7 Simple Tricks To Rocking Your Best Double Stroller

How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

There are a variety of options when it comes to double strollers. To help you pick the right one for your family, we spoke with the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.

Look for a stroller that's fairly easy to fold, push and carry. Also, consider a stroller that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler as well as a rider board.

Safety

If you want to keep your children secure on your walks opt for a double stroller with features such as all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These wheels and brakes assist you in navigating trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without your kids slipping or rolling away. The best double strollers also come with plenty of storage space for gear as well as essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.

The best double stroller for your family starts with understanding how old and far apart in age your kids are. Most double strollers can only allow one child seat, however, those that do come in a variety of configurations so you can select the seating option that best lightweight double stroller fits your kids and your lifestyle.

Side-by-side doubles are an iconic option, and are great for children of similar ages who like to be social with one another. Some options have a more double-decker design, which allows you to put one seat higher than the other or add a rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into a bassinet, which is attached to the frame or in a standalone attachment that allows you to have the chance to peek at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the way to go.

Find a double-wheeled stroller that can handle off-road terrain as well as hiking. A lot of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind and come with features that let you take your children on any adventure, regardless of how rough the terrain or how steep the climbs could be.

The best double strollers come with clever features that make it easier to navigate through difficult terrain and in bad weather. This jogging stroller, for instance, comes with wrist loops so that you can ensure your child's safety when going downhill at a higher speed or in adverse weather conditions. It also features a full-coverage canopy with airflow to keep your kids comfy in the summer heat.

If you're looking for a light, compact double stroller, look at this model 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. Plus, it has a large storage basket and a one-step linked parking brake that is simple to use.

Seating

Double strollers today are sleeker and can be configured in many ways to suit 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 for car seats, toddler seats or bassinets snap into. They come in a variety of sizes and weight limits, allowing infants and children up to kindergarten.

A good double stroller must be easy to maneuver and fold, while also permitting you to adjust the handlebar height so you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A great handlebar is one that is easy to hold, and it should allow you to walk with proper posture (ask parents for advice on this). It should also have various storage options that will accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your children.

If your twins are of a similar age, a tandem stroller could be the ideal option for your family. These models come with seats that are side-byside, so you can talk to them both and keep an eye on each of them at the same time. They also recline independently, so one child can rest while the other is ready to go.

The disadvantage of a twin stroller could be that it is larger than one designed that is designed for a single occupant. This makes it more difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles or even the sidewalks. For some families, the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.

If you're in the market for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great option. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats, plus an optional running board for more mobile children--make it an ideal choice for city living.

Another alternative 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 storage and seating space. It also has heavy-duty wheels that can tackle any terrain. It also comes with 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 fully flat, making it difficult for little children to reach their snacks or get comfortable.

Simple to Use

A double stroller is often an investment of a large amount and one that you hope to use for years. When you are shopping for one you need to ensure that it is easy to operate and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and come with plenty of convenient features for parents.

For starters, all the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They are light and are ideal for traveling. A lot of them can be gate checked on airplanes and fit into most trunks. Furthermore, the majority our testers reported that their strollers double strollers folded to a smaller size than the single seat models, and some even came with the option of carrying a strap for carrying.

If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that will expand with your family, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth up to the age of preschool. Each seat comes with five points of harness with a large canopy, as well as ample sun protection.

Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight and extremely compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when it's folded. The front seat reclines to a flat position and the back seat can be adjusted for each child. There's a large storage bin and an easy, one-step connected parking brake that makes this stroller extremely easy to maneuver and use.

The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry says that the packaging was fun and clever, however it also came in five boxes which could be an inconvenience to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be somewhat difficult to use, and it took a while before she could master it. In the end, though she was extremely pleased with her stroller and would definitely recommend it.

Stores

Strollers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, and a lot allow you to customize your setup with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added to accommodate older siblings. They're not all created equal. Some are light and easy to use while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.

If you are looking for a lightweight stroller that can hold two kids and two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest choice in our tests, weighing close to 23 lbs and is also easy to fold, but it has all the features parents require to enjoy a great time with two children.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is a second model that our testers loved particularly for its sleek design and ease of use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat, and a bassinet with no adapters required. The rear seat can also be removed to make it a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage, and it can be upgraded with an organizer for parents and all-terrain tires as well as storage bags for the sides.

Billingsley says that the most suitable double stroller to use for a toddler is one that has multiple customization options. This includes a seat or bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers are typically restricted in their endurance, so strollers that have an attached bassinet will offer a safe spot for them to rest. She says a double stroller should have a good harness system and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.

The ZOE twin stroller with car seats+ is a popular choice among parents due to its light weight and versatility. It's gate-check-friendly on airlines and fits through the majority of doorways (without removing the wheels on the front), and can be converted to a triple or quad stroller by adding an add-on tandem. The near-flat, independently reclined seats and the extra-long sun canopies that are adjustable are other highlights. A spacious underseat basket as well as cup holders for the child and parent make up the impressive features. The one disadvantage, according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a a small profile when folded and can be difficult to store.