Ask CBB: Double Strollers for 2 (kids) under 2 (years old)

CBB Reader Jamie emailed us looking for recommendations for a double stroller for her 20 month son and newborn baby (ETA January 2008).  A resident of urban Chicago, she says she’s definitely a city mom who walks all of the time.  She has an Mountain Buggy Urban single stroller but her son doesn’t like it because he can’t fully sit up in it- it has a slight incline- so he is constantly pulling forward to sit up.  Her dream stroller is a twin Bugaboo but it doesn’t exist (although a Dutch company makes a knockoff double, it’s not available in the US).  Her other requirement is that she be able to put a car seat on it.

We consulted Jo, from Let’s Go Strolling, on the best strollers for Jamie and other parents who have two kids under two years old.  Here are our recommendations.

(Let’s Go Strolling offers free shipping on all purchases over $99 plus she has created exclusive coupon codes for each of the strollers that she sells.  You must buy that stroller in order to get the deal. All coupons expire 6/30/07.)

Single strollers with toddler seats

The Valco Baby Runabout Trimode is a beautiful plush all terrain stroller with many nice features like a generous basket, air tires for a smooth ride, good canopy and easy recline mechanism.  For the Valco the toddler is always in front of the younger rider.  The Sport Buggy with toddler seat is slightly better for shopping and errands since it has a smaller wheelbase than the Valco with toddler seat so it is more maneuverable in tight spaces but the Valco toddler seat has a higher weight limit, has more padding in the main seat, and the seat of the main rider has more recline positions when holding 2 children. However, both strollers push beautifully and have the ability to hold two kids with the footprint of a single stroller. Read CBB Guest Reviewer Lisa’s review.  For more info, visit ValcoBaby.com. 

Available for at Let’s Go Strolling for $485 + $60 for the toddler seat and save 10% and get a free cupholder when you use coupon code CBBVAL.

TheBumbleride Queen B is a very plush pram-like stroller.  Ths strollerhas steerable air tires which means you can make a 3 point turn like acar but it doesn’t have steerable wheels. The toddler seat can hold upto 35 lbs.  This is a fun walk around the neighborhood or town strollerbut not as practical for an in-and-out of the car lifestyle since ithas a big fold and is on the heavier side (40lbs with toddler seat).Also the seat can face either direction! Gwen Stefani has one. For more info, visit Bumbleride.com.

Available at Let’s Go Strolling for $429 + $80 for the toddler seat and free Universal Cupholder  when you use coupon code CBBITS.

The phil&ted Sport Buggy is the upgraded E3 with nice upgrades and qualityimprovements.  It is a high quality strollers that is remarkably lightand easy to steer even with 2 kinds in it.  For the Sport Buggy theolder child is initially in front of the newborn who is lying flat butthen later – depending on the age of your children – one child goes inthe toddler seat in the rear and the toddler seat now has some reclinefor younger or napping babies.  The Sport Buggy stroller is terrificfor long walks as well as shopping and errands since it has a smallwheelbase so it is more maneuverable in tight spaces plus it can hold acar seat and a second child at the same time (although this istechnically "off-label").  The Phil and Ted’s has a tall main seat soit fits older siblings well for a long time and with the additionalpannier bags – can hold a fair amount of "stuff" along with your twokids with the footprint of a single stroller. Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow have one in lime green. For more info, visit RegalLager.com.

Available at Let’s Go Strolling for $400 + $90 for the double kit plus enter coupon code CBBPT in the ordering instructions for a free matching phil&teds cupholder/hangbag.

Side by side strollers

My favorite double all-terrain stroller is definitely the Valco Baby Twin Trimode; it has the most deluxe features and ease of use and best value.  It can take a Graco, Britax or Peg car seat on one side and comes with great padding, independent canopies, a bumper bar, tire pump, and full rain covers. The Valco is only 29” wide so it fits through a standard doorway and pushes beautifully.  Another plus for many parents is that the seats are nicely structured and sit very upright which many toddlers really want.  Additionally it has tall seats and even taller preschool kids can still fit in it.  Lastly – if you have that expected or unexpected third – you can add a toddler seat to fit 3 kids! For more info, visit ValcoBaby.com.

