11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually Acceptable To Create With Your Best Double Stroller
How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a lot of options when it comes to double strollers. To help you choose the right one for your family, we talked to the expert in child development 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 infant car seats or a toddler along with an adult rider board.
Safety
If you want to keep your kids secure on your walks make sure you choose a double stroller that has features such as all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These wheels and brakes will assist you in navigating trails or sidewalks without the risk of your children sliding or slipping away. The best double strollers have ample storage space to store items for your kids, including snacks and toys.
The first step in selecting the right double stroller is to figure out how old your children are and how far apart they are. Many double strollers only accommodate one child seat, however, those are available in a variety of configurations so you can pick the seat that best suits your kids and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar ages that want to play. Double-decker designs permit you to put one seat over the other, or attach a riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can either be snuggled in a bassinet attached to the frame, or with an attachment that allows you to look at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the way to go.
For families who are more adventurous consider a double stroller that is able to handle off-road terrain, or even hiking. A lot strollers were created with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that will let you take them on any trip, no regardless of how challenging or difficult the climbs may be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double strollers feature thoughtful features that make navigating difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. This jogging stoller, for example, has a wrist loop, so you can ensure your child's safety while going downhill at a higher speed or in harsh weather conditions. It also has a full-coverage canopy with ventilation to ensure your children stay comfy in the summer heat.
If you're looking for a lightweight, compact double stroller, check out this model from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 lbs., making it ideal for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a large storage basket and an integrated parking brake that is simple to use.
Seating
In contrast to the massive strollers of the past, today's double strollers are sleek and can accommodate various designs to accommodate families. Some double strollers can 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 sizes and weight limits to accommodate children from birth to kindergarten.
A good double stroller must be a breeze to move and fold, while permitting you to adjust the handlebar height so you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A good handlebar is easy to grip and should encourage you to walk in a proper manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should also provide various storage options that accommodate everything you need for your kids.
If your twins are similar age and are in the same age group, a tandem stroller might be the best choice for your family. The seats on these models are positioned in a row, allowing you to be able to interact with them both and keep an eye on them at the same time. They can also recline separately so that one child can sleep while the other is awake and ready to go.
The drawback of twin strollers is that it can be larger than a single-occupant model which makes it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles, and narrow doorways. For some families, the advantages are worth the extra space and effort.
If you're looking for an ultra-compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is an excellent choice for city living thanks 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.
Another option is a wagon-style stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This basic model comes with plenty of seating space and storage, as well as heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also has a canopy that has 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. 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 relax.
Simple to use
A double stroller is usually a significant investment and one you're hoping to use for a long time. When you are shopping for a double stroller, be sure it is easy to use and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as possible and come with a wide array of features that are convenient for parents.
All the strollers that we tested can be folded easily and compactly using just one hand. These strollers are lightweight and perfect for travel. They can fit in the majority of trunks and can be checked at the gate on planes. Our testers discovered that their strollers could fold down to a smaller size than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carrying strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with a lot of versatility that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-by-side stroller works with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, so you can use it from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat is equipped with a five-point harness and an enormous canopy that offers plenty of shade from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly praised. The stroller is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines almost to an entire flat position, and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline for each child. The stroller is simple to operate and maneuver due to its large storage basket, simple one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry states that the packaging was fun and clever, but that it came in five boxes that can be a bit of a hassle to lug around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be somewhat difficult to use and took a while before she could get it to work. In the end, though she was extremely pleased with the stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and designs that include tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and many that allow you to customize the setup with the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added to accommodate older children. They're not all created equal. Some are lightweight and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you are looking for a lightweight stroller that can hold two kids and two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, with a weight of less than 23 pounds. double pram and pushchair is also easy-to-fold and has all the features parents want to enjoy a day out with two children.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is another model that our testers loved especially for its sleek design and easy to use. It can fit 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 triple or quad stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage and can be upgraded by adding 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 a two-year-old is one that offers multiple customization options, like the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. This is due to toddlers having limited endurance, and having a stroller that has an attachment for a bassinet will give them a safe place to take a nap. She suggests that a double stroller should come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its light weight and versatility. It's easy to check at airport gates and fits through most doors (without having to remove the front wheels) and expands into a triple or quad stroller with an add-on tandem seat. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopy and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket and inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive feature set. One drawback according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a an elongated profile when folded and can be difficult to stow.