How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

There are many options available when it comes to double strollers. To help you choose the best one for your family, we consulted experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.

Choose a stroller reasonably easy to push, fold and carry. You should consider a stroller that can fit two infant car seat or a toddler who has a riderboard.

Safety

Look for a double-stroller that comes with all-terrain tires and a brake that can be operated with a hand if you want to ensure your children are safe when walking. These wheels and brake help you navigate trails or sidewalks without the risk of your children sliding or slipping away. The best double strollers also offer plenty of storage space for gear as well as essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.

Selecting the best double stroller for your family begins by determining the age and distance in age. Many double strollers only allow one child seat, however, those do come with different configurations, so you can pick the type of seating that best fits your kids and pushchairsandprams your lifestyle.

Side-by-side doubles are an iconic option, and they're great for kids of similar ages that like to be social with one another. Certain models feature a double-decker style, allowing you to place one seat higher than the other or even attach a rider board for older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet that is connected to the frame or in 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.

Look for a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain and even hiking. Many strollers were created with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that will let you take them on any trip, no matter how rough or high the climbs are.

The best double strollers are equipped with clever features that help you navigate in difficult terrain and bad weather. This jogging stroller, 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 features a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your kids cool in the summer heat.

This model is a light and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than other single strollers and perfect for air travel or storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also has a large storage basket and an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.

Seating

Contrary to the giant strollers of old, today's double strollers are sleek and support a variety of configurations that can be adapted to families. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers while others - like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--work as a base that car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets snap into. They come in a variety of widths and weight limits to accommodate children from birth through kindergarten.

A good double stroller must be easy to maneuver and fold, while also allowing you to adjust the handlebar's height to make sure you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A good handlebar is comfortable to hold and should inspire you to walk in a safe manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should have a range of storage options to fit all the necessities your children will need.

If your twins are near in age, you could discover that a tandem stroller is best for your family. The seats of these models are positioned together, allowing you to engage with both of them and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They can also recline separately so that one child can sleep while the other is awake and ready to go.

The disadvantage of twin strollers is that it can be wider than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles, and narrow doorways. For certain families, the benefits are worth the extra size and effort.

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

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 comes with plenty of storage space and seating. It also has heavy-duty wheels that can take on any terrain. It also features an SPF canopy that is 50+ and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and they don't recline to a fully flat position, making it difficult for smaller children to get comfortable or reach their snack trays.

Easy of Use

A double stroller is usually a significant investment and one you're hoping to use for many years. If you are looking for a double stroller, be sure it's easy to use and clean. The top double strollers have been designed to be easy-to-use and come with numerous features that are convenient.

All the strollers that we tested can be folded easily and compactly with just one hand. They're also lightweight, making them ideal for traveling. Many of them can be checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. Additionally, the majority of our testers found that their strollers folded to smaller dimensions than the single seat models, and some even had the option of carrying a strap for carrying.

If you're looking for a flexible double stroller that will adapt to your family's needs Look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller works with infant car seats, a bassinet and other accessories, so you can use it from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat has a 5-point harness and an enormous canopy that offers ample protection from the sun.

Another option that is highly regarded is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light and incredibly compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat position, and the back seat can be adjusted to fit every child. The stroller is simple to operate and maneuver due to its large storage basket, simple one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.

The only drawbacks of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry says that the packaging is smart and fun, but it comes in five boxes which can be a bit heavy 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 sizes and shapes, ranging from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to modify your setup by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some have even added rider boards for older children. However, they're not all created equal -- some are elegant and simple to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold and store.

If you're looking for a light pushchairs double stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing just under 23 lbs. It's also easy to fold and comes with all the features parents want to enjoy a day out with two children.

The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model our testers loved. They were particularly impressed by its sleek design and easy-to-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler's seat and a bassinet without the need for adapters. Its rear seat can be removed to turn it into a quad or triple stroller. It has a huge storage basket that can be upgraded to include a parent organizer wheel, all-terrain wheels, as well as side storage bags.

Billingsley says that the best double stroller to use for a toddler is one that has various options for customization. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. That's because toddlers often have limitations in endurance, and a stroller with an attachment for a bassinet will provide them with a safe space to nap. She says that a double stroller should also have a good recline position and harness system, as well as ample storage space for toys and snacks.

The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its light weight and versatility. It is airline gate-check friendly and fits through the majority of doorways (without removing the wheels on the front) and can be made into a quad or triple stroller by adding an additional tandem. The near-flat, independently reclining seats and the extra-long, adjustable sun canopies are other highlights. A spacious underseat basket as well as parent and child cup holders round out the impressive set of features. One drawback according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have the smallest profile when folded, and could be difficult to stow.