How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are many options available in the field of double strollers. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, helped us choose the right model for you.
Look for a stroller that's fairly easy to fold, push and carry. You should consider a stroller that can fit two infant car seat or a toddler that has a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to keep your children safe while walking, look for double strollers that have features like all-terrain tires as well as a brake operated by hand. These wheels and brakes help you navigate paths and dirt without worrying about your children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers come with ample storage space to store equipment and essentials for kids like snacks and toys.
The first step in choosing the right double stroller is to know the age of your children and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers are designed to accommodate one child seat, however, those do come with different configurations, so you can pick the seat that is most suitable for your children and your lifestyle.
Side-by-side doubles are an iconic option, and they're great for children of similar ages who want to play with one another. Double-decker designs permit you to put one seat above the other, or even attach an additional riderboard for older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet that is attached to the frame or with an attachment that allows you to play peek-a-boo with your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins then a twin stroller will be the best option.
For more adventurous families opt for a double stroller that is able to handle off-road terrain, or even hike. Many strollers were created with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that let you take them on any adventure no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs might be.
The best double strollers come with thoughtful features to make it easier to navigate in difficult terrain and bad weather. This jogging stoller for instance, comes with a wrist loop, so you can ensure your child's safety when going downhill at a higher speed or in adverse weather conditions. It also has a full-coverage canopy with ventilation so your kids stay cool during the summer heat.
This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 lbs. It's perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a huge storage basket and an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Unlike the behemoth strollers of the past the modern double strollers are sleek and offer various configurations that can be adapted to families. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models and others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller can be used as a base for car seats, toddler seats, and bassinets. They are available in various widths and weight limits, allowing 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 you are comfortable on all of your excursions. A good handlebar should be easy to hold, and it should invite you to walk with proper form (ask other parents for advice on this). It should also have various storage options that will accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your kids.
If your twins are near in age, you could find a tandem stroller works best for your family. These models come with seats that are side-by-side, so you can interact with them both while keeping an eye on each of them at the same time. They also recline separately, so one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.
The downside to a twin stroller is that it can be larger than a single-occupant model, which can make it difficult to navigate sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doorways. For certain families, the advantages are worth the extra space and effort.
If you are looking for a compact double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a good option. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design and capacity for two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for mobile older children -- make it a great option for urban living.
A wagon-style double stroller such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. This basic model comes with a lot of seating space and storage, as well as heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also has an umbrella with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not 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 a significant investment and one you're hoping to use for years. If double pram and pushchair are looking for a double stroller, be sure it's easy to use and clean. The top double strollers have been 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. Many of them fit in most trunks and can be checked for gate-checking on planes. Additionally, the majority of our testers found that their strollers folded down to smaller sizes than their single-seat counterparts, and some even included an adjustable carry strap for easy carrying.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with many options that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth until preschool age. Each seat has five-point harnesses and a large canopy. It also offers ample sun protection.
Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight and compact, weighing only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to almost the full flat position and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline that can be adjusted for each child. This stroller is easy to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, easy one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.
The only downsides of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry notes that the packaging was fun and innovative, but it was also packaged in five boxes which can be an inconvenience to carry around. She also noticed that the Genuis magnetic buckle was clunky and took some time to master. She was satisfied with the stroller, however, and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come in all sizes and shapes, ranging from tandems with side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to modify your layout with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards designed for older kids. But, they're not all created equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or store.
If you're looking to purchase a light double stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest option in our tests at close to 23 pounds. It is also simple to fold, but it has all the features parents require for a fun outing with two kids.
The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is a second model that our testers adored particularly for its sleek design and ease of use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters required. The rear seat can also be removed to make it 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 says that the best double stroller for toddlers is one that has various options for customization. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers can be restricted in their endurance, so a stroller that has an integrated bassinet can offer a safe spot for them to rest. She says that a double stroller must also have a good harness and recline position and plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents because of its light weight and versatility. It's airline gate-check-friendly it can be accessed through all doors (without having to remove the front wheels) and expands into a quad or triple stroller with an add-on tandem seat. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats and extra-long sun canopy that can be adjusted are just a few of the highlights. A spacious underseat basket and the inclusion of parent and child cup holders round out the impressive set of features. double pram and pushchair says that the only disadvantage is that it has a a large profile when folded, and it can be difficult for parents to store.