How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

There are a variety of options in the field of double strollers. To help you select the best one for your family, we spoke with experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.

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

Safety

If you want to keep your children safe on your walks make sure you choose a double stroller with features like all-terrain tires and a brake operated by hand. These wheels and brakes help you navigate paths and dirt without worrying about your children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space to store items for your kids, including snacks and toys.

The best double stroller for your family starts by understanding how old and far apart in age your kids are. Many double strollers only can accommodate one child's seat, however, those are available in different configurations, so you can choose the seat that best suits your kids and your lifestyle.

Side-by-side doubles are a classic choice, and they're perfect for children of similar ages who want to play with one another. Double-decker designs permit the user to place one seat over the other, or even attach a riderboard to older siblings. Babies can be placed in a bassinet, which is attached to the frame, or as a standalone attachment that gives you a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the best option to go.

For more adventurous families consider a double stroller that can handle off-road terrain, or even hike. A lot strollers were created with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that let you take them on any adventure no matter how rough or high the climbs may be.

In addition to all-terrain tires, the best nipper double buggy strollers have clever features that make traversing tough terrain and weather easier. For example this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child so you'll be able to ensure they're secure when running downhill or at higher speeds. It also comes with an all-over canopy that has ventilation to ensure your children stay comfortable in the summer heat.

This model is a lightweight and compact double buggy stroller from Joovy. It weighs in at just over 23 pounds, making it lighter than other single strollers. It's ideal for air travel or storing in trunks or overhead compartments. Plus, it has a huge storage basket and an integrated parking brake that is simple to use.

Seating

Unlike the behemoth strollers of old, today's double strollers are sleek and support various configurations that can be adapted to families. Some are used as traditional side-by-side strollers while others - like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--function as a base that car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets click into. They are available in a variety of widths and weights that can accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.

A good double stroller will be simple to fold and maneuver, as well as allowing you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you feel at ease on all your outings. A well-designed handlebar is easy to hold and should inspire you to walk in a logical manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should offer a variety of storage options to accommodate everything your children need.

If your twins are of a similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best choice for your family. The seats on these models sit together, allowing you to interact with both of them and keep an eye on them simultaneously. They can also recline independently, so one child can rest while the other is ready to go.

The disadvantage of a twin stroller could be that it's wider than one designed that is designed for a single occupant. This makes it more difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles, or walkways. For certain families, the benefits are worth the extra size and effort.

If you're looking for a compact double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a great option. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice for city dwellers due to its shock absorption, elegant 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.

Another alternative is a wagon-style Double Buggy With Carrycot stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This basic model comes with a lot of seating space and storage, plus robust wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has an SPF canopy that is 50+ and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not recline fully flat, which makes it difficult for little children to reach their snack trays or relax.

Simple to use

A double stroller can be an investment of a large amount and one you're likely to use for a long time. When choosing a stroller you must make sure it will be simple to operate and clean. Luckily, the top double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as possible and come with a wide array of useful features for parents.

For starters, all of the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly (with one hand!). They are light and ideal for traveling. Many of them fit in most trunks and can be checked for gate-checking on planes. Many of our test subjects discovered that their strollers could fold down smaller than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carrying strap.

The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with a lot of versatility that can grow with your family. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, a bassinet 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 shade from the sun.

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

The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to the model. Kerry states that the packaging was enjoyable and innovative, but it was also packaged in five boxes, which can be a hassle to lug around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be somewhat awkward and took her a while before she could master it. She was satisfied with the stroller at the end and would highly recommend it.

Storage

Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and designs, including tandems (single-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and many that let you modify the layout using the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added for older siblings. However, not all of them are created equal -- some are elegant and simple to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or stow.

If you are looking for a stroller that is light that can hold two kids, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It folds easily and has all the features parents need for a great 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 ease-of-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters required. The rear seat can be removed to make it triple or quad stroller. It has a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.

Billingsley states that the ideal double stroller for toddlers is one that supports various options for customization, such as an adjustable seat or bassinet. Toddlers are typically weak in endurance, and strollers that have an attached bassinet will give them a safe space for them to sleep. The expert says that a double buggy for twins stroller should also have a great recline position and harness system as well as plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.

The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents due to its light weight and the versatility. It is gate-check-friendly for airlines it can be accessed through all doors (without taking off the wheels at the front) and can be expanded into a quad or triple stroller by adding an add-on tandem. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of parent and child cup holders round out the impressive set of features. Taylor states that the only downside is that it has the largest size when folded and can be difficult for parents to stow.