How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

There are a variety of options in the field of double strollers. To help you select the best one for your family, we spoke with child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.

Choose a stroller reasonably easy to push, fold and carry. Consider a model that's versatile enough to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler along with an adult rider board.

Safety

If you want to keep your children secure on your walks make sure you choose double strollers that have features like all-terrain tires as well as an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These wheels and brakes allow you to navigate trails and sand without children falling or rolling. The best twin stroller double strollers also have plenty of storage space for gear and kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.

The first step in selecting the right double stroller is to figure out the age of your children and how far apart they are. Many double strollers only can accommodate one child's seat, but the ones are available in different configurations, so you can select the type of seating that best suits your kids and your lifestyle.

The classic doubles are great for children of similar ages who are keen to interact. Some options have a more double-decker design, which allows you to place one seat above the other or even attach an extra rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into an infant bassinet that is attached to the frame or in an independent attachment that allows you to have a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a dedicated twin buggy from birth stroller is the way to go.

For families who are more adventurous consider double strollers that can handle off-road terrain, or even hike. Many of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind, and come with features that let you take your kids on any adventure, no matter how rough the terrain or how steep the climbs may be.

In addition to all-terrain tires the best double strollers have thoughtful features that make getting around difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. This jogging stoller, for instance, comes with a wrist loop so that you can ensure your child's safety while running downhill at higher speeds or in adverse weather conditions. It also comes with a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your kids cool in the summer heat.

This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just over 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than some single strollers. It's ideal for air travel or storing in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a large storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.

Seating

Contrary to the giant strollers of the past, today's double strollers are sleek and can accommodate a variety of configurations that can be adapted to families. Some double strollers can be used as side-byside models, while others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddler seats as well as bassinets. They come in various widths and weight limits to fit children from birth through kindergarten.

A quality nipper double buggy stroller should be a breeze to move and fold, as well as permitting you to adjust the handlebar's height to make sure you're comfortable throughout your outings. A good handlebar is easy to grip and should encourage you to walk in a safe manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should have a range of storage options that can accommodate all the essentials your children need.

If your twins are close in age, you could consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. These models have seats that are side-by-side which means you can interact with them both while keeping an eye on each of them at the same. They also recline independently so that one child can lie down while the other is awake and ready to go.

The disadvantage of a twin stroller may be that it is larger than a stroller designed for a single-occupant. This could make it more difficult to navigate narrow aisles in store aisles, doors or even sidewalks. 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 V2 Double is a great choice. 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.

A wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. This bare-bones model offers a lot of seating space and storage, plus sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has an SPF canopy that is 50+ and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not recline fully flat, which makes it difficult for little children to reach their snacks or to relax.

Simple to Use

Double strollers are typically an investment of a significant amount that you will be using for a long time. If you are in the market for a double stroller, be sure that it is easy to use and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and include a variety of features that are convenient for parents.

For starters, all of the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with just one hand!). These strollers are lightweight and are ideal for traveling. A lot of them fit into the majority of trunks and are checked for gate-checking on planes. Furthermore, the majority our testers found that their strollers folded to smaller dimensions than the single seat models, and some even came with a carry strap for convenient carrying.

If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that will adapt to your family's needs, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth up to the age of preschool. Each seat comes with five points of harness with a large canopy, as well as ample sun protection.

Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light compact and weighs only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to almost a full flat position and the back seat has an adjustable recline for each child. There's a huge storage basket and an easy, one-step linked parking brake which makes this stroller easy to maneuver and use.

The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry states that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, but that it was also packaged in five boxes that can be a bit of an inconvenience to carry around. She also noticed that Genuis's magnetic buckle was awkward and took a while to master. She was satisfied with the stroller at the end and would recommend it.

Stores

Strollers are available in various sizes and designs, including tandems (single double stroller-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and many that let you customize the setup with the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards which can be added for older children. However, they're not all created equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold or store.

If you're seeking a stroller with a light weight that can fit two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest option in our tests at around 23 pounds and is also simple to fold, but it still has all of the features parents need to have a great time out with two kids.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is another model that our testers loved, especially for its sleek design and easy to use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat and a bassinet, with no adapters needed. The rear seat can be removed to make it a quad or triple stroller. It has a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.

Billingsley states that the ideal double stroller for toddlers is one that supports various options for customization, such as the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. This is due to toddlers having limited endurance, and the stroller with an attachment for a bassinet will give them a safe place to rest for a nap. She says that a double stroller must also have a good harness and recline position as well as 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 removing the wheels on the front), and can be expanded into a quad or triple stroller by adding an extra tandem. The near-flat, independently reclined seats as well as the extra-long sun canopy that can be adjusted are just a few of the highlights. A large underseat storage basket, as well as cup holders for the child and parent round out this impressive feature set. The one disadvantage according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a a small footprint when folded and can be difficult to carry.