How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

If you're in the market for a double stroller, there are a lot of options. To help you pick the most suitable one for your family, we consulted child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.

You should choose a stroller that is simple to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler with a riderboard.

Safety

If you want to keep your children secure on your walks opt for double strollers that have features like all-terrain tires as well as a hand-operated brake. These brakes and wheels assist you in navigating paths and dirt without worrying about your children falling or rolling. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space to store gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.

Choosing the right double stroller for your family begins by determining how old and far apart in age. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that do come with a variety of configurations that allow you to choose the seating that is ideal for your family.

The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar age who want to play. Some options have a more double-decker design, which allows you to put one seat higher than the other or add a rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into a bassinet attached to the frame or as an independent attachment that gives you an unobstructed view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller with car seats stroller is the best option to go.

For more adventurous families opt for a double stroller that can take on off-road terrains or even hike. A lot of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind and have features that let you take your kids on any adventure, regardless of how rough the path or how steep the climb might be.

The top double strollers are equipped with clever features that aid in navigation through difficult terrain and in bad weather. This jogging stoller, for instance, features a wrist loop, so you can ensure your child's safety when going downhill at a higher speed or in extreme weather conditions. It also has a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your children cool during summer heat.

If you're looking to purchase a light, compact double stroller, check out this model from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 lbs., making it ideal for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a huge storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.

Seating

Contrary to the giant strollers of the past the modern double strollers are sleek and can accommodate an array of configurations that can be adapted to families. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models, while others, such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddlers seats, and bassinets. They come in various widths and weight limits to fit children from birth through kindergarten.

A good double stroller must be a breeze to move and fold, while permitting you to adjust the handlebar's height to make sure you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A great handlebar is one that is easy to hold, and it should encourage you to walk with proper form (ask other parents for advice on this). It should also offer a variety of storage options that accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your kids.

If your twins are of a similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best option for your family. These strollers have seats that are side-byside, so you can talk to them each other and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They can also recline independently which means that one child can rest while the other is ready to go.

The drawback of lightweight twin stroller strollers is that it's wider than a single-occupant model which makes it difficult to maneuver around the aisles of shops, sidewalks and narrow doorways. For some families the benefits are well worth the extra effort and size.

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

A wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. The model is basic but it comes with plenty of storage space and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels to handle any terrain. It also features an SPF canopy that is 50+ and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not recline completely flat, making it hard for small children to reach their food trays or get comfortable.

Ease of Use

A double stroller is often an investment of a large amount and one you're likely to use for years. If you are in the market for a double stroller, be sure it's easy to use and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as possible and include a variety of useful features for parents.

To start, all the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with one hand!). They're also light, which makes them ideal for travel. They can fit in most trunks and can be gate-checked on airplanes. Most of our testers also discovered that their strollers could be folded down smaller than their single-seat equivalents. Some even came with a carrying strap.

If you're looking for a flexible double stroller that will adapt to your family's needs, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth until preschool age. Each seat features five-point harnesses and a large canopy. It also offers plenty of sun protection.

Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. It is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly an entire flat position, and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline for each child. The stroller is simple to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, simple one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.

The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry states that the packaging was fun and clever, however it was also packaged in five boxes, which can be a bit of trouble to carry around. She also felt that Genuis's magnetic buckle was difficult to master. She was pleased with the stroller, however, and would highly recommend it.

Stores

Strollers are available in various sizes and styles and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and many that let you modify the layout using a car seat or bassinet attachment. Some have rider boards which can be added for older siblings. But, they're not all created equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or stow.

If you are seeking a stroller with a light weight that can fit two children and two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It folds easily and has all the features parents want to enjoy a day out with two children.

The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model our testers loved. They particularly liked its sleek design and ease-of-use. It can fit two infant car seats or a toddler bassinet and seat without adapters. Its rear seat can be removed to make it into a quad or triple stroller. It has a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents with wheels for all-terrain and side storage bags.

Billingsley says the ideal double stroller for a two-year-old is one that has various options for customization, such as an adjustable seat or bassinet. This is because toddlers typically have limited endurance, and having a stroller that has an attachment for a bassinet will provide them with a safe space to rest for a nap. A double stroller should have a good harness system and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.

The ZOE twin pushchairs+ is a popular choice for parents due to its light weight and flexibility. It is gate-check-friendly for airlines it can be accessed through all doors (without taking off the wheels on the front), and can be expanded to a triple or quad stroller by adding an add-on tandem. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its large underseat storage basket and inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive set of features. Taylor states that the only drawback is that it has the largest size when folded and is difficult for parents to store.