How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

There are a variety of options in the field of double strollers. To help you choose the best one for your family, we consulted experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.

You should look for a stroller that is simple to fold and push to carry. And consider a model that's versatile enough to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler along with a rider board.

Safety

If you want to ensure your children are secure on your walks opt for double strollers that have features like all-terrain tires and a brake operated by hand. These wheels and brake aid you in traversing trails, gravel, and sidewalks without the risk of your children sliding or rolling away. The best double strollers offer plenty of storage space for gear as well as kids-sized items like snacks and toys.

The first step in selecting the best double stroller is to know how old your children are and how far apart they are. Many double strollers only allow one child seat, but those do come with various configurations so that you can choose the type of seating that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.

The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar age who like to interact. Double-decker designs permit you to place one seat over the other, or even attach a riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet attached to the frame or with an attachment that allows you to peek-a-boo at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a dedicated twin stroller is the way to go.

For families that are more adventurous, look for a double stroller that is able to handle off-road terrain or even hike. Many of these strollers were developed with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that will let you take them on any trip, no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs might be.

The top double strollers are equipped with intelligent features that aid in navigation through difficult terrain and in bad weather. For instance this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child so you're sure they're secure when running downhill or at higher speeds. It also has an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your children cool in the summer heat.

This model is a light and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 lbs. It's perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a large storage basket and an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.

Seating

Double strollers today are more sleek and can be arranged in various ways to meet the needs of your family. Some double strollers can be used as side-by-side models and others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddlers seats and bassinets. They are available in a variety of sizes and weight limits to accommodate children from birth to kindergarten.

A good double stroller should be easy to fold and move and will allow you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure you are comfortable throughout your outings. A good handlebar is easy to grip and should encourage you to walk in a logical manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should also provide a variety of storage options that will accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your kids.

If your twins are near in age, you might discover that a tandem double stroller stroller is best for your family. These models have seats that are side-by-side so you can interact with them both and keep an eye on both of them at the same. They also recline independently which means that one child can rest while the other is ready to go.

The disadvantage of twin strollers is that it can be larger than a single-occupant model, which can make it difficult to maneuver around walkways, aisles for shopping and narrow doorways. But for certain families, the advantages are worth the extra space and effort.

If you are looking for a compact double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 double stroller with large Canopy is a good option. Its shock absorption, sleek design, and capacity for two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for more mobile children--make it an ideal choice for city living.

Another option 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, as well as sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also comes with a canopy with a 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, making it difficult for little children to reach their snacks or to relax.

Easy of Use

A double stroller is usually an investment of a large amount and one that you hope to use for a long time. When you are shopping for a double stroller, be sure it's easy to use and clean. The top double strollers have been designed to be easy-to-use and come with many useful features.

All strollers we tested could be folded easily and compactly with just one hand. These strollers are lightweight and perfect for travel. Many of them can be checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. Furthermore, the majority our testers reported that their strollers folded to a smaller size than their single-seat counterparts, and some even had an adjustable carry strap for easy carrying.

If you're looking for a flexible double pushchair sale stroller that will grow with your family take a look at the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth until preschool age. Each seat comes with five-point harnesses with a large canopy, as well as plenty of sun protection.

The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly praised. This stroller is lightweight and compact, weighing only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to almost an entire flat position, and the back seat has an adjustable recline for each child. The stroller is simple to operate and maneuver due to its large storage basket, simple parking brake that is one step and a large storage basket.

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

Storage

Strollers are available in various sizes and designs, including tandems (single and double stroller-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and many that allow you to customize the setup with an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some even have add-on rider boards for older siblings. They're not created equal. Some are light and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.

If you are looking for a lightweight stroller that can accommodate two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest choice during our tests. It weighs close to 23 lbs and is also easy to fold, yet it still has all of the features parents need to have a great time out with two kids.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is a different model that our testers adored especially for its sleek design and ease of use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters needed. The rear seat can also be removed to make it a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage, and it can be upgraded with an organizer for parents and all-terrain tires, as as side storage bags.

Billingsley states that the best double stroller for a two-year-old is one that offers various options for customization, such as a removable seat or bassinet. This is due to toddlers having limited endurance, and a stroller with a bassinet attachment will provide them with a safe spot to nap. She says a double stroller must also come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.

The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its light weight and flexibility. It is airline gate-check friendly, fits through most doorways (without removing the wheels on the front) and can be converted into a quad or triple stroller by adding an add-on tandem. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopy and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its large underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of parent and kid cup holders complete the impressive feature set. The one disadvantage according to Taylor, is that it lacks a a small profile when folded and can be difficult to stow.