How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller, there are a lot of options. To help you choose the best one for your family, we spoke with experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.
You should look for a stroller which is easy to fold and push to carry. Also, consider a stroller that's versatile enough to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler along with a rider board.
Safety
If you want to keep your children safe on your walks, look for a double stroller that has 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 offer plenty of storage space to store gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.
Choosing the right double stroller for your family starts with understanding how old and far apart in age your kids are. Most double strollers 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.
Side-byside doubles are a popular option, and they're great for children of similar ages who want to play with one another. Some double-decker designs allow you to place one of the seats over the other, or even attach an additional riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet that is connected to the frame or in an attachment that lets you peek-a-boo at your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins, then a twin stroller will be the best option.
Look for a double-wheeled stroller that can handle off-road terrain as well as hiking. Many of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind, and include features that allow you to take your children to any adventure, no matter how rough the terrain or how steep the climb could be.
The top double strollers are equipped with clever features that aid in navigation in a difficult terrain or bad weather. For instance, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child, so you're sure they're secure when running downhill or at faster speeds. It also has a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during the summer heat.
This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just over 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than most single strollers, and ideal to take on air travel or for storing in trunks or overhead compartments. Additionally, it comes with a large storage basket and an integrated parking brake that's easy to use.
Seating
Double strollers are now sleeker and can be configured in a variety of ways to meet the needs of your family. Some work as traditional side-by-side strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--work as a base for car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets click into. They are available in a variety of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be easy to fold and maneuver, as well as allowing you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you feel at ease on all your outings. A well-designed handlebar is easy to hold and should inspire you to walk in a logical manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should have a range of storage options that can accommodate everything your children will need.
If your twins are close in age, you could consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. These strollers have seats that are side-by-side, which means you can interact with them each other and keep an eye on both of them at the same. They also recline independently so that one child can sleep while the other is awake and ready to go.
The downside of a twin stroller can be that it is wider than a model for a single-occupant. This makes it difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles or walkways. But for certain families, the benefits are worth the extra size and effort.
If you are looking for a small double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby 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 a great choice for city living.
A wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. This basic model comes with plenty of seating space and storage space, along with robust wheels that can handle any terrain. It also comes with an umbrella with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline completely to a flat position, which makes it difficult for children of smaller sizes to sit comfortably or reach their snack trays.
Easy of Use
A double stroller is often an investment that you hope to use for years. When you are shopping for one you must ensure that it's simple to operate and clean. The best double strollers are designed to be user-friendly and include many useful features.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with only one hand!). These strollers are lightweight and are ideal for traveling. They can fit in the majority of trunks and are gate-checked on airplanes. Additionally, the majority of our test subjects found that their strollers folded down to smaller sizes than their single-seat counterparts and some even included a carry strap for convenient carrying.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller that has lots of options that will grow with your family. double pram and pushchair -byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, so you can use it from birth to preschool age. Each seat has a 5-point harness and a large canopy that gives ample protection from the sun.
double pram pushchair is another option that is highly regarded. This stroller is lightweight and incredibly compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines to almost a full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline for each child. There's a large storage basket and an easy, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller simple to move and use.
The only downsides of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry says that the packaging is clever and fun, however it comes in five boxes which could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp a bit clunky and took a while before she could get it to work. She was satisfied with the stroller at the end and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in various sizes and designs, including tandems (single-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and many that allow you to customize the setup with a car seat or bassinet attachment. Some come with rider boards for older children. However, not all of them are made equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or store.
If you are looking for a lightweight stroller that can hold two kids, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing just under 23 lbs. It folds easily and has all the features parents need to enjoy a day out with two children.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is another model that our test subjects loved especially for its sleek design and ease of use. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler's bassinet and seat without adapters, and its rear seat can be removed to transform it into a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage, and can be upgraded with an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires, as as side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the best double stroller for a toddler is one with multiple customization options. This includes a seat or bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers can be weak in endurance, and a stroller that has an integrated bassinet can give them a safe space for them to nap. She suggests that a double stroller should also come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents because of its light weight and versatility. It is airline gate-check friendly, fits through most doorways (without taking off the wheels on the front) and can be made into a quad or triple stroller by adding an additional tandem. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopy and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders complete the impressive list of features. Taylor states that the only disadvantage is that it has a a large size when folded and is difficult for parents to carry.