Available at Let’s Go Strolling for $659 and save 10% and get a free cupholder when you use coupon code CBBVAL. 

The Inglesina Twin Swift is a great lightweights stroller withcompact fold and narrow footprint.  It is the perfect travel oron-the-go stroller for 2 and at a great price point.  Additionally ithas 3 handlebars instead of the typical 2 which makes it easy to pushone handed with the middle handlebar and still drink your latte.  Alsomore handle for all your shopping bags to go on.  The Inglesina is verysturdy and a lightweight favorite. For more info, visit Inglesina.com.

Available at Let’s Go Strolling for $245 and free Universal Cupholder  when you use coupon code CBBITS.

The Baby Planet Unity Sport looks to be a solid doubleumbrella stroller that is relatively lightweight.  It has a uniquehandlebar which is nice for comfortable steering but you can’t hangbags off it which is a bit of a bummer.  The stroller seems plush andnicely made though and when you are done with it – the company willrecycle it for free!  Check out this review of the Unity Sport on About.com. For more info, visit BabyPlanet.com.

Available at Amazon.com $290.

The Zooper Tangois a plush double that is suprisingly lightweight . At 28 lbs it weighsless than the Maclaren Twin strollers.  It has two individuallyone-hand recline seats, individual canopies and bumper bars (good forsnack trays) and boasts a sizeable basket.  Additionally it can holdthe most popular carseat brands on one side for great on the goconvenience.  The Zooper is 30.5" so you might have to angle throughnarrow doorways but it will fit all standard ADA approved doorways thatare 32".  The Tango has a flat (but wide) fold) that is very easy to doand latches shut which is great for travel. For more info, visit Zooper.com.

Available at Let’s Go Strolling for $399. and free Siena Snack Tray when you use coupon code CBBZOO.

Tandem strollers (one seat in front of the other)

The Jané Powertwin holds two kids in a tandem stroller but is an all-terrain stroller with air tires and a swivel front wheel for easy maneuverability and boasts a slim profile.  The Jane also has a hand-brake for those with hilly terrain that they walk over and comes equipped with a tire pump and raincover.  The biggest disadvantage to this option is that although it has a seat limit of 45lbs/ seat, the seats are small and bigger children do not fit as well in the Jane Powertwin as any of the side-by-side all-terrain strollers.  Also it does not currently hold a US/Canadian approved car seat.  The Jane infant car seat may be available in the US by the end of the year. For more info, visit JaneUSA.com.

Available at Let’s Go Strolling for $539 and a free cupholder when you use coupon code CBBJANE.

This Jané Twin Two stroller will be available in the US in the fall. It takes a car seat. For more info, visit Babyworld.co.uk.

The following are great double strollers but do not accept a car seat.

CBB Reader Glendi wrote to tell us that Jo recommended the BOB Revolution Duallie which she ended up purchasing. She says,

I am very happy with it. It’s versatile enough to work as an everyday and jogging/trail stroller, fits an infant seat (with the purchase of an adaptor kit) and is relatively easy to fold up (for a double, anyway!) Definitely worth checking out!

CBB Reader Kristin also loves her Duallie.  She wrote in,

I LOVE it. I have absolutely zero complaints about it, my 19 month old son who won’t sit still in hardly any stroller anymore asks to go in it (we have the mesa orange, he calls it his tractor) and my 3 month old son seems very comfortable in it as well. I was hesitant at first because I don’t run, but we walk everywhere and you can maneuver this stroller over bumps and through turns with two kids in it and a coffee in your hand. The basket is excellent and the accessories are great. I can’t say enough about it…I originally had my heart set on the twin techno because I love my Maclaren Ryder but my older son didn’t fit in it so if you have bigger toddler I would try to test him out in it. The BOB fits through standard doors and I have done indoor shopping wi th it without any problems. When I know it won’t fit somewhere or for restaurants I use the Baby Bjorn and a single stroller.

