How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a variety of options in the field of double strollers. To help you select the right one for your family, we spoke with child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
Choose a stroller relatively easy to push, fold and carry. You should consider a stroller that can accommodate two infant car seat or a toddler with a riderboard.
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 the kids safe while walking. These wheels and brakes help you navigate trails or sidewalks without your kids slipping or slipping away. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space for items for your kids, including snacks and toys.
Choosing the right double umbrella stroller stroller for your family starts by understanding how old and distant in age. Most double strollers can only accommodate one child seat, but the ones do come with different configurations, so you can select the type of seating that is most suitable for your children and your lifestyle.
Side-byside doubles are a popular option, and are great for kids of similar ages who like to interact with each other. Some models have 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 allows you to look at your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins, then a twin stroller with car seats stroller is the best choice.
Find a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain as well as hiking. A majority of these strollers have been designed with active parents in mind and come with features that let you take your kids to any adventure, no matter how rough the path or how steep the climb could be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double pushchair for newborn and toddler strollers come with clever features that make traversing tough terrain and weather easier. For instance this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child, so you can be sure that they're safe when you run downhill or at faster speeds. It also comes with a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during summer heat.
If you're looking for a lightweight compact double stroller look at this model from Joovy. It weighs just over 23 pounds, making it lighter than most compact double stroller single strollers and perfect for air travel or storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a huge storage basket and an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers are now more sleek and can be arranged in various 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 can be plugged into. They come in various widths and weight limits to accommodate infants and children up to kindergarten.
A good double stroller will be easy to fold and move, as well as allowing you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure you are at ease on all your excursions. A good handlebar is easy to hold and should inspire you to walk in a proper manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should also have various storage options that accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your kids.
If your twins are close in age, you might consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. These models have seats that are side-by-side, which means you can interact with them both while keeping an eye on both of them at the same time. They also recline separately, so one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller could be that it is wider than a model for a single person. This can make it difficult to navigate narrow aisles for stores, doors or even the sidewalks. For some families, however, the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you are looking for a compact double-stroller then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is an excellent 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 but it comes with plenty of space for storage and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has a canopy with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. However, some parents feel that the seats are a little too low and they don't recline to a fully flat position, which makes it difficult for smaller children to get comfortable or reach their snack tray.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller is often an investment of a large amount and one you're likely to use for a long time. When choosing a stroller you need to ensure that it is easy to operate and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and include a variety of features that are convenient for parents.
For starters, all the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with one hand!). They're also lightweight, making them ideal for traveling. Many of them fit in the majority of trunks and can be checked at the gate on planes. Furthermore, the majority our testers reported that their strollers folded down to smaller sizes than the single seat models, and some even had a carry strap for convenient carrying.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with a lot of versatility that will grow with your family. This side-by-side stroller works with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, so you can use it from birth until preschool age. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness with a large canopy, as well as plenty of sun protection.
Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light compact and weighs only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to almost an entire flat position, and the back seat has an adjustable recline for each child. The stroller is simple to use and maneuver thanks to its large storage basket, easy one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.
The only downsides of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry notes that the packaging was fun and innovative, but it was also packaged in five boxes, which can be a bit of an inconvenience to carry around. She also found that the Genuis magnetic buckle was awkward and took a while to master. She was happy with the stroller in the end and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come with a variety of shapes and sizes, from tandems with side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to modify your layout by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards which can be added for older children. They're not created equal. Some are light and easy to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.
If you're looking to purchase a light cheap double pushchair stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest option in our tests at close to 23 lbs and is also simple to fold, but it still has all of the features parents need to enjoy a great time with two children.
UPPAbaby's Vista v2 double is another model that our test subjects loved. They particularly liked its sleek design and ease-of-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat, and a bassinet with no adapters needed. The rear seat can be removed to create a triple or quad stroller. It has a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include a parent organizer with wheels for all-terrain and side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the ideal double stroller for a toddler is one that supports various options for customization, such as an adjustable seat or bassinet. Toddlers are typically restricted in their endurance, so strollers that have an attached bassinet will provide a safe place for them to nap. She suggests that a double stroller should come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its lightness and versatility. It's gate-check-friendly on airlines and fits through the majority of doorways (without taking off the wheels on the front), and can be made into a quad or triple stroller by adding an additional tandem. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its large underseat storage basket and inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive list of features. One disadvantage, according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have a small profile when folded, and could be difficult to store.