How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

If you're in the market for a double stroller, there are a lot of options. To help you select the best one for your family, we talked to child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.

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

Safety

If you want to keep your kids safe while walking opt for double strollers that have features like all-terrain tires and a hand-operated brake. These brakes and wheels assist you in navigating trails and gravel without your children falling or rolling. The best double strollers also come with plenty of storage space for gear and essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.

Choosing the right double stroller for your family starts by determining how old and far apart in age. Most double strollers can only allow one child seat, but the ones that do come in different configurations, so you can select the seating option that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.

The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar ages who are keen to interact. Some double-decker designs allow the user to place one seat above the other, or attach an additional riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into a bassinet attached to the frame, or as an individual attachment that gives you the chance to peek at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a dedicated twin stroller is the way 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 in mind, and come with features that allow you to take your children to any adventure, no matter how rough the terrain or how steep the climb could be.

In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers feature thoughtful features that make navigating difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. This jogging stoller for example, has a wrist loop so that you can make sure your child is safe when running downhill at higher speeds or in adverse weather conditions. It also has an all-over canopy that has ventilation to ensure your children stay comfy in the summer heat.

If you're looking to purchase a light compact double stroller, check out this model from Joovy. It weighs just 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than other single strollers. It's ideal for air travel or storing in trunks and overhead compartments. It also comes with a huge storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.

Seating

In contrast to the massive strollers of old these double strollers are sleek and can accommodate an array of configurations that can be adapted to families. Some of them function as traditional side-byside 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 range of widths and weights that can accommodate children from newborns up to kindergarten.

A good double stroller should be easy to fold and maneuver and will allow you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure you are at ease on all your outings. A well-designed handlebar is easy to hold and should inspire you to walk in a logical manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should also provide a variety of storage options that can accommodate all the necessities you'll require for your children.

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

The disadvantage of twin umbrella stroller strollers is that it's more spacious than a model with a single occupant which makes it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doorways. For some families the benefits are well worth the extra effort and size.

If you're in the market for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a fantastic choice. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice for city dwellers due 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.

Another alternative is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare-bones and offers lots of space for seating and storage space, along with robust wheels that can 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 completely flat, making it hard for small children to reach their snacks or get comfortable.

Simple to use

Double strollers are usually a large investment that you will use for many years. When you are shopping for a double stroller, make sure it's easy to use and clean. The best double strollers have been developed to be user-friendly and have many useful features.

All the strollers that we tested could be folded easily and compactly using just one hand. They're also lightweight, making them ideal for traveling. They can fit in most trunks and can be gate-checked on airplanes. Additionally, the majority of our testers found that their strollers folded down to a smaller size than their single-seat counterparts, and some even came with an adjustable carry strap for easy 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 to preschool age. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and an enormous canopy that offers plenty of shade from the sun.

The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly regarded. This stroller is lightweight and extremely Compact twin Stroller, weighing just 22 pounds and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines to almost a full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline that can be adjusted 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 Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry states that the packaging was enjoyable and innovative, but it also came in five boxes which could be trouble to carry around. She also found that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a bit difficult to master. She was happy with the stroller in the end and would highly recommend it.

Storage

Strollers come in all sizes and shapes, from tandems with side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to modify your stroller with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added to accommodate older children. However, they're not all created equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, whereas others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold or stow.

If you are seeking a stroller with a light weight that can hold two kids, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest option in our tests at around 23 pounds and is also easy to fold, but it has all the features parents require to have a great time out with two children.

The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is a second model that our testers adored 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. Its rear seat can be removed to make it into a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage and can be upgraded by adding an organizer for parents and all-terrain tires, as as storage bags for the sides.

Billingsley states that the best double stroller for a toddler is one that supports various options for customization, such as the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. That's because toddlers often have limitations in endurance, and the stroller with the bassinet attachment can provide them with a safe spot to rest for a nap. She says that a double pushchair from birth stroller must also have a good recline position and harness system as well as plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.

The ZOE twin umbrella stroller+ is popular among parents due to its light weight and versatility. It is airline gate-check friendly it can be accessed through all doors (without taking off the wheels at the front) and can be expanded to a triple or quad stroller by adding an extra tandem. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopies and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of parent and kid cup holders round out the impressive feature set. Taylor says that the only disadvantage is that it has a the largest footprint when folded, and can be difficult for parents to carry.