How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

If you're looking for a double stroller, there are a lot of options. To help you choose the right one for your family, we consulted experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.

Look for a stroller that's relatively easy to push, fold and carry. Consider a model that can hold two infant car seats or a toddler that has a riderboard.

Safety

Look for a double-stroller that includes all-terrain wheels as well as a brake that is operated by hand if want to keep your kids safe while walking. These wheels and brakes will assist you in navigating trails, gravel, and sidewalks without your kids slipping or rolling away. The best double strollers also offer plenty of storage space for gear and essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.

The first step to choosing the best double stroller is to determine how old your children are and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers are designed to allow one child seat, but those that do come in a variety of configurations so you can select the type of seating that best suits your kids and your lifestyle.

Side-by-side doubles are a classic option, and are great for kids of similar ages that like to play with one another. Some options have a more double-decker design, which allows you to put one seat above the other or add 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 an unobstructed view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins then a twin stroller is the best choice.

Find a thule double stroller-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain and even hiking. Many of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind and include features that let you take your kids to any adventure, regardless of how rough the terrain or how high the climbs could be.

In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double strollers come with clever features that make traversing difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. This jogging stoller, for example, has a wrist loop, so you can make sure your child is safe when running at higher speeds or in harsh weather conditions. It also features a canopy that covers the entire area and has ventilation to ensure your children stay comfy in the summer heat.

This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just 23 pounds, making it lighter than other single strollers, and ideal to take on air travel or for storing in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a large storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.

Seating

In contrast to the massive strollers of old these double strollers are sleek and support an array of designs to accommodate families. Some are used as traditional side-by-side strollers while others - like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--function as a base to which car seats, toddler seats or bassinets click into. They are available in a variety of sizes and weights to accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.

A good double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, while also permitting you to alter the height of the handlebar to ensure you're comfortable throughout your outings. A well-designed handlebar is easy to hold and should inspire you to walk in a logical manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should also have various storage options that can accommodate everything you need for your children.

If your twins are similar in age, you might 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 both of them at the same time. They can also recline separately so that one child can nap while the other is awake and ready to go.

The downside of a twin stroller may be that it's wider than one designed for a single person. This makes it more difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles or the sidewalks. For some families, the advantages are worth the extra space and effort.

If you're looking for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a fantastic choice. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great option for city living thanks to its shock absorption, elegant design, and ability to accommodate two infant car seats. It also comes with an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.

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

Ease of Use

A double stroller is often a significant investment and one you're likely to use for many years. When you are shopping for one you need to ensure that it is simple to operate and clean. The best double strollers have been designed to be easy-to-use and come with numerous features that are convenient.

All strollers we tested could be folded easily and compactly using just one hand. They're also light, which makes them ideal for travel. A lot of them fit into most trunks and can be checked for gate-checking on planes. Most of our testers also discovered that their strollers could fold down to a smaller size than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carry strap.

The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with a lot of versatility that will grow with your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible 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 a large canopy that provides ample protection from the sun.

The Joovy twin stroller with car seats Roo is another option that's highly praised. The stroller is light and extremely compact, weighing just 22 lbs and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly an entire flat position, and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline for every child. There's a huge storage basket and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller extremely simple to move and use.

The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry notes that the packaging was fun and clever, however it was also packaged in five boxes which could be trouble to carry around. She also noticed that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a bit clunky and took some time to master. She was satisfied with the stroller in the end and would highly recommend it.

Stores

Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and many that let you modify the layout using an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some even have add-on rider boards for older siblings. They're not all created equal. 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, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, weighing just under 23 lbs. It folds easily and comes with all the features parents would want for a fun day out with two kids.

The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved. They especially liked its sleek design and ease-of-use. It can fit two infant car seats, or a toddler's bassinet as well as a seat without the need for adapters. Its rear seat can be removed to make it into a quad or triple stroller double. It comes with a huge basket for storage, and it can be upgraded by adding an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires as well with side storage bags.

Billingsley says that the best double stroller for a toddler is one that has multiple customization options. This includes a seat or bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers are typically restricted in their endurance, so strollers with a bassinet attached will provide a safe place for them to nap. The expert says that a double stroller should also have a good harness and recline position as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.

The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its lightweight and versatility. It's airline gate-check-friendly it can be accessed through all doors (without having to remove the front wheels), and can expand into a quad or triple stroller with an add-on tandem seat. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopy and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of parent and child cup holders round out the impressive list of features. Taylor says that the only drawback is that it has a large size when folded and it can be difficult for parents to stow.