11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually Acceptable To Do With Your Best Double Stroller
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 pick the right one for your family, we consulted child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
Choose a stroller reasonably easy to fold, push and carry. You should consider a stroller that can accommodate two infant car seat or a toddler with a riderboard.
Safety
Choose a double-stroller which comes with all-terrain tires and a brake that is operated with a hand if you want to keep your kids safe while walking. These wheels and brakes will aid you in traversing trails, gravel, and sidewalks without your kids slipping or rolling away. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space to store items for your kids, including snacks and toys.
Selecting the best double stroller for your family begins with understanding the age and distance in terms of age your children are. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, those that offer a variety of options that let you select the seating option that's best for your family.
The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar ages that want to play. Some double-decker designs allow you to put one of the seats over the other, or even attach an additional riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet connected to the frame or with an attachment that lets you look at your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins then a twin stroller will be the best option.
Find a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain as well as hiking. Many of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind, and have features that let you take your kids on any adventure, no matter how rough the terrain or how steep the climbs might be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double strollers feature thoughtful features that make navigating tough terrain and weather easier. For example this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child so you're sure that they're safe while running downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also comes with an all-over canopy that has airflow to keep your kids comfy in the summer heat.
If you're looking to purchase a light, compact double stroller, take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds. It's perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. Additionally, it comes with a huge storage basket and an integrated parking brake that's easy to use.
Seating
Double strollers of today are more sleek and can be arranged in various ways to fit your family. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models while others, like 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 various sizes and weight limits to accommodate infants and children up to kindergarten.
A good double stroller must be a breeze to move and fold, while also permitting you to alter the handlebar height so you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A well-designed handlebar is one that is easy to grip, and it should encourage you to walk in a proper form (ask other parents for advice on this). It should offer a variety of storage options to accommodate all the necessities your children will need.
If your twins are near in age, you could discover that a tandem stroller is best for your family. The seats of these models are placed in a row, allowing you to interact with them both and keep an eye on them simultaneously. They also recline independently, so that one child can sleep while the other is awake and ready to go.
The drawback of a twin stroller could be that it is larger than a model for a single person. This makes it difficult to navigate narrow aisles in store aisles, doors, or walkways. 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 capacity for two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for more mobile children--make it an ideal 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, but it offers plenty of space for storage and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has an SPF canopy that is 50+ and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, which makes it difficult for children to reach their food trays or relax.
Simple to Use
A double stroller can be a significant investment and one you're likely to use for many years. If you are looking for a double stroller, make sure that it is easy to use and clean. The best double strollers have been designed to be easy-to-use and come with numerous features that are convenient.
For starters, all the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with one hand!). They are light and perfect for travel. Many of them fit in most trunks and can be gate-checked on airplanes. Our testers found that their strollers could fold down to a smaller size than single-seat versions. Some even came with a carrying strap.
If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that will adapt to your family's needs, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat features a 5-point harness and a large canopy. It also offers ample sun protection.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight compact and weighs only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to almost an entire flat position, and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline that can be adjusted for each child. There's a huge storage basket and an easy, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller easy to maneuver and use.
The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry states that the packaging was fun and clever, but that it came in five boxes which could be an inconvenience to carry around. She also noticed that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a little clunky and took some time to master. In the end, however, she was very happy with the stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come in all shapes and sizes, from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to modify your setup with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added for older children. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are light and easy to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.
If you're looking for a lightweight double stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest choice during our tests. It weighs around 23 pounds and is also easy to fold, yet it still has all of the features parents need for a fun outing with two children.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is a different model that our testers adored especially for its sleek design and user-friendly. It can fit two infant car seats or a toddler's bassinet and seat without adapters. Its rear seat can be removed to turn it into a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage, and it can be upgraded with a parent organizer and all-terrain tires as well with side storage bags.
Billingsley says the best double stroller for a toddler is one that offers various options for customization, such as the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. Toddlers are typically restricted in their endurance, so strollers that have an integrated bassinet can offer a safe spot for them to sleep. She suggests that a double stroller must also have a comfortable recline position and harness system as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its light weight and flexibility. It's easy to check at airport gates, fits through most doors (without taking off the front wheels), and can expand into a quad or triple stroller with an add-on tandem seat. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopy and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its large underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive feature set. Taylor says the one drawback is that it has a large size when folded and is difficult for parents to carry.