heat.
If you're looking for a light, compact double stroller, look at this model from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 lbs. It's perfect for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. Plus, it has a large storage basket and a parking brake that is linked in one step that is easy to use.
Seating
Double strollers today are sleeker and can be set up in many ways to meet the needs of your family. Some work 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 click into. They are available in a range of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.
A good double pram buggy stroller must be a breeze to move and fold, while permitting you to adjust the height of the handlebar to ensure you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A well-designed handlebar is easy to grip and should encourage you to walk in a logical manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should come with a variety of storage options that can accommodate everything your children will require.
If your twins are similar age, a tandem stroller may be the ideal option for your family. These models have seats that are side-by-side, which means you can interact with them each other and keep an eye on each of them simultaneously. They also recline independently, so one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The drawback of a twin stroller could be that it is wider than a stroller designed that is designed for a single occupant. This makes it difficult to maneuver narrow doorways, store aisles, or the sidewalks. For certain families, however the benefits are well worth the extra effort and size.
If you are looking for a small double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is an excellent alternative. Its shock absorption, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for more mobile children -- make it a great choice for city living.
Another option is a wagon-style stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This bare-bones model offers a lot of seating space and storage, as well as sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also comes with a 50+ SPF canopy and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are a little too low and don't recline to a fully flat position, making it difficult for children of smaller sizes to sit comfortably or reach their snack tray.
User-Friendliness
Double strollers are usually a large investment that you will be using for a long time. When you are shopping for one you need to ensure that it is easy to use and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and come with plenty of features that are convenient for parents.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with only one second hand double buggy!). These strollers are lightweight and perfect for travel. A lot of them fit into the majority of trunks and are checked at the gate on planes. Many of our test subjects discovered that their strollers can be folded down to a smaller size than their single-seat equivalents. Some even came with a carrying strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller with lots of options that can grow with your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth to preschool age. Each seat has a 5-point harness and a large canopy. It also offers plenty of sun protection.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light and extremely compact, weighing just 22 pounds and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines to almost an entire flat position, and the back seat has an adjustable recline that can be adjusted for each child. There's a large storage bin and an easy, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller simple to move and use.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry says that the packaging is innovative and fun, however it comes in five boxes which can be a little cumbersome to carry around. She also felt that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a little difficult to master. She was happy with the stroller at the end and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and styles and styles, including tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and many that let you customize the configuration using an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some come with rider boards for older siblings. But, they're not all created equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or store.
If you are looking for a lightweight stroller that can fit two children The Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It's also easy to fold and comes with all the features parents want for a fun day out with two kids.
The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved. They were particularly impressed by its sleek design and ease-of-use. It can fit two infant car seats or a toddler bassinet as well as a seat without the need for adapters. The rear seat can be removed to make it into a triple or quad stroller. It has a huge storage basket that can be upgraded to include a parent organizer, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the ideal double stroller for toddlers is one that offers multiple customization options, like the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. That's because toddlers often have limited endurance, and a stroller with the bassinet attachment can give them a safe place to take a nap. A double stroller must also come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its lightness and versatility. It's gate-check-friendly for airlines, fits through most doors (without having to remove the front wheels) and expands into a quad or triple stroller that has an additional tandem seat. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of parent and kid cup holders complete the impressive set of features. The one downside, according to Taylor, is that it lacks a a small profile when folded and can be difficult to stow.