7 Simple Strategies To Completely Rocking Your Best Double Stroller
How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller there are plenty of options. To help you select the most suitable one for your family, we talked to the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
You should look for a stroller that is easy to fold, push and carry. You should consider a stroller that can hold two infant car seats or a toddler with a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to ensure your children are secure on your walks opt for a double stroller with features like all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These brakes and wheels allow you to navigate trails and gravel without your children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space for gear as well as kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.
The first step in choosing the best double stroller is to know the age of your children and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, those that do have a variety options that let you pick the seating that's best for your family.
The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar ages who want to play. Some options have a more double-decker design, which allows you to put one seat higher than the other or attach an extra rider board for older siblings. Newborns can either be snuggled in a bassinet attached to the frame or in an attachment that allows you to peek-a-boo at your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins then a twin stroller will be the best option.
For families that are more adventurous, look for a double stroller that can handle off-road terrain, or even hike. A lot of these strollers were developed with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that allow you to take them on any trip, no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs might be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double strollers come with clever features that make traversing difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. For instance this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child so you'll be able to ensure that they're safe when you run downhill or at faster speeds. It also comes with a full-coverage canopy with ventilation so your kids stay comfortable in the summer heat.
If you're looking to purchase a light, compact double stroller, check out this model from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds. It's perfect for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a large storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.
Seating
Contrary to the giant strollers of old, today's double strollers are sleek and offer various configurations to fit families. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models while others, such as 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 fit infants and children up to kindergarten.
A good double stroller will be easy to fold and move and allows you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure that you're at ease on all your excursions. A good handlebar is comfortable to hold and should inspire you to walk in a logical manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should offer a variety of storage options to fit all the necessities your children will need.
If your twins are of a similar age and are in the same age group, a tandem stroller might be the best choice for your family. These models come with seats that are side-byside, which means you can interact with them each other and keep an eye on each of them at the same. They also recline independently so that one child can rest while the other is ready to go.
The drawback of a twin stroller could be that it is wider than a model for a single person. This makes it difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles, or sidewalks. 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 V2 Double is a great choice. Its shock absorption, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats, plus an optional running board for mobile older children -- make it a great choice for city living.
Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. It's a basic model however it has plenty of space for storage and seating. It also has sturdy wheels to tackle any terrain. It also features a canopy with a 50+ SPF and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not recline completely flat, making it difficult for little children to reach their snacks or get comfortable.
Easy of Use
A double stroller is often an investment of a large amount and one you're likely to use for years. When you are shopping for a double infant stroller stroller, make sure it's easy to use and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as possible and come with plenty of useful features for parents.
All the strollers we tested could be folded quickly and compactly in one hand. They are also light and perfect for travel. A lot of them can be gate checked on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. Our testers discovered that their strollers could fold down smaller than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carry strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller that has a lot of versatility that will grow with your family. This side-byside stroller works with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth until preschool age. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and a large canopy that gives plenty of shade from the sun.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. It is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly a full flat position and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline for each child. There's a huge storage basket and an easy, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller extremely user-friendly and easy to maneuver.
The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry states that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, however it was also packaged in five boxes which can be a bit of a hassle to lug around. She also found that the Genuis magnetic buckle was clunky and took some time to master. However, in the end, she was very happy with the stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come with a variety of sizes and shapes, from tandems with side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to modify your stroller with a bassinet or car seat 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 heavy, bulky and difficult to fold and store.
If you are seeking a stroller with a light weight that can hold two kids and two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest option during our tests. It weighs around 23 pounds and is also easy to fold, yet it still has all of the features parents require for a fun outing with two kids.
The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved. They particularly liked its sleek design and easy-to-use. It can fit two infant car seats or a toddler's bassinet as well as a seat without adapters, and 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 a parent organizer wheel, all-terrain wheels, as well as side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the ideal double pram stroller stroller for toddlers is one that has different options for customization, including an adjustable seat or bassinet. Toddlers are typically restricted in their endurance, so strollers with a bassinet attached will offer a safe spot for them to rest. The expert says that a double stroller must also have a comfortable recline position and harness system as well as plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its lightweight double stroller and versatility. It is airline gate-check friendly it can be accessed through all doors (without removing the wheels on the front), and can be converted into a quad or triple stroller by adding an extra tandem. 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 as well as the inclusion of parent and kid cup holders complete the impressive list of features. The only downside, according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have a a small footprint when folded and can be difficult to stow.