20 Truths About Best Double Stroller: Busted
How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller there are a variety of options. To help you choose the best one for your family, we talked to child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
You should choose a stroller which is easy to fold and push, as well as carry. Also, consider a stroller that is able to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler along with an adult rider board.
Safety
If you want to keep your children safe on your walks make sure you choose a double stroller that has features such as all-terrain tires and a hand-operated brake. These brakes and wheels will allow you to navigate trails and gravel without your children slipping or rolling. The best double pram stroller strollers offer plenty of storage space to store gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.
The best double stroller for your family begins with understanding how old and far apart in age your kids are. Most double strollers can only accommodate one child 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.
The classic doubles are great for children of similar ages who want to play. Double-decker designs permit you to place one seat over the other, or even attach an additional riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into a bassinet attached to the frame, or as a standalone attachment that offers a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the way to go.
Find a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain as well as hiking. A lot of these strollers have been designed with active parents in mind and have features that let you take your kids on any adventure, no matter how rough the terrain or how steep the climb may be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers come with thoughtful features that make getting around difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. This jogging stoller for instance, comes with a wrist loop, so you can ensure your child's safety when running downhill at higher speeds or in extreme weather conditions. It also comes with a canopy that covers the entire area and has ventilation to ensure your children stay comfy during the summer heat.
This model is a light and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just over 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than some single strollers and perfect to take on air travel or for storing in overhead compartments or trunks. It also has a large storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Unlike the behemoth strollers of old these double strollers are sleek and can accommodate various configurations that can be adapted to families. Some are used as traditional side-by-side strollers while others--such as the Baby Trend sit and stand double stroller 'N Stand Double Stroller - function as a base to which car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets can be plugged into. They come in various widths and weight limits to accommodate children from birth to kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be easy to fold and move sit and stand double stroller will allow you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure that you're comfortable on all of your outings. A well-designed handlebar should be easy to hold and should allow you to walk with proper form (ask parents for advice on this). It should come with a variety of storage options to fit all the essentials your children will need.
If your twins are similar age, a tandem stroller could be the ideal option for your family. The seats on these models are placed together, allowing you to be able to interact with both of them and keep an eye on them simultaneously. They can also recline independently, so one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.
The drawback of twin strollers is that it can be more spacious than a model with a single occupant which makes it difficult to navigate walkways, aisles for shopping and narrow doors. For some families, the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're in the market for an ultra-compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great option. Its shock absorption, sleek design and the capacity to accommodate 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 like the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. This model is bare bones, but it offers plenty of space for storage and seating. It also has heavy-duty wheels that can tackle any terrain. It also has a canopy that has 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. However, some parents feel that the seats are a little too low and don't recline to a completely flat position, which makes it difficult for smaller children to be comfortable or reach their snack trays.
Simple to Use
Double strollers are typically an investment of a significant amount that you will use for many years. When you are shopping for one, you want to ensure that it is easy to operate and clean. The best double strollers are designed to be user-friendly and include many useful features.
All the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly using just one second hand double buggy. They're also light, making them ideal for travel. They can fit in most trunks and can be checked for gate-checking on planes. Many of our test subjects found that their strollers can be folded down much smaller than single double stroller-seat versions. Some even came with a carrying strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with a lot of versatility that can grow with your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth to preschool age. Each seat has five points of harness and a large canopy. It also offers ample sun protection.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly regarded. The stroller is light and extremely compact, weighing just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when it's folded. The front seat reclines almost to the full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline that can be adjusted for each child. The stroller is simple to operate and maneuver due to its large storage basket, easy parking brake that is one step and a large storage basket.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry says that the packaging was enjoyable and innovative, but it was also packaged in five boxes that could be a hassle to lug around. She also noticed that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a little clunky and took some time to master. She was pleased with the stroller at the end and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and designs, including tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and many that allow you to customize the configuration using an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added for older children. But, they're not all created equal -- some are elegant and simple to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or stow.
If you're looking for a light double stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It folds easily and comes with all the features parents need to enjoy a day out with two children.
The Vista v2 double pram buggy from UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved especially for its sleek design and easy to use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters needed. The rear seat can also be removed to make it 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 says that the best double stroller for toddlers is one that has different options for customization, including the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. Toddlers can be weak in endurance, and strollers that have an integrated bassinet can offer a safe spot for them to nap. She says that a double stroller must also have a great 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 lightweight and flexibility. It is gate-check-friendly for airlines and fits through the majority of doorways (without taking off the wheels at the front) and can be converted to a triple or quad stroller by adding an add-on tandem. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its large underseat storage area and the inclusion of parent and kid cup holders complete the impressive set of features. The one disadvantage, according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have the smallest profile when folded and can be difficult to stow.