Best Double Stroller: A Simple Definition

How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

There are many options available when it comes to double strollers. To help you select the right one for your family, we consulted the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.

You should choose a stroller which is easy to fold, push and carry. You should consider a stroller that can accommodate two infant car seat or a toddler who has a riderboard.

Safety

If you want to keep your children safe while walking, look for double strollers that have features like all-terrain tires and a brake operated by hand. These brakes and wheels assist you in navigating paths and dirt without worrying about your children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers have ample storage space to store equipment and essentials for kids like snacks and toys.

The first step in selecting the right double stroller is to determine the age of your children and how far apart they are. Many double strollers only can accommodate one child's seat, but those are available in different configurations, so you can select the type of seating that is most suitable for your children and your lifestyle.

Side-by-side doubles are a classic option, and are great for children of similar ages who like to play with one another. Double-decker designs permit you to put one seat above the other, or add an additional riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into a bassinet attached to the frame or in a standalone attachment that gives you an unobstructed view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins then a twin stroller with car seats stroller will be the best option.

Look for a double to single buggy-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain, and even hiking. A lot strollers were created with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that let you take them on any adventure no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs might be.

In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double strollers come with thoughtful features that make getting around difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. For example, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child so you're sure they're secure when running downhill or at higher speeds. It also comes with a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your children cool in the summer heat.

This model is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds. This makes it perfect 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 today are more sleek and can be arranged in a variety of ways to meet the needs of your family. Some double strollers can be used as side-by-side models and others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller can be used as a base for car seats, toddler seats as well as bassinets. They are available in a variety of sizes and weight limits to accommodate children from birth through kindergarten.

A quality double pushchair from birth stroller should be easy to fold and move and allows you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure you are comfortable throughout your outings. A well-designed handlebar is easy to hold and should inspire you to walk in a safe manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should have a range of storage options that can accommodate all the essentials your children will need.

If your twins are close in age, you could discover that a tandem stroller is best for your family. The seats of these models sit side by side, enabling you to be able to interact with them both and keep an eye on them at the same time. They also recline independently, so that one child can lie down while the other is awake and ready to go.

The drawback of a twin stroller may be that it is wider than a stroller designed for a single person. This makes it difficult to maneuver narrow aisles in store aisles, doors or the sidewalks. But for certain families, the advantages are worth the extra space and effort.

If you're 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 older children -- make it a great choice 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 lots of space for seating and storage, as well as heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also features a 50+ SPF canopy and adjustable handlebars. But some parents say the seats are too low and they don't recline to a completely flat position, making it difficult for children of smaller sizes to be comfortable or reach their snack tray.

Easy of Use

Double strollers are typically an investment that will use for many years. When shopping for one, you want to make sure it will be easy to use and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and include a variety of useful features for parents.

For starters, all of the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with one hand!). They are light and perfect for travel. Many of them fit in most trunks and can be checked at the gate on planes. Our testers discovered that their strollers could be folded down much smaller than single-seat versions. Some even came with a carrying strap.

The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with a lot of versatility that will 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 preschool age. Each seat features five points of harness, a large canopy and ample sun protection.

The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly regarded. It is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines to almost the full flat position and the back seat has an adjustable recline for every child. There's a huge storage basket and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller extremely simple to move and use.

The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry says that the packaging is clever and fun, but it comes in five boxes which can be a little cumbersome to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp somewhat awkward, and it took her a while before she was able to master it. She was happy with the stroller, however, and would highly recommend it.

Stores

Strollers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to personalize your stroller with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some even have add-on rider boards for older children. However, not all of them are created equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, whereas others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold or stow.

If you're looking to purchase a light Double Stroller With Snack Tray stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest choice during our tests. It weighs close to 23 lbs and is also simple to fold, but it still has all of the features parents need for a fun outing with two kids.

The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved, especially for its sleek design and ease of use. It can fit two infant car seats or a toddler's seat and a bassinet without the need for adapters. Its rear seat can be removed to transform it into a triple or quad stroller. It has a huge storage basket and can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents with wheels for all-terrain and side storage bags.

Billingsley says that the best double stroller for toddlers is one that has different options for customization, including a removable seat or bassinet. Toddlers are often limited in their endurance and a stroller that has an attached bassinet will offer a safe spot for them to rest. She says that a double stroller must also have a great harness and recline position, as well as ample storage space for toys and snacks.

The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents because of its light weight and flexibility. It is airline gate-check friendly it can be accessed through all doors (without taking off the wheels at the front) and can be converted into a quad or triple stroller by adding an additional tandem. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, extra-long sun canopies and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its large underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive list of features. Taylor states that the only downside is that it has an enormous size when folded and is difficult for parents to stow.