7 Simple Strategies To Completely Rocking Your Best Double Stroller
How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a lot of options in the field of double strollers. To help you choose the best one for your family, we consulted child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
Find a stroller that's fairly easy to fold, push and carry. Also, consider a stroller that is able to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler as well as an adult rider board.
Safety
Choose a double-stroller which includes all-terrain wheels as well as a brake that can be operated by hand if want to keep your kids safe while walking. These brakes and wheels will help you navigate trails and gravel without your children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space for gear as well as essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.
The first step to choosing the right double stroller is to determine the age of your children and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, those that do have a variety configurations that let you pick the seating that is best for your family.
Side-by-side doubles are a classic choice, and they're perfect for children of similar ages who want to be social with one another. Double-decker designs permit you to put one seat 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 a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the way to go.
For families that are more adventurous, look for double strollers that can handle off-road terrain or even hike. Many strollers were created with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that will allow you to take them on any adventure, no regardless of how challenging or difficult the climbs may be.
The top double strollers have clever 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 going downhill at a higher speed or in adverse weather conditions. It also has a full-coverage canopy with airflow to keep your kids cool 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 23 lbs. This makes it perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. Additionally, it comes with a large storage basket and a one-step linked parking brake that is simple to use.
Seating
Contrary to the giant strollers of old the modern double strollers are sleek and can accommodate various configurations to fit families. Some double strollers can be used as side-by-side models, while others, such as 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 through kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, while also permitting you to adjust the handlebar's height to make sure you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A well-designed handlebar is easy to grip and should encourage you to walk in a logical manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should also have a variety of storage options that will accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your kids.
If your twins are close in age, you may consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. These models have seats that are side-by-side, so you can talk to them each other and keep an eye on both of them simultaneously. They also recline separately so that one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller is that it's wider than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doors. For some families the benefits are well worth the extra effort and size.
If you are looking for a compact double-stroller then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is an excellent alternative. Its shock absorption, streamlined design, and capacity for two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for mobile older children--make it an ideal option for urban living.
A wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. This bare-bones model offers plenty of seating space and storage, plus sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also features a 50+ SPF canopy and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not recline completely flat, making it difficult for little children to reach their snack trays or get comfortable.
User-Friendliness
Double strollers are usually an investment of a significant amount that you will use for many years. If you are looking for a double stroller, make sure it is easy to use and clean. Luckily, the top double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and come with a wide array of features that are convenient for parents.
All strollers we tested fold easily and compactly with just one hand. lightweight double pushchair , making them ideal for traveling. They can fit in the majority of trunks and can be gate-checked on airplanes. Most of our testers also discovered that their strollers can be folded down smaller than single-seat versions. Some even had a carry strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller with many options that can grow with your family. This side-by-side stroller works with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, so you can use it from birth to preschool age. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness, a large canopy and ample sun protection.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly regarded. This stroller is lightweight, compact and only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly an entire flat position, and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline that can be adjusted for each child. There's a huge storage basket and an easy, one-step connected parking brake that makes this stroller easy to maneuver and use.
The only drawbacks to the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry says that the packaging was fun and clever, but that it came in five boxes, which could be a hassle to lug around. She also felt that Genuis's magnetic buckle was awkward and took a while to master. She was happy with the stroller at the end and would recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come in all sizes and shapes, ranging from tandems with side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to modify your stroller by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some have even added rider boards designed for older kids. However, not all of them are made equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or store.
If you're looking for a lightweight stroller that can fit two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. 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 need for a fun outing with two kids.
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, a toddler 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 ideal double stroller for a two-year-old is one that has various options for customization, such as the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. That's because toddlers often have little endurance, so a stroller with a bassinet attachment will provide them with a safe spot to nap. She suggests that a double stroller should also have a good harness and recline position as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its light weight 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 to a triple or quad stroller by adding an additional tandem. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive set of features. The only drawback according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have the smallest profile when folded, and could be difficult to carry.