How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

There are a variety of options when it comes to double strollers. To help you choose the most compact double stroller suitable one for your family, we consulted child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.

Choose a stroller fairly easy to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that can accommodate two infant car seat or a toddler that has a riderboard.

Safety

If you want to ensure your children are safe on your walks opt for a double stroller with features such as all-terrain tires and a hand-operated brake. These wheels and brakes help you navigate trails, gravel, and sidewalks without the risk of your children sliding or rolling away. The best double strollers also have plenty of storage space for gear and kid-sized necessities like 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 can accommodate one child's seat, but those that do come in various configurations so that you can select the seating option that best suits your kids and your lifestyle.

Side-by-side doubles are a classic option, and are great for kids of similar ages that like to play with one another. Some options have a more double-decker style, allowing the user to place one of the seats above the other or even attach an extra rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet attached to the frame or with an attachment that lets you peek-a-boo at your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins, then a twin buggy from birth stroller will be the best option.

Find a double-wheeled stroller that can handle off road double buggy-road terrain as well as hiking. A lot of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind and have features that allow you to take your kids on any adventure, no matter how rough the road or how high the climbs might be.

The best double strollers come with clever features that make it easier to navigate through difficult terrain and in bad weather. This jogging stroller, for instance, features a wrist loop, so you can ensure your child's safety when running at higher speeds or in harsh weather conditions. It also has a canopy that covers the entire area and has airflow to keep your kids cool during the summer heat.

If you're looking for a lightweight, compact double stroller, look at this model from Joovy. It weighs in at just over 23 pounds, making it lighter than some single strollers, and ideal for air travel or storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a huge storage basket and a one-step linked parking brake that is easy to use.

Seating

Double strollers today are more sleek and can be arranged in various ways to fit your family. Some double strollers can be used as side-byside 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 accommodate children from birth through kindergarten.

A good double tandem pushchair stroller should be a breeze to move and fold, while permitting you to adjust the handlebar height so you're comfortable throughout your outings. A great handlebar should be easy to hold and should allow you to walk in a proper posture (ask parents for advice on this). It should offer a variety of storage options to fit everything your children will require.

If your twins are similar in age, you could consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. The seats of these models sit side by side, enabling you to be able to interact with both of them and keep an eye on them at the same time. They also recline independently which means that one child can nap and the other is ready to go.

The downside of a twin stroller may be that it is wider than a model for a single-occupant. This can make it more difficult to navigate narrow aisles for stores, doors or walkways. For some families, however 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 great alternative. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is an excellent choice for city dwellers due to its shock absorption, sleek design, and ability to accommodate two infant car seats. It also has an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.

A wagon-style Nipper Double Buggy stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. This model is bare-bones and offers a lot of seating space and storage space, along with heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also comes with a 50+ SPF canopy and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, making it difficult for children to reach their snacks or to relax.

Simple to use

A double stroller is usually an investment of a large amount and one you're hoping to use for a long time. When you are shopping for one you must ensure that it is simple to operate and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and include a variety of features that are convenient for parents.

For starters, all the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with just one hand!). They're also lightweight, making them ideal for traveling. They can fit in the majority of trunks and are checked for gate-checking on planes. Many of our test subjects found that their strollers can be folded down to a smaller size than the single seat equivalents. Some even came with a carrying strap.

If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that will grow with your family Look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, so you can use it from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat features five-point harnesses with a large canopy, as well as plenty of sun protection.

Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. It is light and incredibly compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat position and the back seat can be adjusted to fit every child. The stroller is simple to use and maneuver thanks to its large storage basket, simple parking brake that is one step and a large storage basket.

The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry says that the packaging is innovative and fun, but it comes in five boxes, which can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also noticed that the Genuis magnetic buckle was difficult to master. She was satisfied with the stroller at the end and would recommend it.

Storage

Strollers are available in various sizes and designs and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and many that allow you to modify the layout using a car seat or bassinet attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added for older siblings. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are lightweight and easy to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.

If you're looking for a light double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest double stroller option in our tests at around 23 pounds and is also easy to fold, yet it has all the features parents need to have a great time out with two children.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is another model that our test subjects loved especially for its sleek design and ease of use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat and a bassinet, with no adapters required. The rear seat can also be removed to make it a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage, and it can be upgraded with an organizer for parents and all-terrain tires as well with side storage bags.

Billingsley says that the best double stroller for toddlers is one that offers numerous options for customization. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers can be weak in endurance, and a stroller that has an integrated bassinet can provide a safe place for them to nap. She says that a double stroller must also have a good harness and recline position as well as plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.

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 expanded to a triple or quad stroller by adding an extra tandem. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, extra-long sun canopy and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its large underseat storage area and the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive list of features. The one disadvantage, according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have the smallest footprint when folded and can be difficult to carry.