How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking for a double stroller there are a variety of options. double pram and pushchair , a child development expert and mother, has helped us choose the right model for you.
Choose a stroller reasonably easy to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that can hold two infant car seat or a toddler who has a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to ensure your children are safe on your walks, look for double strollers that have features such as all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These wheels and brakes will assist you in navigating trails or sidewalks without your kids slipping or rolling off. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space for gear and kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.
The first step to choosing the right double stroller is to figure out how old your children are and how far apart they are. Many double strollers only allow one child seat, but those do come with various configurations so that you can choose the seating option that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
Side-by-side doubles are an iconic option, and they're great for kids of similar ages who want to interact with each other. Certain models feature a double-decker style, allowing you to place one of the seats above the other or add an extra rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into a bassinet attached to the frame or in a standalone attachment that allows you to have a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the way to go.
Find a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain and even hiking. A majority of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind and come with features that let you take your children on any adventure, no matter how rough the road or how high the climbs might be.
The best double strollers have thoughtful features to aid in navigation in difficult terrain and bad weather. This jogging stoller, for instance, features a wrist loop so that you can ensure your child's safety while running at higher speeds or in extreme weather conditions. It also features a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your children cool in the summer heat.
This model is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23lbs., making it ideal for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a huge storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.
Seating
In contrast to the massive strollers of the past, today's double strollers are sleek and offer a variety of configurations that can be adapted to families. Some double strollers can be used as side-by-side models, while others, such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddler seats, and bassinets. They are available in a range of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be simple to fold and maneuver and will allow you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you feel at ease on all your excursions. A well-designed handlebar is easy to hold and will encourage you to walk in a safe manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should offer a variety of storage options that can accommodate all the essentials your children will need.
If your twins have a similar age and are in the same age group, a tandem stroller might be the best option for your family. These models come with seats that are side-byside, so you can interact with them both while keeping an eye on each of them at the same. They also recline separately, so one child can rest while the other is ready to go.
The downside to twin strollers is that it's larger than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to maneuver around walkways, aisles for shopping and narrow doors. For some families, however, the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great choice. Its shock absorption, sleek design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats, plus an optional running board for 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 alternative. The model is basic however it has plenty of storage space and seating. It also has sturdy wheels to 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 don't recline completely flat, making it difficult for children to reach their snacks or get comfortable.
Easy of Use
Double strollers are usually an investment of a significant amount that you will be using for a long time. If you are in the market for a double stroller, make sure it's 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 fold up easily and compactly (with just one hand!). These strollers are lightweight and are ideal for traveling. A majority of them are checked at the gate on planes and fit in most trunks. Most of our testers also discovered that their strollers could fold down to a smaller size than their single-seat equivalents. Some even came with a carrying strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with many options that will grow with your family. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, a bassinet and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth until preschool age. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and a large canopy that gives ample protection from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly praised. It is light and incredibly compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when it's folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat position, and the back seat can be adjusted for every child. There's a large storage basket and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller extremely user-friendly and easy to maneuver.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry says that the packaging is clever and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes, which can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also noticed that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a bit clunky and took some time to master. In the end, though she was very pleased with the stroller and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from tandems with side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to personalize your setup by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some have even added rider boards for older children. But, they're not all created equal -- some are elegant and simple to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold and store.
If you're looking for a stroller that is light that can hold two kids and two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest stroller we tested 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 Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is a different model that our test subjects loved especially for its sleek design and user-friendly. It can fit two infant car seats or a toddler's seat and a bassinet without the need for adapters. Its rear seat can be removed to make it into a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include a parent organizer, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the best double stroller for toddlers is one that offers various options for customization, such as an adjustable seat or bassinet. Toddlers can be restricted in their endurance, so a stroller that has an integrated bassinet can provide a safe place for them to sleep. A double stroller should include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its lightness and flexibility. It is airline gate-check friendly, fits through most doorways (without taking off the wheels on the front), and can be converted to a triple or quad stroller by adding an additional tandem. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, extra-long sun canopies and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of parent and child cup holders complete the impressive list of features. One downside, according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a small profile when folded and can be difficult to carry.