How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

If you're looking for a double stroller there are a variety of options. To help you choose the most suitable one for your family, we talked to experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.

You should choose a stroller that is simple to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that is able to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler and an adult rider board.

Safety

Look for a double-stroller that includes all-terrain wheels as well as a brake that can be operated by hand if want to keep the kids safe when walking. These wheels and brakes help you navigate trails and gravel without your children slipping or rolling. The best double buggy converts to single (linked internet site) strollers offer plenty of storage space to store equipment and essentials for kids like snacks and toys.

The first step in choosing the right double stroller is to determine how old your children are and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers are designed to can accommodate one child's seat, but those do come with different configurations, so you can select the seating option that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.

The classic doubles are great for children of similar ages that like to interact. Some models have a double buggy sale-decker design, which allows you to put one of the seats above the other or even attach a rider board for older siblings. Babies can be placed in a bassinet attached to the frame or in a standalone attachment that offers the chance to peek at your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins then a twin stroller will be the best option.

Choose a stroller with two wheels that can handle off-road terrain, and even hiking. Many strollers were created with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that let you take them on any adventure no matter how rough or high the climbs might be.

In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers come with clever features that make traversing difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. For instance this stroller for jogging has a wrist loop for your child, so you'll be able to ensure that they're safe while running downhill or at faster speeds. It also has a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your kids cool in the summer heat.

This model is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds. This makes it perfect for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also has a large storage basket and an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.

Seating

Double strollers of today are sleeker and can be set up in a variety of ways to suit your family. Some are used as traditional side-by-side strollers while others--such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--work as a base that car seats, toddler seats or bassinets snap into. They come in a variety of sizes and weight limits to accommodate children from birth to kindergarten.

A good double stroller must be easy to maneuver and fold, as well as allowing you to adjust the handlebar's height to make sure you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A good handlebar is comfortable to hold and should inspire 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 everything you need for your children.

If your twins are similar age, a tandem double buggy stroller may be the best choice 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 each 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 a twin stroller could be that it is wider than a model that is designed for a single occupant. This can make it difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles, or sidewalks. For some families the benefits are well worth the extra effort and size.

If you're looking for an ultra-compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista thule double stroller is a great option. Its shock absorption, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for more mobile children make it a perfect option for city-living.

Another option is a wagon-style stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare bones, but it offers plenty of storage and seating space. It also has sturdy wheels that can take on any terrain. It also has an umbrella with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. However, some parents feel that the seats are too low and don't recline to a completely flat position, making it difficult for smaller children to sit comfortably or reach their snack trays.

Simple to Use

Double strollers are usually a large investment that you will be using for a long time. When choosing a stroller you must ensure that it is easy to operate and clean. The best double strollers are designed to be easy-to-use and come with many useful features.

All strollers we tested can be folded easily and compactly with just one hand. They are light and are ideal for traveling. A majority of them are gate checked on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. Many of our test subjects discovered that their strollers could fold down smaller than the single seat equivalents. Some even came with a carrying strap.

If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that will grow with your family Look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth until preschool age. Each seat has a 5-point harness and a large canopy that gives ample protection from the sun.

Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight and extremely compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat stance, and the back seat can be adjusted for each child. There's a large storage bin and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that 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 states that the packaging was fun and clever, but that it also came in five boxes that can be trouble to carry around. She also found that Genuis's magnetic buckle was difficult to master. She was pleased with the stroller in the end and would recommend it.

Stores

Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and styles that include tandems (single-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and many that allow you to modify the layout using an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some come with rider boards which can be added for older siblings. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are lightweight and easy to use while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.

If you're looking to purchase a light double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, with a weight of less than 23 pounds. It is also easy-to-fold and has all the features parents need to enjoy a day out with two kids.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is a different model that our test subjects loved especially for its sleek design and easy to use. It can fit two infant car seats, or a toddler's bassinet as well as a seat without adapters. The rear seat can be removed to make it into a triple or quad stroller. It has a large storage basket that can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents wheel, all-terrain wheels, as well as side storage bags.

Billingsley says that the most suitable 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 strollers with an attached bassinet will offer a safe spot for them to rest. She says that a double stroller must also have a great recline position and harness system and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.

The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its lightweight and flexibility. It's airline gate-check-friendly and fits through most doors (without having to remove 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 further highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive feature set. Taylor states that the only drawback is that it has the largest profile when folded, and is difficult for parents to stow.