How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

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

Choose a stroller reasonably easy to fold, push and carry. You should consider a stroller that can hold two infant car seats or a toddler with a riderboard.

Safety

If you want to ensure your children are safe on your walks, look for double strollers that have features like all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These brakes and wheels assist you in navigating trails and sand without children falling or rolling. The best double strollers offer plenty of storage space for gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.

The first step in choosing the best double stroller is to figure out the age of your children and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers are designed to accommodate one child seat, however, those do come with different configurations, so you can select the seat that best suits your kids and your lifestyle.

The classic doubles are great for children of similar ages that are keen to interact. Some models have a double-decker design, which allows you to place one of the seats above the other or add a rider board to older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet attached to the frame or with an attachment that allows you to play peek-a-boo with your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a dedicated twin stroller is the best way to go.

For families who are more adventurous opt for double strollers that can handle off-road terrain or even hike. A majority of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind, and have features that allow you to take your kids to any adventure, regardless of how rough the terrain or how high the climbs could be.

The top double strollers come with clever features that help you navigate in difficult terrain and bad weather. For instance this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child so you'll be able to ensure that they're safe while running downhill or at faster speeds. It also has a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during summer heat.

If you're looking to purchase a light, compact double stroller, check out this model from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds., making it ideal for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. Plus, it has a large storage basket and a one-step linked parking brake that's easy to use.

Seating

In contrast to the massive strollers of the past the modern double strollers are sleek and can accommodate an array of configurations that can be adapted to families. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-byside models, while others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as a base for car seats, toddler seats as well as bassinets. They are available in a variety of widths and weights that can accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.

A good double stroller must be easy to maneuver and fold, as well as 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 should inspire you to walk in a proper manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should come with a variety of storage options to fit everything your children will require.

If your twins are similar age, a tandem stroller may be the ideal option for your family. The seats on these models are placed together, allowing you to interact with both of them and compact double stroller keep an eye on them simultaneously. They also recline independently so that one child can nap while the other is awake and ready to go.

The downside to twin strollers is that it's more spacious than a model with a single occupant and can make it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles, and narrow doorways. For certain families, the benefits are worth the extra space and effort.

If you're in the market for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for mobile older children--make it an ideal option for city-living.

Another alternative is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. The model is basic, but it offers plenty of space for storage and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has an SPF canopy that is 50+ and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and they don't recline to a completely flat position, making it difficult for children of smaller sizes to get comfortable or reach their snack trays.

Easy of Use

Double strollers are often an investment that will be using for a long time. If you are in the market for a double stroller, make sure it is easy to use and clean. The top double pushchairs strollers have been developed to be user-friendly and include numerous features that are convenient.

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

If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that can expand with your family, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and a large canopy that provides ample shade from the sun.

Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat position and the back seat can be adjusted to suit each child. The stroller is simple to operate and maneuver due to its large storage basket, easy parking brake that is one step and a large storage basket.

The only downsides of the Joovy twin pushchairs Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry states that the packaging was fun and clever, however it came in five boxes which could be a hassle to lug around. She also found that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a bit awkward and took a while to master. In the end, however, she was very happy with this stroller and would highly recommend it.

Stores

Strollers come in all sizes and shapes, ranging from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, and a lot allow you to customize your setup with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards for older siblings. They're not all created equal. Some are lightweight and easy to use, whereas others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.

If you're looking for a lightweight double stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest option during our tests. It weighs close to 23 lbs and is also easy to fold, yet it has all the features parents need to have a great time out with two kids.

The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved. They particularly liked its sleek design and ease-of-use. It can fit two infant car seats, or a toddler's bassinet and seat without the need for adapters. Its rear seat can be removed to transform it into a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage, and can be upgraded by adding a parent organizer and all-terrain tires, as as side storage bags.

Billingsley states that the best double stroller to use for toddlers is one with various options for customization. This includes a seat or bassinet that can be removed. That's because toddlers often have limited endurance, and Compact double Stroller having a stroller that has an attachment for a bassinet will give them a safe place to rest for a nap. She suggests that a double stroller must also have a good recline position and harness system, as well as ample storage space for snacks and toys.

The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents because of its light weight and the versatility. It is gate-check-friendly for airlines, fits through most doorways (without taking off the wheels on the front), and can be made into a quad or triple stroller by adding an add-on tandem. The near-flat, independently reclined seats and extra-long sun canopies that are adjustable are among the other features. A large underseat basket as well as cup holders for the child and parent complete the impressive features. The only downside according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have a the smallest footprint when folded and can be difficult to stow.