How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

There are many options available when it comes to double strollers. To help you pick the right one for your family, we talked to the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.

Find a stroller that's relatively easy to fold, push and carry. Also, consider a stroller that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler as well as an adult rider board.

Safety

If you want to keep your children secure on your walks, look for double strollers that have features like all-terrain tires and a brake operated by hand. These wheels and brakes aid you in traversing trails or sidewalks without your children falling or rolling away. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space for gear as well as kids-sized items like snacks and toys.

Selecting the best double stroller for your family begins by understanding how old and far apart in age your kids are. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, some do have a variety options that let you select the seating option that's best for your family.

The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar age who are keen to interact. Double-decker designs permit you to put one of the seats over the other, or even attach an additional riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can either be snuggled in a bassinet connected to the frame or in an attachment that lets you peek-a-boo at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the best option to go.

Choose a stroller with two wheels that is capable of handling off-road terrain as well as hiking. A lot strollers were created with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that will let you take them on any adventure no matter how rough or high the climbs might be.

In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double strollers come with clever features that make traversing difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. For instance this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child, so you can be sure they're secure when running downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also comes with an all-over canopy that has ventilation so your kids stay comfy during the summer heat.

This model is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs in at just over 23 lbs, making it lighter than other single strollers, and ideal for air travel or storage in overhead compartments or trunks. 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 old these double strollers are sleek and offer a variety 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--work as a base to which car seats, toddler seats or bassinets can be plugged into. They are available in a variety of widths and weight limits, allowing infants and children up to kindergarten.

A good double stroller must be a breeze to move and fold, while permitting you to alter the handlebar height so you're comfortable throughout your outings. A good handlebar should be comfortable to hold, and it should encourage you to walk with proper posture (ask other parents for tips on this). It should also have various storage options that will accommodate all the necessities you'll require for your kids.

If your twins are similar in age, you might find a tandem stroller works best 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 both of them simultaneously. They also recline separately which means that one child can rest while the other is ready to go.

The disadvantage of a twin stroller may be that it's wider than a model for a single-occupant. This could make it difficult to maneuver narrow doorways, store aisles 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, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a good option. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design, and capacity for two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for older children make it a perfect 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 lots of space for seating and storage space, along with heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also features an SPF canopy that is 50+ and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are a little too low and they don't recline completely to a flat position, making it difficult for smaller children to sit comfortably or reach their snack tray.

Ease of Use

Double strollers are usually a large investment that you will use for many years. If you are looking for a double stroller, be sure it is easy to use and clean. Luckily, the top double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and come with a wide array of features that are convenient for parents.

For starters, all the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They are also light and ideal for traveling. They can fit in the majority of trunks and can be checked for gate-checking on planes. In addition, the majority of our test subjects found that their strollers folded to a smaller size than their single-seat counterparts, and some even included the option of carrying a strap for carrying.

The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller with many options that can grow with your family. This side-byside stroller works with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth up to preschool age. Each seat has a 5-point harness and a large canopy that gives ample shade from the sun.

The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly praised. This stroller is lightweight and extremely compact, weighing just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when it's folded. The front seat reclines to a flat position, and the back seat can be adjusted to suit every child. The stroller is simple to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, easy one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.

The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry says that the packaging is innovative and fun, however it comes in five boxes which could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp somewhat awkward and it took her a while before she was able to master it. She was happy with the stroller at the end and would recommend it.

Storage

Strollers are available in various sizes and designs that include tandems (single-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and some that let you customize the configuration using an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some have rider boards which can be added for older children. They're not all created equal. Some are lightweight and easy to use while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.

If you are seeking a stroller with a light weight that can hold two kids The Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest option in our tests at close to 23 lbs and is also easy to fold, but it has all the features parents need to enjoy a great time with two kids.

The Vista v2 double push chair from UPPAbaby is another model that our testers loved, especially for its sleek design and user-friendly. 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 turn it into a quad or triple stroller. 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 as side storage bags.

Billingsley says that the best double stroller for a toddler is one with multiple customization options. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers can be weak in endurance, and strollers that have an integrated bassinet can offer a safe spot for them to nap. She says that a Pushchair Double stroller must also have a great harness and recline position and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.

The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents due to its light weight and the versatility. It's easy to check at airport gates and fits through most doors (without taking off the front wheels) and expands into a triple or quad stroller with an added tandem seat. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats and the extra-long sun canopies that are adjustable are other highlights. A large underseat basket and the inclusion of cup holders for both parents and children complete the impressive set of features. The only disadvantage, according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it lacks a the smallest profile when folded and can be difficult to store.