11 "Faux Pas" You're Actually Able To Make With Your Best Double Stroller
How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a variety of options when it comes to double strollers. To help you select the right one for your family, we talked to the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
Find a stroller that's relatively easy to push, fold and carry. twin pushchairs www.pushchairsandprams.uk should consider a stroller 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 your kids safe when walking. These brakes and wheels allow you to navigate trails and sand without children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers also have plenty of storage space for gear and essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.
The first step in selecting the best double stroller is to know how old your children are and how far apart they are. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that offer a variety of configurations that let you select the seating option that is ideal for your family.
Side-by-side doubles are a classic choice, and they're perfect for kids of similar ages who like to be social with one another. Double-decker designs permit the user to place one of the seats over the other, or attach an additional riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into a bassinet, which is attached to the frame, or as an independent attachment that allows you to have an unobstructed view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins and want to have a twin stroller, it will be the best option.
Choose a stroller with two wheels that is capable of handling off-road terrain and even hiking. A majority of these strollers have been designed with active parents in mind and include features that allow you to take your kids to any adventure, no matter how rough the terrain or how steep the climbs might be.
The top double strollers come with thoughtful features to aid in navigation in difficult terrain and bad weather. This jogging stroller, for instance, comes with a wrist loop, so you can ensure your child's safety when running downhill at higher speeds or in harsh weather conditions. It also features an all-over canopy that has airflow to keep your kids comfortable in the summer heat.
If you're looking for a lightweight compact double stroller take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs just 23 lbs, making it lighter than some single strollers. It's ideal for air travel or storing in trunks and overhead compartments. Plus, it has a large storage basket and a parking brake that is linked in one step that's easy to use.
Seating
Contrary to the giant strollers of old these double strollers are sleek and support an array of configurations that can be adapted to families. 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 a range of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns up to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, while allowing you to adjust the handlebar height so you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A well-designed handlebar is easy to hold and will encourage you to walk in a logical manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should offer a variety of storage options that can accommodate all the necessities your children will require.
If your twins are of a similar age, a tandem stroller could be the best option for your family. The seats of these models are positioned side by side, enabling you to engage with both of them and keep an eye on them at the same time. They also recline independently, so one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.
The disadvantage of twin strollers is that it can be more spacious than a model with a single occupant and can make it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doorways. For certain families, however the benefits are well worth the extra effort and size.
If you're in the market for an ultra-compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great option. Its shock absorption, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for older children--make it an ideal choice for city living.
A wagon-style double stroller like the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. This basic model comes with a lot of seating space and storage space, along with sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also comes with a canopy with a 50+ SPF and a handlebar that can be adjusted. However, some parents feel that the seats are a little too low and can't recline to a completely flat position, which makes it difficult for small children to get comfortable or reach their snack trays.
Easy of Use
A double stroller is usually a significant investment and one you're likely to use for years. When choosing a stroller, you want to 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 include a variety of features that are convenient for parents.
For starters, all the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with just one hand!). They are also light and ideal for traveling. A majority of them are gate checked on airplanes and fit into most trunks. Many of our test subjects found that their strollers could fold down smaller than single-seat versions. Some even came with a carrying strap.
If you're looking for a flexible double stroller that will expand with your family, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller can be used 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 provides ample protection from the sun.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light compact and weighs only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly an entire flat position, and the back seat features an adjustable recline for each child. There's a large storage basket and an easy, one-step connected parking brake which makes this stroller user-friendly and easy to maneuver.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry notes that the packaging was fun and clever, however it came in five boxes, which can be an inconvenience to carry around. She also felt that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a bit awkward and took a while to master. She was pleased with the stroller, however, and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and many that allow you to customize the setup with an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some have rider boards which can be added for older siblings. However, not all of them are created equal -- some are elegant and simple to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or stow.
If you're looking for a light double stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest choice during our tests. It weighs close to 23 lbs and is also easy to fold, yet it has all the features parents need to have a great time out with two kids.
The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved. They especially liked its sleek design and ease-of-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler's bassinet as well as a seat without adapters. Its rear seat can be removed to turn it into a triple or quad stroller. It has a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include a parent organizer wheel, all-terrain wheels, as well as side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the most suitable double stroller for toddlers is one that has numerous options for customization. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. That's because toddlers often have limited endurance, and a stroller with an attachment for a bassinet will give them a safe place to rest for a nap. She says a double stroller should include a harness system that is reliable 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 versatility. It is airline gate-check friendly and fits through the majority of doorways (without removing the wheels on the front), and can be expanded to a triple or quad stroller by adding an extra tandem. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its large underseat storage basket and inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive set of features. The one drawback, according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it lacks a the smallest profile when folded, and could be difficult to store.