How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

If you're in the market for a double stroller there are plenty of options. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, has helped us choose the right model for you.

Look for a stroller that's reasonably easy to push, fold and carry. Consider a model that can fit two infant car seat or a toddler who has a riderboard.

Safety

If you want to ensure your children are secure on your walks make sure you choose a double stroller with features such as all-terrain tires and a hand-operated brake. These wheels and brakes assist you in navigating trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without your kids slipping or slipping away. The best double strollers also offer plenty of storage space for gear and kids-sized items like snacks and toys.

The first step in choosing the right double stroller is to know the age of your children and how far apart they are. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that do have a variety options that let you choose the seating that is ideal for your family.

The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar ages who want to play. Certain models feature a double-decker design, which allows you to place one seat higher than the other or attach an extra rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet attached to the frame or with an attachment that lets you play peek-a-boo with your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the best option to go.

For families that are more adventurous consider a double stroller that can handle off-road terrain, or even hike. A lot of these strollers were designed with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that let you take them on any trip, no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs may be.

The top double strollers come with intelligent features that make it easier to navigate in a difficult terrain or bad weather. This jogging stroller, for instance, features wrist loops so that you can ensure your child's safety while going downhill at a higher speed or in extreme weather conditions. It also features an all-over canopy that has airflow to keep your kids comfortable during the summer heat.

If you're looking to purchase a light compact double stroller, look at this model from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 lbs., making it ideal for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a large storage basket and an integrated parking brake that is easy to use.

Seating

Double strollers of today are more sleek and can be arranged in many ways to suit your family. Some are used as traditional side-by-side strollers while others - like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand GYMAX Double Seat Stroller: Adjustable Handle Grey Stroller--function as a base that car seats, toddler seats or bassinets snap into. They are available in a variety of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.

A good double stroller will be easy to fold and move and allows you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you're comfortable on all of your excursions. A good handlebar is comfortable to hold and should inspire you to walk in a safe manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should also have a variety of storage options that can accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your children.

If your twins are near in age, you might find a tandem stroller works best for your family. The seats on these models are placed together, allowing you to be able to interact with them both and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They also recline independently, so one child can rest while the other is ready to go.

The drawback of a twin stroller could be that it's wider than a model for a single person. This makes it difficult to maneuver narrow aisles in store aisles, doors or even walkways. For some families, however the benefits are well worth the extra effort and size.

If you're looking for a small double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a good alternative. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great option for city living thanks to its shock absorption capabilities, sleek design, and capacity 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 option. This model is bare bones but it comes with plenty of storage and seating space. It also has heavy-duty wheels that can tackle any terrain. It also has a 50+ SPF canopy and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not recline fully flat, making it hard for small children to reach their snacks or to relax.

Easy of Use

Double strollers are typically an investment of a significant amount that you will use for many years. If you are in the market for a double stroller, make sure it's easy to use and clean. Luckily, the top double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as possible and come with a wide array of convenient features for parents.

All the strollers that we tested fold quickly and compactly in one hand. They are also light and are ideal for traveling. They can fit in the majority of trunks and can be checked at the gate on planes. Most of our testers also found that their strollers could be folded down much smaller than the single seat equivalents. Some even had a carry strap.

The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller that has 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, meaning you can use it from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat features five points of harness with a large canopy, as well as ample sun protection.

The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly praised. It is light and extremely compact, weighing just 22 pounds and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly the full flat position and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline for each child. The stroller is simple to use and maneuver thanks to its large storage basket, easy one-step parking brake and large storage basket.

The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry says that the packaging is smart and fun, but it comes in five boxes which can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also felt that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a little difficult to master. She was pleased with the stroller in the end and would recommend it.

Storage

Strollers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, and a lot allow you to customize your stroller with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added to accommodate older children. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are lightweight and easy to use while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.

If you're looking for a lightweight stroller that can fit two children and two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, weighing just under 23 lbs. It's also easy to fold and has all the features parents want for a fun day out with two children.

The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved. They especially liked its sleek design and ease-of-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler's bassinet as well as a seat without adapters. The rear seat can be removed to make it into a quad or triple stroller. It has a large storage basket that 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 different options for customization, including the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. That's because toddlers often have limitations in endurance, and having a stroller that has an attachment for a bassinet will provide them with a safe space to rest for a nap. A double stroller should have a good harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.

The ZOE Chicco OHlalà Twin Double Stroller: Lightweight Compact Versatile+ is popular with parents due to its light weight and versatility. It's easy to check at airport gates it can be accessed through all doors (without removing the front wheels) and expands into a quad or triple stroller that has an additional tandem seat. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its large underseat storage basket and inclusion of parent and child cup holders round out the impressive set of features. The one downside according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it lacks a the smallest profile when folded and can be difficult to store.