For more information, visit BOBtrailers.com. Available at Let’s Go Strolling for $529.

The Maclaren Twin Triumph is a good minimalist side by side umbrella stroller  It provides individual reclines and the compact double umbrella fold.  Some complain that this stroller is much less durable than the Maclaren Twin Traveller/Twin Techno version but others like the few extra pounds that Maclaren has shaved off in this version.  At 30" wide this stroller just passes through a doorway but has generally good steering and even steers well with kids of different weights. ($207-250)

My friend Julia just bought a Baby Jogger City Series Double for her twins and loves it. I have the single version and think it’s really great.  Like the single, the double has great suspension which makes for a super smooth ride, padded seats, good storage, adjustable height and angle handle (great for taller parents), and best of all, an easy fold.  I’m told that it’s a very popular double stroller in cities likeManhattan because it fits through standard doors. I’ve definitely seena lot of them at the playground in my neighborhood.

However, I don’t think it would be good for Jamie’s son because there is always a recline, even when it’s fully upright.  But if your kid doesn’t mind, this could be a good stroller for you.  Also, while the City Series single takes a car seat, the double does not. For more information, visit BabyJogger.com.

Available at Let’s Go Strolling for $549 plus a free belly bar and use coupon code CBBBJ to save 10% on any Baby Jogger stroller.

For other popular double strollers that we don’t recommend click Continue Reading.

Jo does not recommend these strollers but they are very popular. She says they are hard to steer especially as kids get older and heavier and that she gets numerous complaints about them. Feature info is taken from the companies’ websites.

Tandem strollers

Graco DuoGlider

• One hand fold with storage latch
• Elevated rear seat for better viewing
• Removable canopies with tuck-away tinted sun visors
• Removable head supports
• Extra-large lower & load storage basket
• Parent organizer tray with storage compartment and cupholder
• Removable front and rear child’s trays with cupholders
• 2-Position reclining front seat, 4-Position, flat reclining rear seat with infant retention
• Combination 3 or 5 point harness in front and rear seats
• Front swivel wheels with locks & suspension
• Accepts 2 Graco® SnugRide® or SafeSeat™ infant car seats

My friend Jessica had this to say about her DuoGlider, comparing it to a satellite apartment,

It weighs a million pounds; M is 30 lbs now and Y is 15, and I use it now without the carseat. Y lays flat in the full recline seat in back and really likes it, but with the two of them, a diaper bag, some Matchbox cars and snacks, it’s murder to push up and down the hills.  Hopefully not for much longer but it’s served me well so far; it’s very big, kind of like having a satellite apartment to walk around with; and it’s the only stroller M has ever liked; he will sit in it comfortable, eating on the snack tray, for a long time, and the canopies are excellent.

Graco Quattro Tour Duo

• General Features
  • Easy one hand fold – 20% smaller when folded as compared to the Graco® DuoGlider™
  • Ergonomic handles offer multiple hand positions for maximum maneuverability
  • Spring suspension helps provide a smooth ride on any surface
  • Drop down basket allows for easy access without disturbing baby
• Rear Seat Features
  • 3-Position, flat-reclining seat
  • Fits Graco® SnugRide® or infant SafeSeat™ car seats
  • Accepts child up to 40 lbs.
• Front Seat Features
  • 3-Position reclining seat
  • Includes cup & snack holder as well as kid friendly storage
  • Includes a car seat adapter to accept a second Graco® SnugRide® of infant SafeSeat™ car seat
  • Accepts child up to 50 lbs.

Eddie Bauer Transit Tandem and Safety 1st Transit Tandem
I did a doubletake when I saw this stroller.  It LOOKS like a standard single umbrella stroller but has a seat behind the front seat.  The stroller is marketed under two names but they are made by the same company and essentially the same thing- just different upholstery.

