How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

If you're looking for a double stroller there are a variety of options. To help you choose the best one for your family, we talked to experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.

You should choose a stroller that is simple to fold, push and carry. Also, consider a stroller that can accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler as well as an adult rider board.

Safety

Find a double-stroller that comes with all-terrain tires and a brake that can be operated by hand if you want to keep your kids safe when walking. These brakes and wheels will assist you in navigating paths and dirt without worrying about your children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space for gear as well as essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.

The first step in selecting the best double stroller is to figure out the age of your children and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers are designed to accommodate one child 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 choice, and they're perfect for kids of similar ages who like to play with one another. Some double running stroller-decker designs allow you to put one seat over the other, or add a riderboard for older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet that is connected to the frame or in an attachment that lets you look at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the best way to go.

Choose a stroller with two wheels that can handle off-road terrain and even hiking. A lot of these strollers were developed with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that will allow you to take them on any adventure, no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs might be.

The top double strollers double strollers are equipped with intelligent features that aid in navigation in difficult terrain and bad weather. For example, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child, so you'll be able to ensure that they're safe while running downhill or at higher speeds. It also comes with an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your children cool during summer heat.

If you're looking to purchase a light, compact double stroller, check out this model from Joovy. It weighs in at just over 23 lbs, making it lighter than most single strollers and perfect for air travel or storing in trunks and overhead compartments. Plus, it has a large storage basket and a parking brake that is linked in one step that's easy to use.

Seating

Double strollers today are sleeker and can be set up in many ways to suit your family. Some are used as traditional side-by-side strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller - function as a base to which car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets click into. They are available in a variety of sizes and weight limits, allowing children from birth through kindergarten.

A quality double stroller should be simple to fold and maneuver and allows you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you feel comfortable on all of your outings. A good handlebar is one that is easy to hold, and it should invite you to walk in a proper posture (ask other parents for tips on this). It should have a range of storage options to accommodate everything your children will require.

If your twins are similar age, a tandem stroller could be the ideal option for your family. The seats on these models are positioned in a row, allowing you to interact with them both and keep an eye on them simultaneously. They can also recline independently so that one child can nap and the other is ready to go.

The downside to a twin stroller is that it's wider than a single-occupant model, which can make it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doorways. However, for some families, the advantages are worth the extra space and effort.

If you're looking for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice. Its shock absorption, streamlined design, and capacity for two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for more mobile children make it a perfect choice for city living.

Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. The model is basic, but it offers plenty of storage space and seating. It also has sturdy wheels to 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, making it hard for small children to reach their food trays or relax.

Ease of Use

Double strollers are usually an investment that will use for many years. When shopping for one, you want to ensure that it is easy to use and clean. The top double strollers are designed to be easy-to-use and come with many convenient features.

All strollers we tested fold easily and compactly using just one hand. They're also light, making 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 found that their strollers folded down to smaller dimensions than their single-seat counterparts, and some even had an adjustable carry strap for easy carrying.

The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with lots of options that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth up to preschool age. Each seat has a 5-point harness and an enormous canopy that offers ample shade from the sun.

Another option that is highly regarded is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when it's folded. The front seat reclines to nearly the full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline for each child. The stroller is simple to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, simple one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.

The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry says that the packaging is innovative and fun, however it comes in five boxes which can be a little cumbersome to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be somewhat difficult to use and took her some time before she could master it. She was happy with the stroller at the end and would highly recommend it.

Storage

Strollers come with a variety of shapes and sizes, from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, and a lot allow you to modify your layout with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards for older siblings. However, not all of them are created equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or stow.

If you're looking for a lightweight double stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, with a weight of just under 23 lbs. It folds easily and has all terrain double buggy the features parents want for a great day out with two children.

The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model that our testers loved. They especially liked its sleek design and ease-of-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters needed. The rear seat can be removed to make it triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage, and can be upgraded by adding a parent organizer and all-terrain tires as well as storage bags for the sides.

Billingsley states that the best double stroller for toddlers is one that has different options for customization, including an adjustable seat or bassinet. This is because toddlers typically have little endurance, so a stroller with an attachment for a bassinet will provide them with a safe spot to nap. The expert says that a double stroller must also have a great harness and recline position as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.

The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents because of its light weight and flexibility. It's gate-check-friendly on airlines and fits through the majority of doorways (without taking off the wheels on the front), and can be converted to a triple or quad stroller by adding an add-on tandem. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket and inclusion of parent and kid cup holders complete the impressive set of features. The only downside, according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a an elongated profile when folded, and could be difficult to carry.