How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a variety of options in the field of double strollers. To help you select the most suitable one for your family, we spoke with child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
You should look for a stroller that 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 as well as an adult rider board.
Safety
If you want to keep your children secure on your walks opt for a double stroller with features like all-terrain tires as well as a brake operated by hand. These wheels and brakes aid you in traversing trails or sidewalks without the risk of your children sliding or slipping away. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space to store items for your kids, including snacks and toys.
The first step to choosing the best double stroller is to know the age of your children and how far apart they are. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, those that do come with a variety of configurations that allow you to pick the seating that is best for your family.
The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar ages that want to play. Double-decker designs permit you to place one of the seats over the other, or add a riderboard to older siblings. Newborns can either be snuggled in a bassinet that is attached to the frame or in an attachment that lets you look at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the best option to go.
Choose a stroller with two wheels that is capable of handling off-road terrain and 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 may be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the best double strollers have thoughtful features that make getting around tough terrain and weather easier. For instance, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child so you can be sure they're secure when running downhill or at faster speeds. It also has a canopy that covers the entire area and has airflow to keep your kids comfortable in the summer heat.
If you're looking for a light, compact double stroller, take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds., making it ideal for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also has a large storage basket and an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
In contrast to the massive strollers of the past these double strollers are sleek and offer a variety of configurations that can be adapted to families. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers while others - like 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 range of sizes and weights to accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.
A good double stroller will be simple to fold and maneuver, as well as allowing you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you're comfortable throughout your outings. A good handlebar is one that is easy to grip, and it should allow you to walk in a proper form (ask other parents for tips on this). It should offer a variety of storage options that can accommodate all the essentials your children will require.
If your twins are near in age, you could find a tandem stroller works best for your family. These strollers have seats that are side-by-side so you can talk to them each other and keep an eye on both of them simultaneously. They also recline separately, so one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The disadvantage of twin strollers is that it can be more spacious than a model with a single occupant and can make it difficult to navigate sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doors. For some families the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for an ultra-compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a fantastic choice. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great option for city dwellers due to its shock absorption, sleek design, and capacity to accommodate two infant car seats. It also has an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.
Another option is a wagon-style stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare-bones and offers a lot of seating space and storage, as well as robust wheels that can handle any terrain. It also comes with an SPF canopy that is 50+ and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, which makes it difficult for little children to reach their food trays or get comfortable.
Ease of Use
A double stroller is often an investment you're likely to use for many years. When choosing a stroller you must ensure that it's easy to operate and clean. Luckily, the top double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and include a variety of useful features for parents.
To start, all the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They are light and are ideal for traveling. A majority of them are checked at the gate on planes and fit in the majority of trunks. Additionally, the majority of our test subjects found that their strollers folded to a smaller size than their single-seat counterparts and some even had a carry strap for convenient carrying.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller that has many options that will grow with your family. This side-byside stroller works with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth up to preschool age. Each seat has a 5-point harness and a large canopy that provides plenty of shade from the sun.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches in width when folded. visite site reclines to almost the full flat position and the back seat has an adjustable recline for every child. There's a large storage bin and an easy, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller user-friendly and easy to maneuver.
The only drawbacks to the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry says that the packaging is innovative and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes which can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also found that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a bit awkward and took a while to master. She was satisfied with the stroller at the end and would recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come with a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to customize your layout with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards designed for older kids. However, they're not all made equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or stow.
If you're looking to purchase a light double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, with a weight of just under 23 lbs. It is also easy-to-fold and comes with all the features parents need to enjoy a day out with two children.
UPPAbaby's Vista v2 double is another model that our test subjects loved. They especially liked its sleek design and easy-to-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat, and a bassinet with no adapters needed. The rear seat can also be removed to create a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large storage basket that can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the best double stroller to use for a toddler is one that has numerous options for customization. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. This is because toddlers typically have little endurance, so having a stroller that has an attachment for a bassinet will provide them with a safe space to rest for a nap. The expert says that a double stroller should also have a good recline position and harness system and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its light weight and versatility. It's airline gate-check-friendly it can be accessed through all doors (without removing the front wheels), and can expand into a triple or quad stroller with an added tandem seat. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of parent and kid cup holders complete the impressive list of features. One disadvantage according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have a a small profile when folded, and could be difficult to store.