The 10 Best Double Strollers
Editor's Notes
March 20, 2020:
Stability is an immensely important part of what makes a good stroller, and the front wheel on the Baby Trend Jogger Expedition had way too much wobble in it for us to continue to recommend, especially as it's a jogging model that is going to experience much higher speeds of movement than the average model. Hit a big enough bump with that wheel at the wrong angle and there's a possibility of toppling over, which is an unacceptable situation. So, we sent that model packing, in addition to the Delta Children LX Tandem, which had a few too many durability issues to ignore.
In their places, we added the Thule Urban Glide 2, a model from a company many people know for their excellent bike racks, and the research and development that went into the frames and hinges in that department certainly came with them to their stroller design, which features a durable construction and an easy folding mechanism. We also added the Britax B-Lively, which boasts more reclining angles than many of its competitors, and that's particularly lightweight, even if it struggles to attach to the company's car seats.
Why Do You Need A Stroller?
They are intended to carry babies, toddlers, and, in some cases, young children.
The idea behind the average stroller is very basic: Get your child from point A to point B while walking with minimal effort. A double stroller adds to that goal simply by adding an extra child.
Strollers are wheeled vehicles that you have to push by hand. They are intended to carry babies, toddlers, and, in some cases, young children.
A double stroller is sometimes called a tandem stroller. It is designed with the intent of carrying two children at a time whether they are twins or children of different ages. The tandem design means that the children sit front to back - one child sits in front of the other. It's narrow, but long making it easy to get through crowds or tight spaces.
The side by side double stroller is often better for parents of toddlers or older children, although many of them come with the option to attach bucket car seats for infants. They can be more difficult to maneuver through crowds but are sometimes lighter and more convenient than a tandem stroller.
The choice between a tandem or side by side stroller is a matter of personal preference since they make very little difference in the grand scheme of baby transport.
The Options Are Endless
You already know the basic types of double strollers available. So what other things should you be considering before you make your final decision?
First, consider the pros and cons of choosing a stroller with the seats side by side or front to back. While there is not always a significant difference, some people certainly prefer one over the other.
If you are choosing the side by side option, it might be because you have twins or two children very close to the same age. This allows both children to be "even." (And if you have toddlers, you know how important that is.) But it's not as easy to maneuver as the front to back strollers.
Most parents enjoy the convenience of removing the bucket car seat from the car and snapping it into the stroller.
A front to back stroller is generally chosen if you have an infant and an older child. The problem is, the older child often has to sit in the rear seat where things just aren't as comfortable. If you have an easy-going kid, it's no problem. But if you have a child that wants to see everything going on around him, you might have some issues with the front to back style.
If you are having twins, you are probably going to want a stroller that can manage two infant carriers. Not all double strollers offer this option, so you will want to carefully study the stroller you plan to buy. Most parents enjoy the convenience of removing the bucket car seat from the car and snapping it into the stroller. With twins, anything that can make your life slightly easier is a huge plus.
Finally, consider when and how you plan to use your stroller. Are you an active parent who enjoys running or jogging? If that's the case, a durable double jogging stroller is your best bet. If you only need something for occasional outings, consider something less expensive with fewer bells and whistles.
Are you only on your first child but planning to have more? Then plan ahead! It will save time and money in the long run to buy a double stroller that has the option of converting to a single stroller until you are ready for baby number two.
Stroller Evolution: Watch It Grow
The first stroller was invented by William Kent in 1733. Kent was a landscape architect, and he designed a miniature carriage in the shape of a shell that was intended to be pulled by a small animal such as a goat, miniature horse, or dog. It was fixed with a harness so that the third Duke of Devonshire could keep his children entertained and transport them around the grounds.
In 1848, Charles Burton invented a stroller that could be pushed instead of pulled.
The mid 1800s brought with it the invention of strollers that a parent could pull along behind her. The problem was that these strollers could not be left unattended for even one second because they were unstable and tipped easily with the baby inside.
In 1848, Charles Burton invented a stroller that could be pushed instead of pulled. Americans didn't appreciate the new design, so Burton took his business overseas to England where it soared to popularity with royal families and was dubbed the "pram."
William H. Richardson invented a stroller with movable wheels and a reversible bassinet in 1889. By the 1920s, more and more parents were using strollers for their children, and more safety features were added such as foot brakes and sturdier frames that kept the little ones from being hurt too badly if they climbed out.
Between the 1930s and 1950s, strollers moved to mass production with less expensive parts such as rubber and plastic. They gradually became safer and far more affordable for the average parent to purchase. Over the next forty years, the umbrella stroller and the jogging stroller were invented providing parents with even more options and convenience.
In 1986, Baby Jogger invented and marketed the first double jogging stroller. It was dubbed "The Twinner" and significantly simplified life for parents of twins.
Today, there is no shortage of stroller options on the market, especially for parents of two or more children. The double stroller is more of a necessity than a luxury in homes with families with twins or two young children.