Three Common Reasons Your Double Car Seat Stroller Isn't Working (And The Best Ways To Fix It)
A Double Car Seat Stroller Is a Must-Have For Twins Or Two Young Kids
A double stroller that has two car seats is a must for toddlers and twins. One option is the Joovy TwinRoo+, allows infant car seats to face either direction and has a sit-and-stand option for older kids.
Another option is a baby jogger, that is perfect for parents who want to take their kids on a run. Which stroller is right for you?
Easy to Fold
The best double strollers are easy to fold, whether you're trying to put them in your car or fit them through an entranceway. Most models have a lever that lets you to fold the base down and flip the seat back. Some also include a handle on the top of the stroller that allows you to lift and carry the whole thing, while others have an integrated kickstand that keeps the stroller folded up until you're ready to take it out again.
If you have twins or are planning to have more children in the near future, a double stroller that includes two infant car seats and an add-on board is a great choice. The Baby Trend Double Snap-N-Go is a popular option. It accepts all types of infant seats and has a stadium seating for both children to enjoy the sights. The model does not "snap into" the car seats. Instead you use a strap net to secure the seats. The edge of the seat is set against the frame.
If you want to shop or walk on the sidewalks of a city look into a stroller that has front and rear wheels that lock for more secure steering over uneven terrain. The parent tray comes with two cup holders, a padded storage area and a padded handle that has three positions for comfort and control. Some models come with an oversized basket that can hold more gear.
A jogging-stroller is a good option for outdoor enthusiasts. However, it can be difficult to lift and carry without a designated handle. Some jogging strollers come with a hook for attaching an infant car seat to give parents eight months of walking time, but this is a risk for infants under six months and should be discussed with your pediatrician prior trying. The BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double are lightweight and have convenient one-hand, standing folds. The Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite, which can seat two toddler seats or one child in the main seating position, is a great choice for outdoor activities.
Sturdy
When families are constantly on the move A double stroller is an indispensable tool. It must be robust enough to be able to traverse various surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and comfortable for infants who may need to lay flat to toddlers who want to sit up and explore. Idealy, it should be able to accommodate various seating arrangements for children of different stages of development. It will also fit nicely into the trunk of your vehicle.
This versatile tandem stroller from CYBEX is a good option to conquer a variety of terrain. It has a recliner seat for toddlers, and can accommodate an infant car seat. The adjustable leg and footrests ensure that children are in a comfortable position. Its UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows as well as the adjustable leg rests offer ample sun protection for both seats. The baby bouncer board lets kids ride in either seat or stand on it. The buckles that do not require rethreading were among the easiest to use in our tests, making it simple to get in and out.
Despite being a double stroller, this one is light and compact. It also has plenty of storage, including a large cargo net beneath the seats, and a large basket on top. The padded handlebars are a hit with parents, but the seat backs aren't fully collapse into a flat position.
This light, bare-bones tandem stroller from Kolcraft can accommodate children as much as 40 pounds per seat (80 pounds in total). It weighs less than 23 pounds. It has large pop-out canopy that offer shade. They also have windows that can be opened as well as a self-standing fold. It comes with straps for carrying that make it easy for walking and 7-inch swivel lock front wheels and 10-inch back wheels with suspension for a smooth ride.
This low-cost double jogging stroller is the lightest we've tested. It's a great choice for families who have two children with similar ages. It does not work with infant car seat, but can fit two of the top-rated convertible seats, and comes with an ideal cup holder for each user. The seats come with a no-rethread harness that's quick and easy to fasten, and the ample storage under the car is accessible without causing any disturbance to your passengers.
Convenient Storage
The amount of storage a stroller provides is crucial especially when you're carrying around two kids and their supplies. Some of our favorites, like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double and the Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double Stroller and 2 Car Seats bundle, come with plenty of storage, including a huge basket that can hold both children's snacks and adult items. And the UPPAbaby's hassle-free fold with one hand means you don't need to strain your back when you're ready to put it away.
Other models, like the Joovy TwinRoo+ Car Seat Frame Double Stroller are smaller and have smaller spaces, but offer good flexibility for a reasonable price. This model is compatible with 23 different infant carseats and is able to hold every seat. This is a huge advantage over other twin frames that simply strap the car into the frame. They're not designed to last for as long.
Many parents of twins opt for a tandem model that can carry both infant car seats at once However, these strollers typically cost significantly more than single strollers and have a shorter lifespan as kids get older. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that will still work as your twins grow choose a wagon that's designed to carry both child car seats and comes with two canopy options and a convenient parent tray with cup holders.
It's important that your stroller is able to handle the weight and movement that your children will be carrying, but you also want them to sit comfortably. Our test participants looked for padding, good adjustable shoulder height straps, and simple buckles that don't require two hands to operate. Certain models, such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 or Evenflo Pivot Xpand come with reclining seats, which allow children to relax in a comfy position. Others, like the Joovy Cabose Ultralight Graphite and Graco Duet have seats with limited reclining options.
Another feature to consider is the number and position of sunshades. Some models, such as the UPPAbaby Vista v2 or Evenflo Pivot have dual canopies to cover both seats. Others, such as the Joovy Caboose or Graco Duet have only one canopy, which has a window for the rear passenger. It's a good idea to use this type of canopy if your child is prone to falling asleep in a particular position. However, it's important to keep in mind that the window will only offer the bare minimum of coverage.
Comfortable
The most important aspect of the stroller you should consider is its comfort. Choose a seat that is large enough for both children and includes recline positions. The canopy should offer enough shade and the tray for parents should include two cup holders. Other features to consider include the foot brake, locking front wheels, and an organizer for parents that can hold diaper bags and snacks.
The most effective double car seat strollers also have safety features that will help your children feel secure. Pick a stroller with a 5-point safety harness which protects your child's shoulders and hips - the most rigid parts on their body. This kind of harness is safer than a lap belt because it shifts the force from an accident and into the seat.
It's also a good idea to consider whether the stroller can fit into your home. You should make sure the stroller can fit in your trunk or closet before you buy it. It is also important to take measurements of the width of any doors that you'll have to go through with the stroller open. The standard doorways are 30 to 36 inches wide, however some are a bit narrower.
If you're looking for a low-cost alternative this model is a good choice. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double offers versatile seating that works with two infant car seats as well as two modified toddler seats that can be oriented forward or backward. This model is similar to a few high-end double car seat strollers however, it's much more affordable for many families that are growing. The one-hand fold and front foot brake make it easy to move around, while the padded 3-position handle is suitable for mom and dad. Under the large cargo basket is a convenient rear zipper access compartment for larger items. The front and rear swivels have suspension to provide a smooth ride on different terrains. Plus, the no-rethread harness makes it quick and easy to secure your children's seat belts. It's machine washable, and easy to spot clean, too.