11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually Okay To Make With Your Best Double Stroller
How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a lot of options when it comes to double strollers. To help you select the right one for your family, we talked to experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.
Look for a stroller that's fairly easy to push, fold and carry. Look for a model that can hold two infant car seats or a toddler who has a riderboard.
If you want to keep your children safe while walking make sure you choose a double stroller with features like all-terrain tires as well as a hand-operated brake. These brakes and wheels will allow you to navigate trails and gravel without your children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers offer 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 distant in age your kids are. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, double tandem pushchair that do have a variety configurations that allow you to choose the seating that is ideal for your family.
The classic doubles are great for children of similar ages who want to play. Some models have a double-decker design, which allows the user to place one seat higher than the other or attach a rider board to older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into a bassinet attached to the frame or as a standalone attachment that allows you to have the chance to peek at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the best way to go.
Look for a double-wheeled stroller that can handle off-road terrain and even hiking. A lot of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind and have features that let you take your children to any adventure, regardless of how rough the terrain or how steep the climbs may be.
The top double strollers are equipped with clever features that make it easier to navigate in a difficult terrain or bad weather. This jogging stoller for example, has a wrist loop, so you can make sure your child is safe when going downhill at a higher speed or in adverse weather conditions. It also has a full-coverage canopy with ventilation so your kids stay comfy during 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 23lbs., making it ideal for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a huge storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.
Seating
Unlike the behemoth strollers of old these double strollers are sleek and support a variety of configurations to fit families. Some are used as traditional side-by-side strollers while others - like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--work as a base for car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets snap into. They are available in a range of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be a breeze to move and fold, while permitting you to alter the handlebar height so you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A good handlebar is comfortable to hold and should inspire you to walk in a safe manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should have a range of storage options that can accommodate all the essentials your children will need.
If your twins are close in age, you might discover that a tandem stroller is best for your family. These models come with seats that are side-byside, which means you can interact with them each other and keep an eye on each of them at the same. They also recline independently so that one child can nap while the other is awake and ready to go.
The downside of a twin stroller can be that it is larger than one designed for a single-occupant. This could make it more difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles, or sidewalks. 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 Double is a fantastic choice. 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 choice for city living.
A wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. This basic model comes with a lot of seating space and storage, as well as robust wheels that can handle any terrain. It also comes with an SPF canopy that is 50+ and adjustable handlebars. However, some parents feel that the seats are too low and don't recline to a fully flat position, which makes it difficult for smaller children to sit comfortably or reach their snack trays.
Simple to use
A double stroller is often an investment of a large amount and one you're likely to use for many years. When shopping for one, you want to ensure that it is simple to operate and clean. Luckily, the top double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and include a variety of useful features for parents.
To start, all the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with only one hand!). These strollers are lightweight and are ideal for traveling. Many of them fit in most trunks and can be checked at the gate on planes. Most of our testers also found that their strollers could be folded down to a smaller size than single-seat versions. Some even came with a carrying strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with lots of options that will grow with your family. This side-by-side stroller works with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth until the age of preschool. double buggy sale comes with a 5-point harness, a large canopy and ample sun protection.
Another option that is highly regarded is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches wide when it's folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat stance, and the back seat can be adjusted for each child. There's a large storage bin and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller user-friendly and easy to maneuver.
The only drawbacks to the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry states that the packaging was fun and clever, however it also came in five boxes which can be a hassle to lug around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp a bit clunky and took her a while before she could master it. She was satisfied with the stroller in the end and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in various sizes and designs that include tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and many that allow you to customize the configuration using a car seat or bassinet attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added for older siblings. However, they're not all created equal -- some are sleek and easy to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold and store.
If you're looking for a light double stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing just under 23 lbs. It's also easy to fold and has all the features parents would want for a great day out with two children.
The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby 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 seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters required. The rear seat can also be removed to create a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large storage basket that can be upgraded to include a parent organizer, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.
Billingsley says the ideal double stroller for a two-year-old is one that offers various options for customization, such as the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. Toddlers are typically weak in endurance, and strollers that have an attached bassinet will provide a safe place for them to rest. She suggests that a double stroller should also have a good recline position and harness system as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its light weight and flexibility. It is airline gate-check friendly and fits through the majority of doorways (without taking off the wheels on the front), and can be made into a quad or triple stroller by adding an additional tandem. The near-flat, independently reclining seats as well as the extra-long sun canopies that are adjustable are other highlights. A large underseat storage basket, as well as cup holders for both parents and children round out the impressive set of features. Taylor states that the only downside is that it has an enormous profile when folded, and it can be difficult for parents to carry.