How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking for a double stroller, there are a lot of options. To help twin umbrella stroller select the most suitable one for your family, we consulted the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
Find a stroller that's relatively easy to push, fold and carry. Look for a model that can accommodate two infant car seat or a toddler who has a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to ensure your children are safe while walking make sure you choose a double stroller with features such as all-terrain tires and a hand-operated brake. These wheels and brakes help you navigate trails, gravel, and sidewalks without your children falling or slipping away. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space for gear and essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.
Selecting the best double stroller for your family starts with understanding how old and distant in age your kids are. Many double strollers only can accommodate one child's seat, but the ones are available in a variety of configurations so you can choose the type of seating that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar ages who are keen to interact. Some models have a double-decker design, which allows the user to place one seat higher than the other or even attach a rider board to older siblings. Babies can be placed in a bassinet, which is attached to the frame or in an independent attachment that gives you a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins and want to have a twin stroller, it will be the best option.
For families who are more adventurous, look for double strollers that can handle off-road terrain or even hiking. Many of these strollers were designed with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that allow you to take them on any trip, no regardless of how challenging or difficult the climbs might be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers come with thoughtful features that make getting around difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. This jogging stoller, for instance, features wrist loops so that you can ensure your child's safety while going downhill at a higher speed or in extreme weather conditions. It also has an all-over canopy that has ventilation so your kids stay comfortable in the summer heat.
If you're looking to purchase a light compact double stroller look at this model from Joovy. It weighs less than 23lbs. This makes it perfect 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
Contrary to the giant strollers of old the modern double strollers are sleek and support various configurations to fit families. 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 are available in a variety of widths and weights that can accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, as well as allowing you to adjust the height of the handlebar to ensure you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. twin stroller side by side is comfortable to hold and should inspire you to walk in a safe manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should come with a variety of storage options to fit everything your children will require.
If your twins are similar age and are in the same age group, a tandem stroller might be the best option for your family. These models have seats that are side-by-side which means you can interact with them each other and keep an eye on each of them at the same. They can also recline separately so that one child can nap while the other is awake and ready to go.
The downside to twin strollers is that it can be larger than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to maneuver around the aisles of shops, sidewalks and narrow doors. For certain families, however the benefits are well worth the extra effort and size.
If you're in the market for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a fantastic choice. Its shock absorption, sleek design, and capacity for two infant car seats, plus an optional running board for older children--make it an ideal choice for city living.
Another option is a wagon-style stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare-bones and offers plenty of seating space and storage, plus robust wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has an SPF canopy that is 50+ and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and can't recline to a fully flat position, which makes it difficult for smaller children to be comfortable or reach their snack trays.
Easy of Use
Double strollers are often an investment of a significant amount that you will be using for a long time. When shopping for one you need to ensure that it's easy to operate and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and come with plenty of features that are convenient for parents.
All the strollers that we tested can be folded quickly and compactly in one hand. They are also light and perfect for travel. They can fit in most trunks and can be checked at the gate on planes. Most of our testers also discovered that their strollers can be folded down to a smaller size than the single seat equivalents. Some even had a carrying strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller that has many options that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat has five points of harness with a large canopy, as well as plenty of sun protection.
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 to a flat stance, and the back seat can be adjusted for every child. This stroller is easy to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, simple parking brake that is one step and a large storage basket.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry says that the packaging was fun and clever, but that it was also packaged in five boxes that could be trouble to carry around. She also felt that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a bit clunky and took some time to master. In the end, though she was very pleased with this stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in various sizes and styles, including tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and some that let you customize the configuration using the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added to accommodate older siblings. But, they're not all made equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold and store.
If you're looking to purchase a light double stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, with a weight of just under 23 lbs. It's also easy to fold and has all the features parents would want for a fun day out with two children.
The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model our testers loved. They were particularly impressed by its sleek design and easy-to-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler's seat and a bassinet without the need for adapters. Its rear seat can be removed to turn it into a quad or triple stroller. It has a huge storage basket and can be upgraded to include a parent organizer with wheels for all-terrain and side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the ideal double stroller for toddlers is one that has various options for customization, such as a removable seat or bassinet. Toddlers are typically weak in endurance, and a stroller that has an attached bassinet will offer a safe spot for them to rest. She suggests that a double stroller should also have a comfortable harness and recline position and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents because of its light weight and versatility. It's easy to check at airport gates and fits through most doors (without removing the front wheels) and expands into a quad or triple stroller that has an additional tandem seat. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, extra-long sun canopies and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of parent and child cup holders complete the impressive list of features. Taylor says that the only downside is that it has a large footprint when folded, and is difficult for parents to stow.