How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

There are many options available when it comes to double strollers. To help you choose the right one for your family, we spoke with child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.

You should choose a stroller that is easy to fold and push to carry. Consider a model that can fit two infant car seat or a toddler with a riderboard.

Safety

If you want to keep your children secure on your walks make sure you choose a double stroller with features like all-terrain tires as well as an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These wheels and brake assist you in navigating trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without your children falling or rolling off. The best double strollers offer ample storage space to store equipment and essentials for kids like snacks and toys.

Choosing the right double stroller for your family begins by determining the age and distance in age. A majority of double strollers are designed to allow one child seat, but the ones do come with different configurations, so you can pick the seat that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.

Side-byside doubles are a popular choice, and they're perfect for kids of similar ages who want to interact with each other. Some double-decker designs allow you to place one seat above the other, or add a riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into a bassinet, which is attached to the frame or in a standalone attachment that gives you an unobstructed view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins then a twin stroller side by side stroller will be the best option.

For families who are more adventurous opt for a double stroller that can handle off-road terrain, or even hiking. A lot of these strollers were developed with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that let you take them on any adventure no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs might be.

The top double strollers are equipped with intelligent features that make it easier to navigate in difficult terrain and bad weather. This jogging stoller for instance, comes with a wrist loop, so you can make sure your child is safe when going downhill at a higher speed or in harsh weather conditions. It also has an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your children cool during the summer heat.

If you're looking for a lightweight, compact double stroller, check out this model from Joovy. It weighs in at just over 23 pounds, making it lighter than some single strollers, and ideal to take on air travel or for storing in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with an enormous storage basket as well as a one-step linked parking brake that is easy to use.

Seating

Double strollers of today are more sleek and can be arranged in various ways to fit your family. Some work as traditional side-by-side strollers while others--such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--function as a base that car seats, toddler seats or bassinets click into. They are available in a variety of widths and weight limits to fit children from birth to kindergarten.

A quality double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, as well as allowing you to adjust the handlebar's height to make sure you're comfortable throughout your outings. A good handlebar is comfortable to hold and will encourage you to walk in a safe manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should come with a variety of storage options that can accommodate everything your children will need.

If your twins are of a similar age, a tandem stroller could be the ideal option for your family. The seats of these models sit in a row, allowing you to interact with both of them and keep an eye on them simultaneously. They also recline independently, so one child can nap and the other is ready to go.

The disadvantage of a twin stroller is that it's wider than a single-occupant model which makes it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doorways. For certain families, however the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.

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

Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This basic model comes with lots of space for seating and storage, as well as robust wheels that can handle any terrain. It also comes with a canopy that has 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, making it hard for small children to reach their food trays or get comfortable.

User-Friendliness

double buggy strollers are often an investment of a significant amount that you will be using for a long time. When shopping for one, you want to make sure it will be simple to operate and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as possible and come with a wide array of convenient features for parents.

For starters, all the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They're also lightweight, making them ideal for travel. A lot of them fit into the majority of trunks and are checked for gate-checking on planes. Additionally, the majority of our test subjects found that their strollers folded to a smaller size than the single seat models, and some even came with a carry strap for convenient carrying.

The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double infant strollers stroller with lots of options that will grow with your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth until the age of preschool. Each seat is equipped with a five-point harness and a large canopy that gives ample shade from the sun.

Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. It is light and compact, weighing only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat position and the back seat can be adjusted for each child. There's a large storage bin and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller simple to move and use.

The only drawbacks to the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry says that the packaging is smart and fun, but it comes in five boxes that can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp somewhat awkward, and it took her a while before she could master it. In the end, however, she was very happy with this stroller and would definitely recommend it.

Stores

Strollers come with a variety of shapes and sizes, from tandems with side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to customize your stroller by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some have even added rider boards for older siblings. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are lightweight and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.

If you're looking for a lightweight double stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, with a weight of less than 23 pounds. It is also easy-to-fold and comes with all the features parents need for a fun day out with two children.

The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved. They particularly liked its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler's bassinet as well as a seat without adapters. The rear seat can be removed to turn it into a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage, and can be upgraded with a parent organizer and all-terrain tires as well with side storage bags.

Billingsley says the best double stroller for a toddler is one that has multiple customization options, like an adjustable seat or bassinet. This is due to toddlers having little endurance, so a stroller with an attachment for a bassinet will provide them with a safe spot to nap. She suggests that a double stroller must also include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.

The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents due to its light weight and versatility. It's gate-check-friendly for airlines, fits through most doors (without removing the front wheels) and can be expanded into a triple or quad stroller that has an additional tandem seat. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive feature set. Taylor says that the only drawback is that it has an enormous size when folded and is difficult for parents to store.