How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

If you're looking for a double stroller there are a variety of options. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, has helped us choose the right one for you.

Choose a stroller reasonably easy to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that can accommodate two infant car seat or a toddler who has a riderboard.

Safety

If you want to ensure your children are safe on your walks opt for a double stroller that has features like all-terrain tires and a hand-operated brake. These brakes and wheels help you navigate trails and gravel without your children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space to store items for your kids, including snacks and toys.

The first step to choosing the right double stroller is to figure out how old your children are and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, those that offer a variety of configurations that let you select the seating option that is ideal for your family.

Side-by-side doubles are a classic option, and are great for children of similar ages who like to be social with one another. Double-decker designs permit you to put one seat above the other, or attach a riderboard for older siblings. Babies can be placed in an infant bassinet that is attached to the frame, or as an independent attachment that gives you the chance to peek at your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins then a twin stroller is the best choice.

For families who are more adventurous consider 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 have features that let you take them on any adventure no matter how rough or high the climbs may be.

The best double strollers come with intelligent features that aid in navigation in difficult terrain and bad weather. For example this stroller for jogging has a wrist loop for your child so you're sure they're secure when running downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also features a full-coverage canopy with airflow to keep your kids comfortable during the summer heat.

If you're looking for a light, compact double stroller, take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs just 23 lbs, making it lighter than other single strollers, and ideal to take on air travel or for storing in trunks or overhead compartments. It also has a large storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.

Seating

Unlike the behemoth strollers of old these double strollers are sleek and offer an array of configurations that can be adapted to families. Some double strollers can be used as side-by-side models while others, such as the Baby Trend sit and stand double stroller 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as a base for car seats, toddler seats, and bassinets. They are available in a range of widths and weights that can accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.

A good double stroller should be simple to fold and maneuver and allows you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you feel comfortable on all of your outings. A good handlebar is one that is easy to grip, and it should encourage you to walk in a proper form (ask parents for advice on this). It should also have a variety of storage options that accommodate everything you need for your kids.

If your twins are similar in age, you could consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. The seats of these models are positioned side by side, enabling you to interact with both of them and keep an eye on them at the same time. They also recline separately, so one child can rest while the other is ready to go.

The drawback of a twin stroller could be that it is larger than a stroller designed for a single-occupant. This makes it difficult to navigate narrow aisles for stores, doors or even the sidewalks. For some families the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.

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

Another alternative is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. The model is basic but it comes with plenty of storage space and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels that can take on any terrain. It also comes with an umbrella with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, which makes it difficult for children to reach their food trays or relax.

Easy of Use

A double stroller can be a significant investment and one you're likely to use for many years. If you are looking for a double stroller, make sure it is easy to use and clean. The best double strollers are designed to be easy-to-use and come with many useful features.

For starters, all the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with only one hand!). These strollers are lightweight and ideal for traveling. A lot of them fit into the majority of trunks and can be gate-checked on airplanes. Most of our testers also discovered that their strollers can be folded down smaller than single-seat versions. Some even had a carry strap.

If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that can grow with your family Look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat has a 5-point harness and an enormous canopy that offers ample protection from the sun.

The Joovy twin buggy Roo is another option that's highly regarded. The stroller is light and extremely compact, weighing just 22 lbs and 26 inches in width 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 which makes this stroller user-friendly and easy to maneuver.

The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry notes that the packaging was enjoyable and innovative, but it came in five boxes which could be a hassle to lug around. She also noticed that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a little clunky and took some time to master. She was satisfied with the stroller, however, and would recommend it.

Stores

Strollers come with a variety of sizes and shapes, from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to personalize your stroller with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some even have add-on rider boards designed for older kids. They're not created equal. Some are lightweight and easy to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.

If you're looking for a stroller that is light that can hold two kids, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest option 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 for a fun outing 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. There are no adapters needed. The rear seat can also be removed to create a quad or triple stroller. It has a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include a parent organizer, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.

Billingsley says the best double stroller for a two-year-old is one that supports multiple customization options, like the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. This is because toddlers typically have limited endurance, and a stroller with the bassinet attachment can give them a safe place to nap. She suggests that a double stroller must also have a good harness and recline position and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.

The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents because of its light weight and versatility. It's gate-check-friendly on airlines, fits through most doorways (without taking off the wheels on the front) and can be expanded into a quad or triple 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 area and the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders complete the impressive feature set. One drawback, according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have the smallest profile when folded and can be difficult to carry.