How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking for a double stroller there are plenty of options. To help you choose the most suitable one for your family, we consulted experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.
Look for a stroller that's relatively easy to push, fold and carry. Look for a model that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler that has a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to keep your kids safe on your walks, look for a double stroller with features like all-terrain tires as well as an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These brakes and wheels help you navigate trails and sand without children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers also have plenty of storage space for gear and kids-sized items like snacks and toys.
The first step to choosing the best double stroller is to know how old your children are and how far apart they are. Many double strollers only allow one child seat, but the ones that do come in a variety of configurations so you can pick the seat that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar ages that like to interact. Some options have a more double-decker design, allowing the user to place one of the seats above the other or attach an extra rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into a bassinet attached to the frame, or as an individual attachment that gives you an unobstructed view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins and want to have a twin stroller, it is the best choice.
For more adventurous families consider a double stroller that can handle off-road terrain or even hike. A majority of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind, and have features that let you take your kids on any adventure, no matter how rough the road or how high the climbs could be.
The best double strollers have clever features that aid in navigation in difficult terrain and bad weather. For example this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child so you can be sure that they're safe when you run downhill or at faster speeds. It also comes with a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your children cool during summer heat.
If you're looking to purchase a light, compact double stroller, take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds. This makes it perfect for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. Additionally, it comes with an enormous storage basket as well as an integrated parking brake that is easy to use.
Seating
Double strollers of today are sleeker and can be set up in many ways to fit your family. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers while others--such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller - function as a base for car seats, toddler seats or bassinets can be plugged into. They are available in a variety of widths and weight limits to accommodate children from birth through kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be a breeze to move and fold, as well as allowing you to adjust the handlebar height so you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A good handlebar is one that is easy to hold, and it should invite you to walk with proper form (ask other parents for tips on this). lightweight double buggy should also offer various storage options that will accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your kids.
If your twins have a similar age and are in the same age group, a tandem stroller might be the ideal option for your family. The seats on these models are placed side by side, enabling you to be able to interact with both of them and keep an eye on them at the same time. They also recline separately so that one child can rest 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 and can make it difficult to maneuver around the aisles of shops, sidewalks and narrow doorways. For certain families, however, the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a compact double-stroller then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a great option. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice for city dwellers due to its shock absorption capabilities, sleek design, and ability to accommodate two infant car seats. It also has an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.
A wagon-style double stroller like the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. This model is bare bones however it has plenty of space for storage and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels to handle any terrain. It also features a 50+ SPF canopy and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline completely flat, making it difficult for children to reach their snack trays or to relax.
Ease of Use
A double stroller is often an investment of a large amount and one you're likely to use for many years. When you are shopping for a double stroller, be sure it is easy to use and clean. The top double strollers are designed to be easy-to-use and come with many convenient features.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with one hand!). They're also lightweight, making them ideal for traveling. A majority of them are gate checked on airplanes and fit in most trunks. Additionally, the majority of our testers found that their strollers folded to smaller dimensions than their single-seat counterparts and some even came with an adjustable carry strap for easy carrying.
If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that can adapt to your family's needs, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, so you can use it from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat has a 5-point harness and an enormous canopy that offers plenty of shade from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly praised. The stroller is light compact and weighs only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat stance, and the back seat can be adjusted to suit each child. There's a huge storage basket and a simple, one-step linked parking brake which makes this stroller easy to maneuver and use.
The only downsides of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry states that the packaging was fun and clever, but that it also came in five boxes, which could be trouble to carry around. She also noticed that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a little awkward and took a while to master. She was happy with the stroller, however, and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in various sizes and designs and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and some that let you customize the setup with an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added to accommodate older siblings. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are lightweight and easy to use while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you are looking for a lightweight stroller that can fit two children and two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, with a weight of just under 23 lbs. It folds easily and comes with all the features parents would want to enjoy a day out with two kids.
The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model that our testers loved. They were particularly impressed by its sleek design and easy-to-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters needed. The rear seat can also be removed to make it triple or quad stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage and can be upgraded by adding a parent organizer and all-terrain tires, as with side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the best double stroller to use for a toddler is one with multiple customization options. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. This is due to toddlers having little endurance, so having a stroller that has an attachment for a bassinet will provide them with a safe spot to take a nap. She says that a double stroller must also have a great recline position and harness system, as well as ample storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its lightweight and versatility. It's gate-check-friendly on airlines and fits through the majority of doorways (without taking off the wheels at the front) and can be converted into a quad or triple stroller by adding an extra tandem. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopy and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket and inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive list of features. Taylor says that the only drawback is that it has the largest profile when folded, and is difficult for parents to stow.