A double stroller is a stroller, which is a lightweight pushing pram, but now doubled up to accommodate two children or one child and your very large handbag. It is the perfect stroller for moms of twins or two children within a few months or years of each other. As with a Lightweight Stroller or Umbrella Stroller, these also fold up neatly and generally are light and easy to store.
I remember an advert, I think it was for a bank, where the exhausted-looking mother shifts the baby on her hip for the hundredth time and tugs on the little toddler’s hand as she tries to draw money from an auto bank. Along comes an African lady, who promptly wraps a blanket around both baby and mom, securing the little girl to her mom’s back. While this was all very comical and surprisingly innovative, there are easier ways to contain your two little cherubs. It is as simple as investing in a double stroller.
Why a Double Stroller?
The first, and probably obvious, reason would be why “bank mom” needed a double stroller. To free her hands. While we mothers pride ourselves on multitasking, it really isn’t practical or sensible to be trying to do important things, like banking, when you have two little ones vying for your attention. Popping them both into a secure, comfortable little vehicle makes loads of sense.
The second and should-be-obvious reason is the cost factor. When you have two, you have double the costs. Double nappies, double cute clothing outfits, double food bills, and generally double trouble. You will find, once done with this article, that buying a tandem or double stroller is more cost-effective than two individual strollers, not to mention just easier to maneuver. Go ahead, just try to push two separate strollers at the same time. I dare you. Not an easy task.
Lastly, but important, is that when you have a busy little toddler, you need to entertain them, as well as cater to the growing needs of your new baby. With a double stroller, you just pop them both in, stuff your huge bag in the carriage space underneath, and off you go. Similarly with twins, no matter the age, the mom needs to get out and about or cabin fever will set in. Before we get into the advantages of double strollers, let’s explore what a Double Stroller is and why you need to know the ins and outs of finding the best double strollers out there.
Before we get into the advantages of Double Strollers, let’s explore what a Double Stroller is and why you need to know the ins and outs to find the best double stroller out there.
Factors to consider when looking for the double stroller
Terrain
As with single strollers, you want to consider the type of terrain you will be navigating on a regular basis. Will it be it a tarred road down to the park, off-road gravel, grassy, or sandy, or will you just use the stroller to walk around the mall?
Weight
Double strollers are heavier, and of course, you have double the weight in the way of two babies or a toddler and a baby, so no matter the type of double stroller, you will need to give it a little more of a push. Having said that, as you will find out below, each brand of double stroller handles differently, so take that into account when deciding on the stroller.
Size
Size is definitely a factor to consider, especially when it comes to your vehicle’s trunk capacity, not to mention where you will be storing the stroller at home. There are many shapes and sizes out there.
Price
You can really go to town with the variety of double strollers available now in the market. There was a time when only a few manufacturers supplied double strollers, and they were very expensive. But now, the options are vast. Price has also taken a back seat, and you can pick up very inexpensive models, which also offer good features.
So, which is the Best Double Stroller for you?
We have tried to compile a comprehensive list of the best double strollers in the market, based not only on price but the maneuverability, lightweight pushing pram, as well as trying to cover the many options to suit your lifestyle. Whether you’re a slow walk-in-the-park sort of mom or a fitness nut determined to run off that baby fat, then we know you will find your double stroller here.
Joovy Caboose Too Ultralight Graphite Stand-On Double Stroller
Available in a single seater and double, this groovy double stroller comes in lovely, summery colors and has a huge, shady, adjustable canopy. It must be pointed out that this tandem stroller is built for a bigger baby and toddler, as the older guy will stand or sit at the back of the main bench seat.
Easy to fold away with a trigger-fold design and quite compact once folded, we like this sit and stand stroller very much. Weighing in at around 30 pounds, we don’t find this excessive as you are, after all, getting more than you would with a single stroller and some single strollers are heavier than this. While very basic, it sports a large storage basket, child tray with 2 cup holders, and a universal car seat adapter.
For a smooth ride, the suspension is excellent, especially as you will have a heavier than normal passenger load. The “hop on board” concept is a novel one, and your toddler will like the idea of jumping on and going, just like on a real train. No worries when it comes to safety, as both the chair and toddler back set to offer a harness. At a very low, we think this is an absolute bargain.
Phil & Teds Sport Buggy with Doubles Kit
Big wheels = a lovely, smooth ride, added to that the wheels allow for varied terrains.
You can also use the one-hand motion to fold this baby away, and it’s easy to store and transport. Just remember to remove the one toddler seat before folding it away.
Although around 36 pounds, once it’s folded up, it’s quite easy to lift and pack away.
This stroller is ideal for toddler-baby-combo, or even twins, no matter the ages, with its Double Kit facility.
The seat can be adjusted to 3 different reclining positions i.e. sitting upright (for toddlers) to laying flat (for babies). What we like especially about this stroller is that when you don’t want to use the double seat facility, you can easily adjust to accommodate for a single child or baby. We have researched that the added extras, which must be bought separately, do help with the overall ease of use for this stroller.
For example, the pannier bags come in handy because when you are using both seats, you cannot then use the under basket comfortably. Another good extra is the double sun cover, because only the rear seat has a sun cover in the standard buy, as you will see from the picture. The food tray is a must so the older child can snack on the tray whilst riding along. Lastly, the handbag attachment is good for storing cups and any oddments, again, because the undercarriage storage isn’t usable when both seats are in use. Unfortunately, on the pricey side, but I would definitely say value for money.
BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie Double Jogging Stroller
For all those die-hard fitness freaks out there, like myself, you will have to consider this all-terrain double stroller. This is the best lightweight double stroller on our list. It is for infants from 0 to 8 weeks when used with a compatible Duallie adapter and infant car seat.
The state of art suspension ensures that your little guys have a smooth and almost bump free ride. The big wheels of this lightweight double stroller are the way to go. Again it sports a 5-point safety harness and ultra comfortable padding. When you have two busy buddies on your hands, you will be happy to know it boasts an easy, two-step folding ability and with its lightweight frame weighing in at 33 pounds, you can be sure you will be able to lift this sucker easily. But of course you will, you’re an “Ironmom”.
Check out their adorable accessories, like the weather shield, for those iffy days when you just have to go for that run as well as the Duallie Snack Tray and Handlebar Console for storing keys, snacks, and those useful pacifiers. Price wise? It is a pretty fortune but losing that weight will make it worth it.
Bumbleride Indie Twin Double Stroller
Ok, we are heading into the more pricey option here, but just hear me out. This zooty number has some serious features worth considering. While it says jogging, you can use this double stroller for everyday use too.
We especially like the air-filled, swivel wheels, which give that added comfort on the road or any terrain. My suggestion is to treat this baby like you would a bicycle and get those wheels filled with “goo” so that if you should get a puncture, the goo keeps filling the tires and sealing the hole, so you don’t need to stop, and change a tire.
For the runners, you can maneuver your way with one hand on the handlebars. Very practical when you need to take a swig of water with the other hand. As your little guys grow, you can individually adjust the footrests, backrests, and oversized sun canopies.
While you may be the only one sweating away, it’s good to know that in the warmer weather, the fabric of the seats is breathable and made from 50% recyclable plastic and 50% bamboo charcoal fiber, so good for your babies too. Safety features include the standard 5-point harness and hand brake for those times when you need a little help stopping.
Ok, we have left the worst part for last. The price. Yes, crazy price, but in its defense, it’s very solid and will last for many, many years.
So, in a nutshell, you have all you need to choose the best double stroller for you and your little Einsteins.
