How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking for a double stroller there are a variety of options. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, helped us choose the right model for you.
Look for a stroller that's fairly easy to push, fold and carry. Consider a model that can accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler as well as an adult rider board.
Safety
Look for a double-stroller that comes with all-terrain tires and a brake that can be operated by hand if you want to keep your kids safe when walking. These brakes and wheels help you navigate paths and dirt without worrying about 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 by understanding the age and distance in age. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, those that do have a variety configurations that let you choose the seating that's best for your family.
Side-by-side doubles are an iconic choice, and they're perfect for kids of similar ages that like to be social with one another. Some models have a double-decker style, allowing you to put one of the seats above the other or even attach a rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into a bassinet attached to the frame, or as an independent attachment that gives you the chance to peek at your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins then a twin stroller will be the best option.
For more adventurous families consider a double stroller that can handle off-road terrain or even hike. Many 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 might be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double strollers come with thoughtful features that make navigating tough terrain and weather easier. For example this stroller for jogging has a wrist loop for your child so you'll be able to ensure they're secure when running downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also features a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during summer heat.
This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 lbs., making it ideal for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a large storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers are now more sleek and can be arranged in many ways to fit your family. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models, while others, such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as a base for car seats, toddler seats and bassinets. They are available in a range of sizes and weights to accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, while allowing you to adjust the height of the handlebar to ensure you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A great handlebar should be comfortable to grip, and it should encourage you to walk in a proper form (ask other parents for tips on this). It should also provide various 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 could be the ideal option for your family. These models come with seats that are side-by-side, so you can interact with them both and keep an eye on each of them at the same time. They also recline separately which means that one child can rest while the other is ready to go.
The disadvantage of twin strollers is that it's wider than a single-occupant model, which can make it difficult to maneuver around the aisles of shops, sidewalks, and narrow doorways. But for certain families, the benefits are worth the extra size and effort.
If you're looking for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great option. Its shock absorption, streamlined design and capacity for two infant car seats, plus an optional running board for more mobile children make it a perfect option 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, as well as sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also comes with a canopy with a 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. But some parents say the seats are too low and they don't recline completely to a flat position, which makes it difficult for small children to get comfortable or reach their snack trays.
Easy of Use
A double stroller is often a significant investment and one you're likely to use for years. When shopping for one, you want to make sure it will be simple to operate and clean. The top double strollers are designed to be user-friendly and include many useful features.
To start, all the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with only one hand!). These strollers are lightweight and are ideal for traveling. A lot of them fit into the majority of trunks and are checked at the gate on planes. Furthermore, the majority our testers found that their strollers folded down to smaller dimensions than the single seat models, and some even included an adjustable carry strap for easy carrying.
If Push Chairs And Prams in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that can adapt to your family's needs take a look at the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth until the age of preschool. Each seat has five-point harnesses, a large canopy and plenty of sun protection.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly praised. It is light and extremely compact, weighing just 22 lbs and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines almost to the full flat position and the back seat has an adjustable recline that can be adjusted for each child. This stroller is easy to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, simple one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.
The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry says that the packaging is clever and fun, but it comes in five boxes that can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also found that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a little difficult to master. In the end, however she was extremely pleased with this stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to modify your layout by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some have even added rider boards designed for older kids. However, not all of them are created equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold and store.
If you're looking for a stroller that is light that can fit two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest choice during our tests. It weighs close to 23 pounds. It is also simple to fold, but it has all the features parents require to enjoy a great time with two kids.
UPPAbaby's Vista v2 double is another model that our test subjects loved. They particularly liked 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 quad or triple stroller. It has a huge storage basket and can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the ideal double stroller for a two-year-old is one that offers multiple customization options, like the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. This is due to toddlers having limited endurance, and the stroller with an attachment for a bassinet will provide them with a safe space to rest for a nap. A double stroller should include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents due to its light weight and the versatility. It is airline gate-check friendly it can be accessed through all doors (without taking off the wheels at the front) and can be expanded to a triple or quad stroller by adding an additional tandem. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, extra-long sun canopies and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its large underseat storage basket and inclusion of parent and child cup holders complete the impressive feature set. Taylor says the one drawback is that it has an enormous size when folded and it can be difficult for parents to stow.