How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

There are a variety of options when it comes to double to single buggy strollers. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, has helped us choose the right model for you.

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

Safety

Look for a double-stroller that includes all-terrain wheels as well as a brake that is operated with a hand if you want to keep the kids safe while walking. These wheels and brake aid you in traversing trails or sidewalks without your children falling or rolling off. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space for gear and 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. Most double strollers can only accommodate one child seat, however, those that do come in different configurations, so you can select the seating option that is most suitable for your children and your lifestyle.

The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar ages that want to play. Some double-decker designs allow you to place one of the seats over the other, or attach a riderboard to older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet 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 specially designed twin strollers for newborns stroller is the way to go.

Find a double-wheeled stroller that can handle off-road terrain and even hiking. A lot of these strollers have been designed with active parents in mind and come with features that allow you to take your children on any adventure, no matter how rough the road or how steep the climbs could be.

The top double strollers come with thoughtful features to help you navigate in difficult terrain and bad weather. For example this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child, so you're sure that they're safe while running downhill or at faster speeds. It also has an all-over canopy that has airflow to keep your kids comfortable in the summer heat.

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

Seating

Contrary to the giant strollers of old these double strollers are sleek and can accommodate various configurations that can be adapted to families. Some double strollers are designed to 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, toddlers ' seats as well as bassinets. They are available in a range of widths and weights that can accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.

A good double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, as well as permitting you to alter the handlebar's height to make sure you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A well-designed handlebar should be comfortable to hold, and it should invite you to walk with proper form (ask other parents for advice on this). It should come with a variety of storage options to fit all the essentials your children will need.

If your twins have a similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best choice for your family. The seats on these models are placed side by side, enabling you to be able to interact with both of them and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They 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 can be more spacious than a model with a single double stroller occupant and can make it difficult to maneuver around the aisles of shops, sidewalks, and narrow doorways. For some families the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.

If you're in the market for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a fantastic choice. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design and capacity for two infant car seats, plus an optional running board for more mobile children--make it an ideal choice for city living.

A wagon-style double stroller such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. The model is basic, but it offers plenty of storage space and seating. It also has sturdy wheels to handle any terrain. It also has a canopy that has 50+ SPF 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 snack trays or get comfortable.

Simple to use

A double stroller can be an investment of a large amount and one you're hoping to use for many years. When you are shopping for a double stroller, make sure it is easy to use and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and include a variety of convenient features for parents.

For starters, all of the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They're also light, making them ideal for travel. Many of them can be gate checked on airplanes and fit into most trunks. Additionally, the majority of our testers reported that their strollers folded down to smaller dimensions than their single-seat counterparts and some even included a carry strap for convenient carrying.

If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that can adapt to your family's needs, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side by side double stroller-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, so you can use it from birth to preschool age. Each seat has five points of harness, a large canopy and plenty of sun protection.

Another option that is highly regarded is the Joovy twin umbrella stroller Roo. The stroller is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when it's folded. The front seat reclines almost to an entire flat position, and the back seat has an adjustable recline for every child. There's a large storage bin and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller extremely simple to move and use.

The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry notes that the packaging was fun and innovative, but it was also packaged in five boxes that could be trouble to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp a bit clunky, and it took her some time before she could get it to work. However, in the end she was extremely pleased with her stroller and would definitely recommend it.

Stores

Strollers are available in various sizes and designs and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and some that let you customize the configuration using the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have even added rider boards for older children. They're not all created equal. Some are lightweight and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.

If you're looking for a lightweight double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It's also easy to fold and has all the features parents need to enjoy a 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 user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat, and a bassinet with no adapters required. The rear seat can be removed to create a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage and can be upgraded with an organizer for parents and all-terrain tires, as as storage bags for the sides.

Billingsley says that the best double stroller for a toddler is one that supports different options for customization, including a removable seat or bassinet. This is because toddlers typically have limited endurance, and a stroller with the bassinet attachment can provide them with a safe spot to take a nap. She says a double stroller must also come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.

The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents because of its light weight and versatility. It is airline gate-check friendly it can be accessed through all doors (without taking off the wheels at the front) and can be converted into a quad or triple stroller by adding an add-on tandem. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats and the extra-long sun canopy that can be adjusted are just a few of the highlights. A large underseat basket, as well as cup holders for the child and parent complete the impressive set of features. Taylor says the one downside is that it has an enormous profile when folded, and can be difficult for parents to carry.