How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

If you're looking for a double single pushchair stroller there are plenty of options. To help you select the most suitable one for your family, we consulted experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.

Find a stroller that's reasonably easy to push, fold and carry. And consider a model that's versatile enough to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler as well as a rider board.

Safety

If you want to keep your children safe while walking, look for a double stroller with features like all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These wheels and brakes will aid you in traversing trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without the risk of your children sliding or rolling off. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space for items for your kids, including snacks and toys.

The first step in selecting the right double stroller is to figure out how old your children are and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers are designed to accommodate one child seat, however, those are available in various configurations so that you can pick the seat that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.

Side-by-side doubles are an iconic option, and are great for children of similar ages who like to be social with one another. Some options have a more double-decker design, allowing you to put one of the seats above the other or even attach a rider board to older siblings. Babies can be placed in a bassinet, which is attached to the frame or in an individual attachment that offers an unobstructed view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins then a twin stroller is the best choice.

Choose a stroller with two wheels that can handle off-road terrain, and even hiking. A majority of these strollers have been designed with active parents in mind and have features that allow you to take your kids on any adventure, regardless of how rough the terrain or how high the climbs might be.

In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers come with thoughtful features that make navigating difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. This jogging stroller, for instance, features a wrist loop, so you can ensure your child's safety when going downhill at a higher speed or in harsh weather conditions. It also has a full-coverage canopy with ventilation so your kids stay comfy during the summer heat.

If you're looking to purchase a light, compact double stroller, check out this model from Joovy. It weighs less than 23lbs., making it ideal for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a huge storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.

Seating

Contrary to the giant strollers of the past these double strollers are sleek and offer a variety of configurations that can be adapted to 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 for car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets snap into. They are available in a range of sizes and weights to accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.

A quality double stroller should be easy to fold and maneuver and will allow you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you're comfortable on all of your outings. A well-designed handlebar is one that is easy to hold and should invite you to walk with proper form (ask other parents for advice on this). It should also offer a variety of storage options that can accommodate all the necessities you'll require for your kids.

If your twins are similar age and are in the same age group, a tandem stroller might be the ideal option for your family. The seats on these models are placed together, allowing you to engage with them both and keep an eye on them simultaneously. They also recline independently, so that one child can lie down while the other is awake and ready to go.

The disadvantage of a twin stroller is that it can be wider than a single-occupant model, which can make it difficult to navigate walkways, aisles for shopping and narrow doorways. For some families, however the benefits are well worth the extra effort and size.

If you're looking for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a fantastic choice. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice for city living thanks 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, such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. The model is basic but it comes with plenty of storage space and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels that can tackle any terrain. It also has an SPF canopy that is 50+ and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not recline fully flat, making it difficult for children to reach their snack trays or to relax.

Simple to use

Double strollers are typically an investment that will use for many years. If you are in the market for a double stroller, be sure it's easy to use and clean. The best double strollers are designed to be user-friendly and have numerous features that are convenient.

All the strollers we tested fold quickly and compactly in one hand. They are light and perfect for travel. A lot of them fit into the majority of trunks and can be checked at the gate on planes. Our testers found that their strollers can be folded down smaller than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carry strap.

If you're looking for a versatile double stroller with car seat 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, bassinets, and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth until the age of preschool. Each seat is equipped with a five-point harness and a large canopy that provides ample shade from the sun.

The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly praised. This stroller is lightweight 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 for every child. There's a large storage basket and an easy, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller user-friendly and easy to maneuver.

The only drawbacks of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry notes that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, however it also came in five boxes which can be a bit of an inconvenience to carry around. She also felt that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a little awkward and took a while to master. However, in the end, she was very happy with this stroller and would definitely recommend it.

Stores

Strollers come in all shapes and sizes, from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, and a lot allow you to personalize your layout with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards which can be added for older children. They're not created equal. Some are light and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.

If you're looking to purchase a light double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It's also easy to fold and comes with all the features parents want to enjoy a day out with two children.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is a different model that our testers adored particularly 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 be removed to make it a triple or quad stroller. It has a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include a parent organizer wheel, all-terrain wheels, as well as side storage bags.

Billingsley states that the best double stroller for toddlers is one that offers multiple customization options. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. This is due to toddlers having limited endurance, and having a stroller that has a bassinet attachment will give them a safe place to nap. A double stroller should also include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.

The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents due to its light weight and versatility. It's easy to check at airport gates it can be accessed through all doors (without taking off the front wheels), and can expand into a triple or quad stroller with an added tandem seat. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats and extra-long sun canopy that can be adjusted are other highlights. A large underseat basket and the inclusion of cup holders for the child and parent make up this impressive feature set. The one downside, according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it lacks a the smallest profile when folded, and could be difficult to carry.