How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking for a double stroller there are plenty of options. To help you choose the right one for your family, we spoke with child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
Look for a stroller that's relatively easy to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that's versatile enough to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler along with a rider board.
Safety
If you want to keep your children safe on your walks, look for a double stroller that has features such as all-terrain tires and a brake operated by hand. These wheels and brakes will assist you in navigating trails, gravel, and sidewalks without the risk of your children sliding or slipping away. The best double strollers also have plenty of storage space for gear as well as kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.
The first step in choosing the best double stroller is to know the age of your children and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, some do have a variety options that let you pick the seating that's best for your family.
The classic doubles are great for children of similar ages who are keen to interact. Some double-decker designs allow the user to place one of the seats over the other, or attach an additional riderboard for older siblings. Babies can be placed in an infant bassinet that is attached to the frame or as a standalone attachment that offers the chance to peek at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the best way to go.
For more adventurous families, look for double strollers that can take on off-road terrains or even hike. A majority of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind, and have features that allow you to take your kids to 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 getting around difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. This jogging stroller, for instance, comes with wrist loops so that you can ensure your child's safety when running downhill at higher speeds or in adverse weather conditions. It also features a canopy that covers the entire area and has airflow to keep your kids comfortable during the summer heat.
This model is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs in at just over 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than most single strollers, and ideal for air travel or storage in overhead compartments or trunks. Additionally, it comes with a large storage basket and a parking brake that is linked in one step that's easy to use.
Seating
Double strollers today are sleeker and can be configured in a variety of ways to meet the needs of your family. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-byside models, while others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as a base for car seats, toddler seats and bassinets. They come in a variety of sizes and weight limits, allowing children from birth through kindergarten.
A good double stroller must be easy to maneuver and fold, while also allowing you to adjust the handlebar height so you're comfortable throughout your outings. A good handlebar is easy to hold and should inspire you to walk in a safe manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should also provide various storage options that accommodate all the necessities you'll require for your children.
If your twins have a similar age and are in the same age group, a tandem stroller might be the best option for your family. These strollers have seats that are side-by-side, so you can interact with them each other and keep an eye on each of them simultaneously. They also recline independently, so one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The drawback of twin strollers is that it's larger than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles, and narrow doorways. However, for certain families, the advantages are worth the extra space and effort.
If you're looking for a compact double stroller the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a fantastic choice. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is an excellent choice for urban living due to its shock absorption capabilities, sleek design, and capacity to accommodate two infant car seats. It also comes with an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.
Another alternative is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare-bones and offers plenty of seating space and storage, plus sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also features an SPF canopy that is 50+ and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and cannot recline fully flat, making it difficult for little children to reach their snack trays or get comfortable.
User-Friendliness
Double strollers are usually an investment that will be using for a long time. When you are shopping for a double stroller, be sure 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 plenty of convenient features for parents.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with one hand!). These strollers are lightweight and ideal for traveling. Many of them fit in the majority of trunks and are gate-checked on airplanes. Most of our testers also discovered that their strollers can be folded down much smaller than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carry strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller with a lot of versatility that will grow with your family. This side-by-side stroller works with infant car seats, a bassinet and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth until preschool age. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and a large canopy that gives ample protection from the sun.
Another option that is highly regarded is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light and incredibly compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat position, and the back seat can be adjusted to fit each child. There's a large storage bin and an easy, one-step connected parking brake which makes this stroller easy to maneuver and use.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry says that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, but that it was also packaged in five boxes, which could be an inconvenience to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp somewhat awkward, and it took her some time before she was able to master it. She was happy with the stroller in the end and would recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from tandems with side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to customize your stroller by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added for older siblings. They're not all created equal. Some are lightweight and easy to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.
If you're looking for a lightweight double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. double running buggy was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing just under 23 lbs. It's also easy to fold and comes with all the features parents need for a great day out with two children.
The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is another model that our testers loved particularly for its sleek design and easy to use. 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 create a triple or quad stroller. It has a huge storage basket and can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents wheel, all-terrain wheels, as well as side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the best double stroller for toddlers is one that offers various options for customization. This includes a seat or bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers can be restricted in their endurance, so a stroller that has an attached bassinet will offer a safe spot for them to rest. The expert says 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 lightweight and versatility. It is gate-check-friendly for airlines it can be accessed through all doors (without taking off the wheels at the front), and can be converted into a quad or triple stroller by adding an add-on tandem. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its large underseat storage area and the inclusion of parent and child cup holders round out the impressive set of features. The one drawback according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have an elongated profile when folded, and could be difficult to stow.