20 Misconceptions About Best Double Stroller: Busted
How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller there are a variety of options. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, has helped us choose the right one for you.
Find a stroller that's relatively easy to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that can accommodate two infant car seat or a toddler who has a riderboard.
Safety
Choose a double-stroller which has all-terrain wheels and a brake that is operated with a hand if you want to ensure your children are safe while walking. These wheels and brake help you navigate trails or sidewalks without your children falling or slipping away. The best twin stroller double strollers also come with plenty of storage space for gear as well as kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.
Choosing the right double stroller for your family begins with understanding how old and far apart in terms of age your children are. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, some offer a variety of configurations that let you choose the seating that's best for your family.
The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar ages who want to play. Some double-decker designs allow the user to place one seat over the other, or add a riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into a bassinet, which is attached to the frame or in an independent attachment that offers a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the best way to go.
Look for a double-wheeled stroller that can handle off-road terrain, and even hiking. A majority of these strollers have been designed with active parents in mind and come with features that let you take your kids to any adventure, no matter how rough the road or how steep the climbs may be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double strollers come with clever features that make traversing difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. For instance, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child so you're sure that they're safe while running downhill or at higher speeds. It also features a full-coverage canopy with airflow to keep your kids cool in the summer heat.
This model is a light and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just over 23 pounds, making it lighter than other single strollers. It's ideal for air travel or storage in overhead compartments or trunks. Plus, it has a large storage basket and an integrated parking brake that's easy to use.
Seating
double infant stroller strollers of today are sleeker and can be configured in many ways to fit your family. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-byside models, and others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as a base for car seats, toddlers ' seats as well as bassinets. They are available in various sizes and weight limits, allowing children from birth through kindergarten.
A good double stroller will be simple to fold and maneuver and allows you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you feel comfortable throughout your excursions. A great handlebar is one that is easy to hold and should encourage you to walk with proper posture (ask parents for advice on this). It should also have a variety of storage options that accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your kids.
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 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 ready to go.
The drawback of a twin stroller is that it can be more spacious than a model with a single occupant which makes it difficult to navigate the aisles of shops, sidewalks, and narrow doorways. For certain families, however the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a compact double-stroller then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is an excellent alternative. Its shock absorption, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for more mobile children -- make it a great option for urban living.
Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare bones, but it offers plenty of space for storage and seating. It also has heavy-duty wheels to tackle any terrain. It also comes with a canopy that has 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and cannot recline fully flat, which makes it difficult for children to reach their snacks or get comfortable.
Simple to Use
A double stroller is often an investment you're hoping to use for many years. When you are shopping for a double stroller, make sure that it is easy to use and clean. Luckily, the most effective 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.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with just one hand!). They are light and are ideal for traveling. They can fit in most trunks and can be gate-checked on airplanes. Many of our test subjects found that their strollers could be folded down smaller than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carrying strap.
If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that can grow with your family Look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, a bassinet and other accessories, so you can use it from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat has a 5-point harness and a large canopy that gives ample shade from the sun.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight and extremely compact, weighing 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 every child. This stroller is easy to operate and maneuver due to its large storage basket, easy one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.
The only drawbacks of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to the model. Kerry says that the packaging is clever and fun, but it comes in five boxes which can be a little cumbersome to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be somewhat awkward and it took her some time before she could master it. In the end, though, she was very happy with her stroller and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come with a variety of sizes and shapes, from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to customize your setup by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added for older siblings. However, they're not all created equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or stow.
If you are seeking a stroller with a light weight that can fit two children and two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest choice during our tests. It weighs close to 23 lbs and is also easy to fold, yet it still has all of the features parents require for a fun outing with two children.
The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model that our testers 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 required. The rear seat can be removed to make it triple or quad stroller. It has a huge storage basket and can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents with wheels for all-terrain and side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the best double stroller to use for a toddler is one that offers various options for customization. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers can be restricted in their endurance, so strollers that have a bassinet attached will offer a safe spot for them to rest. She suggests that a Thule Double stroller stroller should also have a good recline position and harness system and plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its lightweight and versatility. It's airline gate-check-friendly, fits through most doors (without removing the front wheels), and can expand into a triple or quad stroller with an add-on tandem seat. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats and the extra-long sun canopy that can be adjusted are just a few of the highlights. A large underseat storage basket and the inclusion of cup holders for both parents and children round out this impressive feature set. One drawback, according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have a a small profile when folded and can be difficult to stow.
