It's Time To Forget Best Double Stroller: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Need It
How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller there are plenty of options. To help you select the right one for your family, we spoke with child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
Find a stroller that's fairly easy to push, fold and carry. Consider a model that can fit two infant car seats or a toddler who has a riderboard.
Safety
Look for a double-stroller that has all-terrain wheels and a brake that is operated with a hand if you want to keep the kids safe when walking. These brakes and wheels help you navigate trails and gravel without your children falling or rolling. The best double strollers have ample storage space to store gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.
The best double stroller for your family starts with understanding how old and distant in age. Many double strollers only can accommodate one child's seat, however, those do come with a variety of configurations so you can choose the seating option that is most suitable for your children and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar ages that like to interact. Some options have a more double-decker design, which allows you to put one of the seats above the other or even attach a rider board to older siblings. Babies can be placed in a bassinet attached to the frame or as a standalone attachment that offers an unobstructed view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a dedicated twin stroller is the way to go.
Find a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain as well as hiking. A lot of these strollers were designed with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that allow you to take them on any adventure no regardless of how challenging or difficult the climbs might be.
The best double strollers have thoughtful features to help you navigate through difficult terrain and in bad weather. This jogging stroller, for instance, features a wrist loop so that you can ensure your child's safety when going downhill at a higher speed or in harsh weather conditions. It also has a full-coverage canopy with ventilation so your kids stay comfy in the summer heat.
If you're looking to purchase a light compact double stroller look at this model from Joovy. double tandem pushchair weighs less than 23 pounds., making it ideal for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. Plus, it has an enormous storage basket as well as a parking brake that is linked in one step that is simple to use.
Seating
In contrast to the massive strollers of the past the modern double strollers are sleek and can accommodate various configurations that can be adapted to families. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers while others--such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller - function as a base to which car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets can be plugged into. They come in a variety of sizes and weight limits to fit infants and children up to kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, while allowing you to adjust the handlebar height so you're comfortable throughout your outings. A good handlebar is one that is easy to hold and should invite you to walk with proper form (ask parents for advice on this). It should have a range of storage options to accommodate everything your children need.
If your twins have a similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best option for your family. The seats of these models sit in a row, allowing you to interact with both of them and keep an eye on them at the same time. They can also recline separately so that one child can nap while the other is awake and ready to go.
The downside to twin strollers is that it's more spacious than a model with a single occupant which makes it difficult to maneuver around walkways, aisles for shopping and narrow doors. For certain 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 fantastic choice. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is an excellent choice for city living thanks to its shock absorption capabilities, elegant design, and ability to accommodate two infant car seats. It also comes with an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.
double buggy sale -style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. This basic model comes with lots of space for seating and storage, plus robust wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has a canopy with a 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 children to reach their food trays or to relax.
Easy of Use
Double strollers are usually a large investment that you will be using for a long time. When shopping for one, you want to make sure it will be easy to operate and clean. The top double strollers have been designed to be user-friendly and have numerous features that are convenient.
All the strollers that we tested could be folded easily and compactly using just one hand. They are also light and ideal for traveling. A majority of them are checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. Our testers found that their strollers could be folded down to a smaller size than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carry strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with many options that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth to preschool age. Each seat has a 5-point harness, a large canopy and plenty of sun protection.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly praised. This stroller is lightweight and compact, weighing only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat position, and the back seat can be adjusted to fit each child. There's a huge storage basket and an easy, one-step connected parking brake that makes this stroller simple to move and use.
The only downsides of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry says that the packaging is innovative and fun, however it comes in five boxes which can be a little cumbersome to carry around. She also felt that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a little clunky and took some time to master. In the end, however she was extremely pleased with the stroller and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come with a variety of sizes and shapes, from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to customize your setup with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added to accommodate older children. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are lightweight and easy to use, whereas others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you're looking to purchase a light double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It is also easy-to-fold and comes with all the features parents need for a fun day out with two kids.
UPPAbaby's Vista v2 double is another model that our testers loved. They especially liked its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat and a bassinet, with no adapters needed. The rear seat can be removed to make it a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage, and can be upgraded by adding an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires, as well as storage bags for the sides.
Billingsley says that the best double stroller for toddlers is one that offers multiple customization options, like an adjustable seat or bassinet. Toddlers are typically restricted in their endurance, so strollers with a bassinet attached will offer a safe spot for them to sleep. She says a double stroller must also have a good harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents due to its light weight and the versatility. It is gate-check-friendly for airlines and fits through the majority of doorways (without taking off the wheels at the front) and can be converted to a triple or quad stroller by adding an additional tandem. The near-flat, independently reclining seats and extra-long sun canopy that can be adjusted are other highlights. A large underseat basket, as well as cup holders for both parents and children round out this impressive feature set. Taylor says that the only disadvantage is that it has a the largest footprint when folded, and it can be difficult for parents to stow.