How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

There are a lot of options when it comes to double strollers. To help you select the right one for your family, we consulted the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.

Look for a stroller that's relatively easy to fold, push and carry. You should consider a stroller that can accommodate two infant car seat or a toddler that has a riderboard.

Safety

If you want to ensure your children are safe while walking, look for a double stroller with features like all-terrain tires and a brake operated by hand. These wheels and brake assist you in navigating trails or sidewalks without the risk of your children sliding or rolling away. The best double strollers offer ample storage space to store items for your kids, including snacks and toys.

The first step to choosing the right double stroller is to know how old your children are and how far apart they are. Many double strollers only can accommodate one child's seat, but those are available in a variety of configurations so you can pick the seat that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.

The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar ages who like to interact. Some options have a more double-decker design, allowing you to put one seat higher than the other or even attach a rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet attached to the frame or with an attachment that lets you peek-a-boo at your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins and want to have a twin stroller, it is the best choice.

For more adventurous families, look for a double stroller that is able to take on off-road terrains or even hike. A lot of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind, and include features that allow you to take your kids on any adventure, regardless of how rough the terrain or how steep the climbs could be.

The best double strollers are equipped with clever features that make it easier to navigate through difficult terrain and in bad weather. This jogging stoller for instance, comes with a wrist loop, so you can ensure your child's safety while running downhill at higher speeds or in adverse weather conditions. It also has a canopy that covers the entire area and has airflow to keep your kids cool in the summer heat.

If you're looking for a lightweight double pushchair, compact double stroller, check out this model from Joovy. It weighs less than 23lbs. It's perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a large storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.

Seating

Double strollers are now sleeker and can be set up in various ways to fit 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 as well as bassinets. They come in various widths and weight limits to fit children from birth through kindergarten.

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

If your twins are of a similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best choice for your family. These models come with seats that are side-by-side, so you can talk to them both and keep an eye on each of them simultaneously. They also recline separately, so one child can nap and the other is ready to go.

The disadvantage of twin strollers is that it can be larger than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to navigate sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doors. But for certain families, the benefits are worth the extra size and effort.

If you're in the market for a compact twin stroller double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great option. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for older children -- make it a great option for urban living.

Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This basic model comes with a lot of seating space and storage, as well as heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also comes with an SPF canopy that is 50+ and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline completely flat, making it difficult for little children to reach their snack trays or get comfortable.

User-Friendliness

Double strollers are typically a large investment that you will use for many years. When you are shopping for a double stroller, make sure it is easy to use and clean. The top double strollers are designed to be easy-to-use and come with many useful features.

All the strollers we tested could be folded easily and compactly with just one hand. They're also light, which makes them ideal for travel. Many of them can be checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. Most of our testers also discovered that their strollers can be folded down smaller than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carry strap.

If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that can grow with your family, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat features five points of harness and a large canopy. It also offers plenty of sun protection.

The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly regarded. It is light and extremely compact, weighing just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when it's folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat position and the back seat can be adjusted for each child. There's a huge storage basket and a simple, one-step linked parking brake which makes this stroller user-friendly and easy to maneuver.

The only drawbacks to the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry notes that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, but that it also came in five boxes that can be a bit of trouble to carry around. She also noticed that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a little awkward and took a while to master. In the end, however, she was very happy with this stroller and would definitely recommend it.

Storage

Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and styles and styles, including tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and many that let you customize the setup with an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some have even added rider boards for older children. 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 to purchase a light double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, with a weight of less than 23 pounds. It is also easy-to-fold and has all the features parents need to enjoy a day out with two kids.

The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is a second model that our testers loved especially for its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat and a bassinet, with no adapters required. The rear seat can be removed to create a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage, and it can be upgraded with an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires, as well as side storage bags.

Billingsley says that the ideal double stroller for a toddler is one that supports various options for customization, such as an adjustable seat or bassinet. That's because toddlers often have limitations in endurance, and a stroller with a bassinet attachment will give them a safe place to nap. She says that a double stroller must also have a comfortable harness and recline position, as well as ample storage space for toys and snacks.

The ZOE twin stroller side by side+ is a popular choice among parents because of its light weight and the versatility. It is gate-check-friendly for airlines it can be accessed through all doors (without removing the wheels on the front), and can be made to a triple or quad stroller by adding an additional tandem. The near-flat, independently reclined seats and the extra-long, adjustable sun canopies are just a few of the highlights. A large underseat storage basket as well as cup holders for the child and parent make up the impressive set of features. One drawback, according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have a an elongated footprint when folded and can be difficult to carry.