How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

There are a lot of options when it comes to double strollers. To help you select the right one for your family, we talked to child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.

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

Safety

If you want to ensure your children are secure on your walks opt for double strollers that have features such as all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These brakes and wheels will help you navigate paths and dirt without worrying about your children falling or rolling. The best double strollers offer plenty of storage space for gear as well as kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.

The first step in selecting the best double stroller is to know how old your children are and how far apart they are. Most double strollers 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.

The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar age who are keen to interact. Some models have a double-decker design, which allows you to place one of the seats above the other or attach an extra rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into an infant bassinet that is attached to the frame or in a standalone attachment that offers the chance to peek at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a dedicated twin stroller is the best option to go.

For more adventurous families, look for double strollers 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 will allow you to take them on any adventure, no regardless of how challenging or difficult the climbs might be.

The best double strollers come with intelligent features that aid in navigation in difficult terrain and bad weather. For instance this stroller for jogging has a wrist loop for your child so you'll be able to ensure they're secure when running downhill or at faster speeds. It also has a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during the summer heat.

If you're looking for a light, compact double stroller, look at this model from Joovy. It weighs in at just over 23 pounds, making it lighter than most single strollers, and ideal for air travel or storing in overhead compartments or trunks. Additionally, it comes with an enormous storage basket as well as a parking brake that is linked in one step that's easy to use.

Seating

In contrast to the massive strollers of old, today's double strollers are sleek and support an array of configurations to fit families. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models and others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as a base for car seats, toddler seats, and bassinets. They are available in a variety of sizes and weight limits, allowing infants and children up to kindergarten.

A good double stroller will be easy to fold and move and allows you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure that you feel comfortable on all of your excursions. A good handlebar is comfortable to grip and should encourage you to walk in a safe manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should also offer a variety of storage options that will accommodate everything you need for your kids.

If your twins have a similar age, a tandem stroller may be the ideal option for your family. The seats of these models are positioned side by side, enabling you to engage with both of them and keep an eye on them simultaneously. They also recline independently, so that one child can sleep while the other is awake and ready to go.

The drawback of a twin stroller is that it's larger than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to navigate walkways, aisles for shopping and narrow doors. For some families, 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 option. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great choice for urban living due to its shock absorption, elegant design, and ability to accommodate two infant car seats. It also has an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.

Another alternative is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This bare-bones model offers lots of space for seating and storage, as well as heavy-duty wheels that manage 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 difficult for children to reach their snack trays or relax.

Simple to use

Double strollers are typically a large investment that you will be using for a long time. If you are looking for a double stroller, be sure it is easy to use and clean. The best double strollers are designed to be user-friendly and include many useful features.

For starters, all of the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with just one hand!). They're also light, making them ideal for travel. A lot of them can be gate checked on airplanes and fit in most trunks. Furthermore, the majority our test subjects found that their strollers folded to smaller dimensions than their single-seat counterparts and some even included an adjustable carry strap for easy carrying.

If you're looking for a flexible double stroller that will expand with your family Look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat features a 5-point harness, a large canopy and ample sun protection.

The Joovy twin pushchairs Roo is another option that is highly praised. It is light, compact and only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines to almost an entire flat position, and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline for each child. The stroller is simple to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, simple one-step parking brake and large storage basket.

The only negatives of the Joovy twin strollers for newborns Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry says that the packaging is innovative and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes, which can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also felt that the Genuis magnetic buckle was difficult to master. 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 many that allow you to modify the layout using an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some have rider boards which can be added for older siblings. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are light and easy to use while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.

If you're looking for a lightweight stroller that can accommodate two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest option in our tests at close to 23 lbs and is also simple to fold, but it has all the features parents require to have a great time out with two kids.

The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model our testers loved. They were particularly impressed by its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat, and a bassinet with no adapters required. The rear seat can also be removed to create a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large storage basket that can be upgraded to include a parent organizer, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.

Billingsley states that the ideal double stroller for a two-year-old is one that has different options for customization, including a removable seat or bassinet. This is due to toddlers having little endurance, so a stroller with the bassinet attachment can provide them with a safe space to nap. She says a double stroller should also come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.

The ZOE twin pushchair from birth+ is a popular choice among parents because of its light weight and versatility. It's gate-check-friendly on airlines and fits through the majority of doorways (without removing the wheels on the front) and can be converted to a triple or quad stroller by adding an add-on tandem. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders complete the impressive list of features. One drawback according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it lacks a an elongated footprint when folded and can be difficult to carry.