Best Double Stroller: A Simple Definition
How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double pram and pushchair stroller, there are a lot of options. To help you choose the best one for your family, we consulted the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
You should look for a stroller that is easy to fold, push and carry. And consider a model that's versatile enough to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler along with an adult rider board.
Safety
Look for a double-stroller that has all-terrain wheels and a brake that can be operated by hand if you want to keep your kids safe while walking. These wheels and brake assist you in navigating trails or sidewalks without the risk of your children sliding or rolling off. The best double strollers also come with plenty of storage space for gear and kids-sized items like snacks and toys.
Choosing the right double stroller for your family begins by determining how old and distant in terms of age your children are. Many double strollers only allow one child seat, but the ones do come with various configurations so that you can choose the type of seating that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
Side-by-side doubles are a classic choice, and they're perfect for kids of similar ages that like to play with one another. Some double-decker designs allow you to put one of the seats over the other, or attach a riderboard to older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet 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 is the best choice.
For families that are more adventurous opt for double strollers 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 allow you to take your kids to any adventure, regardless of how rough the terrain or how high the climbs may be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double strollers feature clever features that make traversing difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. This jogging stroller, for instance, features a wrist loop, so you can ensure your child's safety when running at higher speeds or in adverse weather conditions. It also comes with a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your kids cool in the summer heat.
This model is a light and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just 23 pounds, making it lighter than some single strollers. It's ideal for air travel or storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a large storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers today are sleeker and can be set up in many ways to meet the needs of your family. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models, and others, like the Baby Trend sit and stand double stroller 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddlers ' seats and bassinets. They come in various sizes and weight limits to accommodate infants and children up to kindergarten.
A good double single Pushchair stroller should be easy to fold and move and allows you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure that you're comfortable on all of your outings. A well-designed handlebar is easy to grip and should encourage you to walk in a safe manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should also offer various storage options that can accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your children.
If your twins have a similar age, a tandem stroller could be the best choice for your family. These strollers have seats that are side-by-side so you can talk to them both and keep an eye on both of them simultaneously. They also recline independently, so that one child can sleep while the other is awake and ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller can be that it is larger than one designed for a single person. This makes it difficult to maneuver narrow aisles in store aisles, doors or walkways. For certain families, however the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you are looking for a compact double umbrella stroller-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is an excellent alternative. 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 city-living.
Another option is a wagon-style double buggy from birth stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare bones however it has plenty of storage and seating space. It also has heavy-duty 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 cannot recline fully flat, making it hard for small children to reach their snack trays or get comfortable.
Simple to use
A double stroller can be a significant investment and one you're likely to use for a long time. When shopping for one you must ensure that it's simple to operate and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and come with a wide array of features that are convenient for parents.
All the strollers that we tested could be folded quickly and compactly in one hand. These strollers are lightweight and perfect for travel. A majority of them are gate checked on airplanes and fit into most trunks. Furthermore, the majority our testers found that their strollers folded to smaller sizes than their single-seat counterparts and some even included the option of carrying a strap for 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 as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth up to the age of preschool. Each seat is equipped with a five-point harness and a large canopy that provides ample shade from the sun.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. It is light, compact and only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat stance, and the back seat can be adjusted to suit every child. This stroller is easy to operate and maneuver due to its large storage basket, simple one-step parking brake and large storage basket.
The only downsides of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry says that the packaging is smart and fun, however it comes in five boxes, which could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be somewhat awkward, and it took a while before she could get it to work. She was satisfied with the stroller, however, and would recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come in all sizes and shapes, ranging from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, and a lot allow you to personalize your setup with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some have even added rider boards for older siblings. However, they're not all created equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, whereas others are heavy, bulky 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's also easy to fold and comes with all the features parents would want to enjoy a day out with two children.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is a second model that our test subjects loved, especially for its sleek design and easy to use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters needed. The rear seat can also be removed to make it a quad or triple 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 has multiple customization options. This includes a bassinet or seat that can be removed. Toddlers are typically 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 have a great harness and recline position, as well as ample storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its lightness and versatility. It is airline gate-check friendly and fits through the majority of doorways (without removing the wheels on the front) and can be made into a quad or triple stroller by adding an add-on tandem. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats and extra-long, adjustable sun canopies are other highlights. A large underseat basket and the inclusion of cup holders for the child and parent round out this impressive feature set. One disadvantage according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have a the smallest footprint when folded and can be difficult to stow.