How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a variety of options when it comes to double strollers. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, has helped us select the best one for you.
Find a stroller that's fairly easy to push, fold and carry. You should consider a stroller that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler with a riderboard.
Safety
Look for a double-stroller that includes all-terrain wheels as well as a brake that is operated by hand if you want to keep your kids safe while walking. These brakes and wheels will help you navigate trails and sand without children falling or rolling. The best double strollers come with ample storage space to store items for your kids, including snacks and toys.
The first step in choosing the right
double pram and pushchair stroller is to figure out 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 is ideal for your family.
Side-byside doubles are a popular option, and they're great for children of similar ages who want to interact with each other. Some options have a more double-decker style, allowing you to place one seat above the other or even attach a rider board to older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into a bassinet 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 already have twins then a twin stroller will be the best option.
For families who are more adventurous consider double strollers that can handle off-road terrain or even hike. A lot of these strollers have been 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 best double strollers have thoughtful features that make navigating tough terrain and weather easier. For example, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child, so you're sure that they're safe when you run downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also has a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during summer heat.
If you're looking for a light compact
double running buggy stroller look at this model from Joovy. It weighs in at just over 23 lbs, making it lighter than other single strollers, and ideal for air travel or storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a large storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers are now more sleek and can be arranged in various ways to meet the needs of your family. Some work as traditional side-by-side strollers while others--such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--work as a base for car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets can be plugged into. They are available in a variety of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.
A good double stroller will be easy to fold and move and allows you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure that you feel comfortable throughout your outings. A good handlebar is easy to grip and should encourage 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 are similar in age, you could find a tandem stroller works best for your family. The seats of these models sit together, allowing you to interact with both of them and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They also recline independently so that one child can nap while the other is awake and ready to go.
The disadvantage of twin strollers is that it's more spacious than a model with a single occupant and can make it difficult to navigate sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doors. For certain families, the advantages are worth the extra space and effort.
If you are looking for a compact
Nipper Double Buggy-stroller then the UPPAbaby V2
stokke double stroller is an excellent option. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats, plus an optional running board for older children -- make it a great option for city-living.
A wagon-style double stroller like the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. The model is basic, but it offers plenty of storage space and seating. It also has heavy-duty wheels to take on any terrain. It also comes with an SPF canopy that is 50+ and a handlebar that can be adjusted. However, some parents feel that the seats are too low and can't recline completely to a flat position, making it difficult for smaller children to get comfortable or reach their snack tray.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller is usually a significant investment and one that you hope to use for many years. When you are shopping for a double stroller, make sure it is easy to use and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and include a variety of useful features for parents.
All strollers we tested fold quickly and compactly in one hand. They are also light and ideal for traveling. A majority of them are gate checked on airplanes and fit into most trunks. Most of our testers also found that their strollers could fold down to a smaller size than the single seat equivalents. Some even came with a carrying strap.
If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that can expand with your family, look no further than 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 to the age of preschool. Each seat has five-point harnesses, a large canopy and ample sun protection.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight, compact and only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat position, and the back seat can be adjusted for every child. There's a huge storage basket and an easy, one-step connected parking brake that makes this stroller simple to move and use.
The only drawbacks to the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry says that the packaging is clever and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes, which can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be a bit clunky, and it took her a while before she could master it. She was satisfied with the stroller at the end 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 modify the layout using the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added to accommodate older children. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are light and easy to use while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.
If you're looking for a lightweight
double running buggy stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, with a weight of less than 23 pounds. It's also easy to fold and comes with all the features parents want for a great day out with two kids.
The Vista v2
double pram buggy by UPPAbaby is another model that our testers loved. They especially liked 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 triple or quad stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage and can be upgraded with an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires, as as storage bags for the sides.
Billingsley says that the best double stroller for toddlers is one that has multiple customization options, like a removable seat or bassinet. Toddlers are typically restricted in their endurance, so strollers with an attached bassinet will provide a safe place for them to nap. She suggests that a double stroller should also have a great harness and recline position and plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents due to its light weight and the versatility. It's gate-check-friendly for airlines and fits through most doors (without removing the front wheels), and can expand into a triple or quad stroller with an add-on tandem seat. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders complete the impressive list of features. One drawback, according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have the smallest profile when folded, and could be difficult to stow.