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 choose the most suitable one for your family, we spoke with child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.

You should look for a stroller that is simple to fold and push to carry. Consider a model that can fit two infant car seat or a toddler with a riderboard.

Safety

If you want to ensure your children are safe on your walks make sure you choose a double stroller that has features like all-terrain tires and a brake operated by hand. These wheels and brake assist you in navigating trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without your kids slipping or slipping away. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space to store gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.

Selecting the best double stroller for your family begins by determining how old and far apart in terms of age your children are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that do come with a variety of configurations that let you select the seating option that is best for your family.

Side-by-side doubles are a classic option, and they're great for children of similar ages who want to be social with one another. Some options have a more double-decker design, which allows you to place one seat above the other or attach a rider board to older siblings. Newborns can either be snuggled in a bassinet that is attached to the frame or in an attachment that allows you to play peek-a-boo with your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins then a pushchair twin stroller is the best choice.

For families that are more adventurous opt for a double stroller that is able to take on off-road terrains or even hike. A majority of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind and have features that let you take your children to any adventure, no matter how rough the path or how high the climbs could be.

In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers feature thoughtful features that make getting around difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. This jogging stoller, for instance, comes with wrist loops so that you can ensure your child's safety while running at higher speeds or in harsh weather conditions. It also has a canopy that covers the entire area and has ventilation so your kids stay comfy during the summer heat.

This model is a light and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just over 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than other single strollers and perfect to take on air travel or for storing in trunks and overhead compartments. Additionally, it comes with an enormous storage basket as well as an integrated parking brake that's easy to use.

Seating

Double strollers today are more sleek and can be arranged in various ways to suit your family. 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 can be plugged into. They are available in a variety of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.

A good double stroller should be simple to fold and maneuver and will allow you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure that you're at ease on all your excursions. A good handlebar should be easy to grip, and it should allow you to walk in a proper posture (ask other parents for advice on this). It should offer a variety of storage options to fit all the necessities your children need.

If your twins have a similar age and are in the same age group, a tandem stroller might be the ideal option for your family. These models have seats that are side-byside, so you can interact with them both and keep an eye on both of them at the same. They can also recline separately so that one child can lie down while the other is awake and ready to go.

The disadvantage of a twin Stroller Double could be that it is larger than a model that is designed for a single occupant. This can make it difficult to maneuver narrow doorways, store aisles, or the sidewalks. 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 good alternative. Its shock absorption, sleek design, and capacity for two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for older children -- make it a great choice for city living.

Another alternative is a wagon-style double tandem pushchair stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This bare-bones model offers a lot of seating space and storage, plus robust wheels that can handle any terrain. It also features a canopy with a 50+ SPF and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, which makes it difficult for children to reach their snacks or get comfortable.

Simple to Use

A double stroller is usually a significant investment and one you're hoping to use for a long time. When you are shopping for a double stroller, be sure it is easy to use and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and come with a wide array of features that are convenient for parents.

All the strollers that we tested can be folded quickly and compactly in one hand. They're also light, which makes them ideal for travel. A majority of them are checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. Furthermore, the majority our testers reported 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.

The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller that has many options that can grow with your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth to preschool age. Each seat has five points of harness with a large canopy, as well as plenty of sun protection.

The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly regarded. It is light and extremely compact, weighing just 22 lbs and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat stance, and the back seat can be adjusted to fit each child. There's a large storage basket and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller easy to maneuver and use.

The only drawbacks to the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry says that the packaging is innovative and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes that could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also found that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a little awkward and took a while to master. In the end, though she was extremely pleased with the stroller and would highly recommend it.

Stores

Strollers are available in various sizes and designs that include tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and some that let you modify the layout using the use of 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 sleek and easy to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold and store.

If you're looking to purchase a light double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest choice in our tests, weighing around 23 pounds and is also easy to fold, yet it has all the features parents require to enjoy a great time with two kids.

The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model our testers loved. They were particularly impressed by its sleek design and user-friendly. It can fit two infant car seats or a toddler's bassinet as well as a seat without the need for adapters, and its rear seat can be removed to transform it into a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage, and can be upgraded with an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires, as as side storage bags.

Billingsley says the best double stroller for a toddler is one that offers multiple customization options, like a removable seat or bassinet. This is due to toddlers having limitations in endurance, and a stroller with an attachment for a bassinet will provide them with a safe spot to nap. A double stroller must also come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.

The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its lightweight and flexibility. It's gate-check-friendly for airlines, fits through most doors (without removing the front wheels) and can be expanded into a quad or triple stroller that has an additional tandem double buggy seat. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of parent and kid cup holders complete the impressive feature set. The one drawback according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have an elongated profile when folded and can be difficult to carry.