Watch Out: How Best Double Stroller Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It
How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are many options available when it comes to double strollers. To help you pick the most suitable one for your family, we talked to experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.
You should choose a stroller that is easy to fold and push, as well as carry. And consider a model that is able to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler along with a rider board.
Safety
Choose a double-stroller which comes with all-terrain tires and a brake that is operated by 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 the risk of your children sliding or rolling away. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space to store items for your kids, including snacks and toys.
The first step to choosing the right double stroller is to determine how old your children are and how far apart they are. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that offer a variety of options that let you select the seating option that's best for your family.
Side-by-side doubles are a classic option, and they're great for kids of similar ages who like to play with one another. Some double-decker designs allow the user to place one seat over the other, or even attach an additional riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet that is attached to the frame, or in an attachment that lets you peek-a-boo at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a dedicated twin stroller is the best way to go.
Look for a double-wheeled stroller that can handle off-road terrain, and even hiking. Many of these strollers were developed with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that will allow you to take them on any trip, no regardless of how challenging or difficult the climbs might be.
The top double strollers are equipped with intelligent features that help you navigate through difficult terrain and in bad weather. This jogging stoller, for instance, comes with a wrist loop so that you can ensure your child's safety when running downhill at higher speeds or in adverse weather conditions. It also has a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during the summer heat.
double pram and pushchair is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 lbs. This makes it perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also has a large storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers today are sleeker and can be set up in a variety of ways to meet the needs of your family. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models and others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddlers seats and bassinets. They are available in a variety of sizes and weights to accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be a breeze to move and fold, while also permitting you to adjust the handlebar's height to make sure you're comfortable throughout your outings. A well-designed handlebar is one that is easy to grip, and it should encourage you to walk in a proper posture (ask other parents for tips on this). It should offer a variety of storage options to fit everything your children need.
If your twins have a similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best option for your family. These models come with seats that are side-by-side, which means you can interact with them both while keeping an eye on both of them at the same time. They also recline separately which means that one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller may be that it is larger than one designed for a single person. This makes it difficult to maneuver narrow aisles in store aisles, doors or even the sidewalks. For some families, 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 option. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is an excellent choice for city dwellers due to its shock absorption, sleek design, and ability to accommodate two infant car seats. It also has an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.
A wagon-style double stroller such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. It's a basic model, but it offers plenty of storage and seating space. It also has heavy-duty wheels that can take on 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 hard for small children to reach their snack trays or to relax.
Simple to use
Double strollers are typically a large investment that you will be using for a long time. If you are in the market for a double stroller, be sure that it is easy to use and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and come with a wide array of convenient features for parents.
All strollers we tested could be folded quickly and compactly in one hand. They're also light, which makes them ideal for travel. Many of them can be checked at the gate on planes and fit in most trunks. In addition, the majority of our testers found that their strollers folded to a smaller size than their single-seat counterparts and some even included the option of carrying a strap for carrying.
If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that will adapt to your family's needs take a look at the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller works with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth until preschool age. Each seat comes with five-point harnesses and a large canopy. It also offers plenty of sun protection.
Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. It is light and compact, weighing only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines to almost a full flat position and the back seat has an adjustable recline for every child. The stroller is simple to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, simple one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.
The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry states that the packaging was enjoyable and innovative, but it came in five boxes that can be a bit of a hassle to lug around. She also felt that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a little clunky and took some time to master. She was happy with the stroller at the end and would recommend it.
Storage
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 customize your setup with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added to accommodate older children. But, they're not all created equal -- some are elegant and simple to use, whereas others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold or store.
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 option. It was the lightest choice in our tests, weighing close to 23 lbs and is also simple to fold, but it still has all of the features parents require for a fun outing with two kids.
The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model our testers loved. They particularly liked its sleek design and easy-to-use. It can fit two infant car seats, or a toddler's seat and a bassinet without adapters. The rear seat can be removed to transform it into a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage, and it can be upgraded by adding an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires, as well as side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the best double stroller for a toddler is one that offers multiple customization options. This includes a bassinet or seat that can be removed. Toddlers can be limited in their endurance and a stroller that has a bassinet attached will offer a safe spot for them to sleep. She says that a double stroller should also have a comfortable recline position and harness system as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents because of its light weight and versatility. It's airline gate-check-friendly, fits through most doors (without having to remove the front wheels) and expands into a quad or triple stroller that has an additional tandem seat. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopies and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket and inclusion of parent and child cup holders complete the impressive set of features. Taylor says that the only drawback is that it has a large profile when folded, and can be difficult for parents to stow.