How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

There are many options available in the field of double strollers. To help you pick the right one for your family, we consulted experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.

Look for a stroller that's fairly easy to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that is able to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler as well as a rider board.

Safety

Choose a double-stroller which comes with all-terrain tires and a brake that is operated by hand if want to keep the kids safe while walking. These wheels and brakes will assist you in navigating trails or sidewalks without the risk of your children sliding or rolling off. The best double strollers offer plenty of storage space to store items for your kids, including snacks and toys.

The first step in selecting the best double stroller is to know the age of your children and how far apart they are. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that offer a variety of configurations that let you choose the seating that is ideal for your family.

The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar age who like to interact. Double-decker designs permit you to place one seat above the other, or attach a riderboard to older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet connected to the frame or in an attachment that allows you to peek-a-boo at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the way to go.

Choose a stroller with two wheels that is capable of handling off-road terrain and even hiking. A lot strollers were created 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 difficult or steep the climbs are.

The top double strollers come with intelligent features that aid in navigation in a difficult terrain or bad weather. This jogging stroller, for instance, comes with a wrist loop, so you can ensure your child's safety while running downhill at higher speeds or in extreme weather conditions. It also comes with a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during summer heat.

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

Seating

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

A good double stroller must be a breeze to move and fold, while allowing you to adjust the handlebar height so you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A good handlebar is comfortable to hold and will encourage you to walk in a proper manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should also provide various storage options that can accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your kids.

If your twins are close in age, you could discover that a tandem stroller is best for your family. These models come with seats that are side-byside, so you can interact with them both while keeping an eye on each of them at the same time. They also recline separately, so one child can rest while the other is ready to go.

The drawback of a twin stroller is that it can be larger than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to maneuver around the aisles of shops, sidewalks and narrow doors. For some families the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.

If you are looking for a compact double-stroller then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a great option. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 small double buggy is a great option for city dwellers due 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 like the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. It's a basic model however it has plenty of space for storage and seating. It also has heavy-duty wheels that can tackle any terrain. It also comes with a canopy with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and cannot recline fully flat, which makes it difficult for little children to reach their food trays or relax.

User-Friendliness

Double strollers are usually an investment that will use for many years. When choosing a stroller you must make sure it will be easy to operate and clean. Luckily, the top double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as possible and come with a wide array of useful features for parents.

All the strollers that we tested can be folded easily and compactly using just one hand. These strollers are lightweight and are ideal for traveling. A majority of them are checked at the gate on planes and fit in most trunks. In addition, the majority of our testers reported that their strollers folded down to smaller sizes than their single-seat counterparts, and some even included a carry strap for convenient carrying.

If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that will grow with your family take a look at the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth until preschool age. Each seat has five points of harness, a large canopy and ample sun protection.

Another option that is highly regarded is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight compact and weighs only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat position and the back seat can be adjusted for each child. This stroller is easy to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, easy one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.

The only drawbacks to the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry states that the packaging was fun and innovative, but it also came in five boxes that could be an inconvenience to carry around. She also noticed that Genuis's magnetic buckle was difficult to master. In the end, though, she was very happy with her stroller and would highly recommend it.

Stores

Strollers are available in various sizes and designs that include tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and many that allow you to modify the layout using a car seat or bassinet attachment. Some have rider boards which can be added for older siblings. However, not all of them are made equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or stow.

If you're looking for a lightweight double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest option during our tests. It weighs around 23 pounds and is also easy to fold, but it has all the features parents need for a fun outing with two children.

The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is a second model that our test subjects loved, especially for its sleek design and ease of use. 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 triple or quad stroller. It has a huge storage basket and can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.

Billingsley says the best compact double stroller double stroller for a toddler is one that has multiple customization options, like the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. This is due to toddlers having limitations in endurance, and a stroller with the bassinet attachment can provide them with a safe spot to take a nap. A double stroller must also have a good harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.

The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents because of its light weight and the versatility. It's easy to check at airport gates, fits through most doors (without taking off the front wheels), and can expand into a quad or triple stroller with an added tandem seat. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of parent and child cup holders round out the impressive set of features. Taylor states that the only drawback is that it has a large size when folded and can be difficult for parents to store.