How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

There are many options available when it comes to double strollers. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, helped us select the best one for you.

Choose a stroller fairly easy to fold, push and carry. Also, consider a stroller that is able to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler and a rider board.

Safety

If you want to keep your kids secure on your walks make sure you choose double strollers that have features like all-terrain tires as well as an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These wheels and brakes will aid you in traversing trails or sidewalks without the risk of your children sliding or rolling off. The best double strollers also offer plenty of storage space for gear as well as kids-sized items like snacks and toys.

The first step to choosing the right double stroller is to figure out the age of your children and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, those that offer a variety of options that let you choose the seating that is ideal for your family.

The classic doubles are great for children of similar ages who like to interact. Some double-decker designs allow you to put one seat over the other, or attach a riderboard to older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into a bassinet attached to the frame, or as an individual attachment that offers an unobstructed view of 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 hiking. Many of these strollers were designed with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that allow you to take them on any adventure, no regardless of how challenging or difficult the climbs are.

In addition to all-terrain tires the best double strollers have thoughtful features that make navigating difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. For example, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child, so you're sure that they're safe while running downhill or at faster speeds. It also has a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your children cool during the summer heat.

If you're looking for a lightweight compact double stroller, take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs less than 23 lbs. This makes it perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a huge storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.

Seating

Double strollers today are sleeker and can be set up in a variety of ways to meet the needs of your family. Some double strollers can be used as side-by-side models and 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 various widths and weight limits to fit children from birth to kindergarten.

A good double stroller will be easy to fold and move, as well as allowing you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you're at ease on all your outings. A well-designed handlebar is easy to hold and should inspire you to walk in a proper manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should also offer a variety of storage options that can accommodate everything you 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-by-side which means you can interact with them both and keep an eye on both of them at the same. They also recline independently, so that one child can nap while the other is awake and ready to go.

The drawback of a twin stroller is that it can be larger than a single-occupant model which makes it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles, and narrow doorways. For certain families, however the benefits are well worth the extra effort and size.

If you're looking for a small double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 double buggy that converts to single is a great option. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is an excellent choice for city living thanks to its shock absorption, 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.

A wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. It's a basic model, but it offers plenty of storage and seating space. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has an umbrella with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. But some parents say the seats are too low and they don't recline to a fully flat position, which makes it difficult for smaller children to get comfortable or reach their snack trays.

User-Friendliness

A double stroller can be an investment you're likely to use for years. When you are shopping for one you must make sure it will be simple to operate and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and include a variety of features that are convenient 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. Many of them can be checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit into most trunks. Our testers found that their strollers can be folded down to a smaller size than single-seat versions. Some even had a carry strap.

If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that will adapt to your family's needs, look no further than 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 to preschool age. Each seat has a 5-point harness and a large canopy that gives ample protection from the sun.

Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight, compact and only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines to almost the full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline for every child. This stroller is easy to use and maneuver thanks to its large storage basket, easy one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.

The only downsides of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry states that the packaging was fun and clever, however it also came in five boxes which can be a bit of a hassle to lug around. She also found that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a bit clunky and took some time to master. In the end, however, she was very happy with her stroller and would definitely recommend it.

Storage

Strollers are available in various sizes and designs and styles, including tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and many that allow you to customize the configuration using an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some have even added rider boards designed for older kids. However, they're not all created equal -- some are elegant and simple to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or stow.

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

UPPAbaby's Vista v2 double is another model our testers loved. They were particularly impressed by its sleek design and ease-of-use. 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 turn it into a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage, and it can be upgraded by adding an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires, as well with side storage bags.

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

The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its light weight and flexibility. It's airline gate-check-friendly, fits through most doors (without having to remove the front wheels) and can be expanded into a quad or triple stroller with an added tandem seat. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of parent and kid cup holders round out the impressive set of features. Taylor says the one disadvantage is that it has a a large size when folded and it can be difficult for parents to carry.