• Seating for two children
• Compact, umbrella fold
• 7-position rotating handles
• Zippered storage bag
• Large canopy with covered window, storage pockets, and visor
• Premium woven material
• Ultra-light aluminum frame
• Convenient carry handle
• Adjustable leg rest
• Safety 1st version: $110-140, Eddie Bauer version: $130

Tandem strollers with bench seat for older child
These strollers are best for an older child who can and will sit on a bench seat.  It’s not good for a young toddler who doesn’t understand this concept.  They also have a ledge for the older child to stand on.

Joovy makes several versions of their very popular Caboose.  Our reviewer Nancy is currently test-driving the new Ultralight version (look for that review this summer), but there is also the regular Caboose and the Big Caboose which accomodates two infants and a toddler. 

Joovy Ultralight Caboose

• Lightweight aluminum frame, 20% lighter
• Oversized canopy with sun visor extension
• Includes the Cool Essential Neoprene Parent Organizer
• Patented Stand-On Tandem design with padded rear seat allows standing child to take a rest
• Locking, front swivel wheels making the Caboose Ultralight the most compact, maneuverable tandem on the market
• Deluxe fully adjustable 5-point harness in front seat and 3-point harness on rear bench seat
• Comfortable two-position front seat with adjustable footrest
• Universal car seat adapter – fits most major brands
• Front seat accommodates car seats or children from 6 months to 45 pounds
• Foam covered handles for both parent and rear standing child
• Large storage basket under seat with elastic sides for easy access
• Super compact trigger fold design
• Child tray with cup holder
• $250

Joovy Caboose

• Comfortable two-position front seat
• Accommodates children from6 months to 45 lbs.
• Deluxe rip stop nylon fabric
• Deluxe harnesses include reflective stitching for night time safety
• Adjustable padded rear seat allows standing child to takea rest
• Removable canopy with ratcheting adjustment
• Child tray with cup holder
• Foam covered handles for both parent and rear standing child
• Large storage basket under seat
• $180

Baby Trend Sit N Stand

Baby Trend Sit N Stand Deluxe – tandem with regular seat that converts to a bench seat for older child

Side by side strollers

Combi Twin Savvy LX
I love my Combi Cosmo single stroller but have heard mixed reviews on this twin stroller.

• Accommodates one Combi Connection infant car seat (sold separately)
• Carrying strap
• Removable storage pack with two bottle holders; zippered pouch for your cell phone or keys
• Mesh viewing windows and storing pockets on canopies
• Removable, washable seat cushions
• Front swivel wheel for easy maneuvering
• Multi-position deep-reclining seats with 5-point harness and comfort pads (including full recline)
• Larger removable, larger wheels with independent suspension
• Two under-seat storage baskets
• Tri-fold compactly and is self-standing
• Removable bumper bar with snack/cup holders
• Two integrated boots for infant security in recline position
• Open dimensions: 28"L x 39"W x 32"H; folded: 40"L x 22"W x 16 1/2"H
• Weighs 24 lbs.
• $269-299

Peg Perego Aria Twin
Peg Perego makes a few double strollers but this is the most lightweight version by far (14 lbs instead of the Tender’s 24 or the Duette’s 33.5- but both at least accept an infant car seat).  Sometime last year I read about a version of the Aria Twin called the 60/40 that accommodates a car seat (one side is wider than the other to fit the seat) but I haven’t seen it marketed yet.  Hopefully it will come out later this year. 

• Dual 5-point freedom of movement harnesses for security and well-being of the children
• Dual snack/play trays that open/remove for easy access to each baby
• Large, open and spacious basket
• Large enough for two children yet fits through standard doorways
• Individual hoods
• All-wheel suspension, swivel front wheels, rear wheel brakes
• Spacious seats with individual, multi-position backrests
• Adult cup holder on handlebar
• Removable, hand washable upholstery
• Handle for carrying when folded
• Open Product Dimension: Height – 39 3/4", Width – 30", Length – 253/4"
• Closed Dimensions – 32 1/4", Width – 30", Length 9 3/4"
• 14 pounds
• $329