Best Double Stroller: A Simple Definition
How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a variety of options in the field of double strollers. To help you choose the best one for your family, we talked to experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.
You should look for a stroller which is easy to fold and push, as well as carry. And consider a model that can 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 with features like all-terrain tires and a hand-operated brake. These wheels and brakes aid you in traversing trails or sidewalks without the risk of your children sliding or rolling away. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space for equipment and essentials for kids like snacks and toys.
The first step to choosing the right double stroller is to figure out the age of your children and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers are designed to accommodate one child seat, however, those that do come in different configurations, so you can pick the seat that best suits your kids and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar age who are keen to interact. Some options have a more double-decker design, allowing you to place one seat above the other or attach an extra rider board for older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet that is attached to the frame or with an attachment that allows you to look at your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins, then a twin stroller will be the best option.
For families that are more adventurous consider double strollers that can handle off-road terrain, or even hiking. A lot of these strollers were designed with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that will let you take them on any adventure, no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs are.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers come with clever features that make traversing difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. This jogging stoller, for example, has wrist loops so that you can make sure your child is safe when running at higher speeds or in adverse weather conditions. It also features an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your kids cool during the summer heat.
If you're looking for a light, compact twin stroller double stroller - More about the author -, look at this model from Joovy. It weighs just 23 lbs, making it lighter than some single strollers. It's ideal to take on air travel or for storing in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a huge storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers are now sleeker and can be configured in various ways to meet the needs of your family. Some are used 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 are available in a variety of sizes and weights to accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be simple to fold and maneuver and will allow you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure you are at ease on all your outings. A well-designed handlebar is easy to grip and should encourage you to walk in a safe manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should come with a variety of storage options that can accommodate all the necessities your children need.
If your twins are of a similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best option for your family. The seats on these models are placed in a row, allowing you to engage with both of them and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They also recline independently which means that one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.
The drawback of a twin stroller may be that it is larger than a model for a single person. This can make it more difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles or even walkways. But for certain families, the benefits are worth the extra space and effort.
If you're in the market for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for older children make it a perfect option for urban living.
A wagon-style double buggy newborn stroller such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. This model is bare bones but it comes with plenty of space for storage and seating. It also has sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has a canopy with a 50+ SPF and a handlebar that can be adjusted. However, some parents feel that the seats are too low and can't recline completely to a flat position, which makes it difficult for children of smaller sizes to be comfortable or reach their snack tray.
Ease of Use
Double strollers are often an investment of a significant amount that you will be using for a long time. When you are shopping for one you need to ensure that it's simple to operate and clean. Luckily, the top double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and include a variety of features that are convenient for parents.
All the strollers that we tested could be folded easily and compactly using just one hand. They are light and perfect for travel. A majority of them are gate checked on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. Many of our test subjects found that their strollers could be folded down smaller than single double stroller-seat versions. Some even had a carrying strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller double that has a lot of versatility that will grow with your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, a bassinet and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth to preschool age. Each seat has five-point harnesses with a large canopy, as well as ample sun protection.
Another popular option is the Joovy twin pushchair Roo. The stroller is light compact and weighs only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly the full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline for each child. The stroller is simple to operate and maneuver due 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 the model. Kerry says that the packaging is clever and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes, which could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also felt that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a little clunky and took some time to master. She was satisfied with the stroller in the end and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to modify your layout with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some even have add-on rider boards designed for older kids. But, they're not all 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 light double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, with a weight of less than 23 pounds. It folds easily and has all the features parents would want for a great day out with two children.
UPPAbaby's Vista v2 double is another model our testers loved. They particularly liked its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters needed. The rear seat can be removed to make it a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the best double stroller for a toddler is one that offers various options for customization, such as the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. This is because toddlers typically have limited endurance, and having a stroller that has the bassinet attachment can give them a safe place to take a nap. She says a double stroller must also include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents due to its light weight and flexibility. It's airline gate-check-friendly and fits through most doors (without taking off the front wheels), and can expand into a quad or triple stroller with an add-on tandem seat. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats and the extra-long sun canopy that can be adjusted are just a few of the highlights. A large underseat basket as well as cup holders for the child and parent complete the impressive set of features. The only disadvantage, according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a the smallest footprint when folded and can be difficult to stow.