How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double infant strollers stroller, there are a lot of options. To help you choose the best one for your family, we spoke with experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.
You should choose a stroller that is easy to fold and push to carry. Also, consider a stroller that's versatile enough to accommodate two infant car seats 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 want to ensure your children are safe when walking. These wheels and brakes help you navigate trails and sand without children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space for items for your kids, including snacks and toys.
The first step in choosing the best double stroller is to figure out how old your children are and how far apart they are. A majority of double stroller for twins strollers are designed to allow one child seat, but the ones are available in different configurations, so you can choose the type of seating that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
Side-by-side doubles are a classic option, and they're great for children of similar ages that like to be social with one another. Certain models feature a double-decker design, allowing you to place one of the seats above the other or add a rider board for older siblings. Babies can be placed in a bassinet attached to the frame or as an independent attachment that allows you to have a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a dedicated twin stroller is the way to go.
Find a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain, and even hiking. A lot of these strollers were developed with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that allow you to take them on any trip, no matter how rough or high the climbs might be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers feature thoughtful features that make getting around tough terrain and weather easier. This jogging stoller, for instance, comes with a wrist loop so that you can make sure your child is safe when running at higher speeds or in harsh weather conditions. It also has a full-coverage canopy with ventilation so your kids stay comfortable during the summer heat.
If you're looking for a lightweight, compact double stroller, take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs just over 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than some single strollers, and ideal for air travel or storage in trunks or overhead compartments. Additionally, it comes with a huge storage basket and an integrated parking brake that's easy to use.
Seating
In contrast to the massive strollers of old the modern double strollers are sleek and support various configurations that can be adapted to families. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers while others - like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--work as a base for car seats, toddler seats or bassinets snap into. They are available in a range of sizes and weights to accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, while permitting you to adjust the handlebar height so you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A well-designed handlebar should be easy to grip, and it should allow you to walk in a proper form (ask other parents for tips on this). It should offer a variety of storage options to fit all the essentials your children will need.
If your twins are of a similar age, a tandem stroller could be the best option for your family. These models come with seats that are side-byside, which means you can interact with them both while keeping an eye on each of them at the same time. They can also recline separately so that one child can nap while the other is awake and ready to go.
The downside of a twin stroller could be that it is wider than one designed that is designed for a single occupant. This could make it more difficult to navigate narrow aisles in store aisles, doors or even walkways. For some families, the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice for city living thanks to its shock absorption capabilities, sleek design, and capacity to accommodate two infant car seats. It also comes with an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.
Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare-bones and offers plenty of seating space and storage, plus sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has an umbrella with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, which makes it hard for small double stroller children to reach their snack trays or to relax.
Simple to Use
Double strollers are typically a large investment that you will use for many years. If you are in the market for a double stroller, make sure that it is easy to use and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and come with plenty of useful features for parents.
All the strollers we tested could be folded easily and compactly using just one hand. They're also light, making them ideal for traveling. A majority of them are checked at the gate on planes and fit in the majority of trunks. Additionally, the majority of our testers found that their strollers folded down to a smaller size than their single-seat counterparts and some even included the option of carrying a strap for carrying.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller with lots of options that can grow with 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 the age of preschool. Each seat has five-point harnesses with a large canopy, as well as ample sun protection.
Another option that is highly regarded is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight, compact and only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to the full flat position and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline for each child. The stroller is simple to operate and maneuver due to its large storage basket, easy one-step parking brake and large storage basket.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry says that the packaging is innovative and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes that can be a little cumbersome to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp somewhat difficult to use, and it took her a while before she could master it. In the end, however she was extremely pleased with the stroller and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to customize your layout with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added to accommodate older children. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are light and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you're seeking a stroller with a light weight that can fit two children The Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, with a weight of just under 23 lbs. It is also easy-to-fold and comes with all the features parents would want for a great day out with two kids.
The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved. They were particularly impressed by 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 also be removed to make it a triple or quad stroller. It has a large storage basket that can be upgraded to include a parent organizer, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the ideal double stroller for a two-year-old is one that supports different options for customization, including an adjustable seat or bassinet. That's because toddlers often have limitations in endurance, and a stroller with a bassinet attachment will give them a safe place to take a nap. The expert says that a double stroller must also have a good recline position and harness system as well as plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its light weight and versatility. It's airline gate-check-friendly, fits through most compact double stroller doors (without having to remove the front wheels) and can be expanded into a triple or quad stroller that has an additional tandem seat. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopy and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its large underseat storage basket and inclusion of kid and parent cup holders complete the impressive set of features. One disadvantage, according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a an elongated footprint when folded and can be difficult to stow.