How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

There are many options available when it comes to double strollers. To help you pick the most suitable one for your family, we spoke with experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.

It is recommended to choose a stroller that is simple to fold and push to carry. Also, consider a stroller that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler and a rider board.

Safety

If you want to keep your children safe on your walks make sure you choose double strollers that have features like all-terrain tires and a brake operated by hand. These wheels and brakes will aid you in traversing trails, gravel, and sidewalks without your children falling or rolling off. The best double strollers also offer plenty of storage space for gear as well as kids-sized items like snacks and toys.

The first step in selecting the right double stroller is to know how old your children are and how far apart they are. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, some do have a variety options that let you pick the seating that's best for your family.

Side-by-side doubles are an iconic choice, and they're perfect for children of similar ages who like to be social with one another. Some double-decker designs allow you to place one seat over the other, or even attach a riderboard for older siblings. Babies can be placed in an infant bassinet that is attached to the frame or as an individual attachment that gives you the chance to peek at your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins then a twin stroller will be the best option.

For families who are more adventurous, look for a double stroller that is able to handle off-road terrain, or even hiking. Many of these strollers were developed with active parents and their children in mind. tandem double stroller have features that let you take them on any adventure, no matter how rough or high the climbs are.

In addition to all-terrain tires the best double strollers have thoughtful features that make navigating tough terrain and weather easier. This jogging stroller, for instance, comes with wrist loops so that you can ensure your child's safety while running at higher speeds or in harsh weather conditions. It also features an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your children cool during the summer heat.

If you're looking for a light, compact double stroller, look at this model from Joovy. It weighs less than 23lbs., making it ideal for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also has a large storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.

Seating

Double strollers of today are sleeker and can be set up in various ways to meet the needs of your family. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models, and others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as a base for car seats, toddlers seats and bassinets. They come in various sizes and weight limits to accommodate children from birth through kindergarten.

A good double stroller will be easy to fold and move and allows you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you're at ease on all your excursions. A great handlebar is one that is easy to grip, and it should encourage you to walk with proper posture (ask other parents for tips on this). It should also have a variety of storage options that accommodate everything you need for your children.

If your twins are similar in age, you may find a tandem stroller works best for your family. These models come with seats that are side-byside, so you can talk to them each other and keep an eye on each of them at the same time. They also recline independently, so one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.

The disadvantage of twin strollers is that it's more spacious than a model with a single occupant which makes it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles, and narrow doorways. But for some families, the advantages are worth the extra space and effort.

If you're looking for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great option. Its shock absorption, sleek design, and capacity for two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for mobile older children -- make it a great option for urban living.

Another alternative is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare-bones and offers a lot of seating space and storage, plus robust wheels that can handle any terrain. It also comes with an umbrella with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not recline fully flat, making it difficult for children to reach their food trays or relax.

Easy of Use

A double stroller is usually an investment of a large amount and one you're likely to use for years. When shopping for one you must ensure that it's simple to operate and clean. The best double strollers have been developed to be user-friendly and have numerous features that are convenient.

For starters, all of the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with one hand!). These strollers are lightweight and are ideal for traveling. A lot of them fit into the majority of trunks and are checked at the gate on planes. Additionally, the majority of our testers found that their strollers folded to a smaller size than their single-seat counterparts and some even came with the option of carrying a strap for carrying.

The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller with a lot of versatility that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-by-side stroller works with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat is equipped with a five-point harness and a large canopy that provides ample protection from the sun.

Another option that is highly regarded is the Joovy Twin Roo. It is light, compact and only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline for each child. This stroller is easy to use and maneuver thanks to its large storage basket, simple one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.

The only drawbacks of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to the model. Kerry states that the packaging was fun and clever, but that it came in five boxes, which can be a bit of a hassle to lug around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be a bit clunky and it took a while before she could master it. In the end, however, she was very happy with the stroller and would definitely recommend it.

Storage

Strollers come in all shapes and sizes, from tandems with side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, and a lot allow you to modify your setup with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have even added rider boards for older children. They're not created equal. Some are light and easy to use while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.

If you're looking for a light double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, weighing just under 23 lbs. It is also easy-to-fold and has all the features parents need to enjoy a day out with two kids.


The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is another model that our testers loved particularly for its sleek design and ease of use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters required. The rear seat can be removed to make it triple or quad stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage, and it can be upgraded by adding a parent organizer and all-terrain tires, as with side storage bags.

Billingsley states that the best double stroller to use for a toddler is one that has numerous options for customization. This includes a bassinet or seat that can be removed. Toddlers are often weak in endurance, and a stroller that has an attached bassinet will offer a safe spot for them to nap. She says that a double stroller should also have a great harness and recline position as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.

The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its light weight and flexibility. It's easy to check at airport gates and fits through most doors (without having to remove the front wheels), and can expand into a quad or triple stroller with an add-on tandem seat. The near-flat, independently reclined seats and the extra-long sun canopy that can be adjusted are just a few of the highlights. A spacious underseat basket and the inclusion of cup holders for both parents and children round out the impressive features. Taylor says the one disadvantage is that it has a a large size when folded and can be difficult for parents to carry.