How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

If you're looking for a double stroller there are plenty of options. To help you choose the most suitable one for your family, we talked to child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.

Find a stroller that's relatively easy to push, fold and carry. And consider a model that is able to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler as well as a rider board.

Safety

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

The best double stroller for your family starts with understanding how old and far apart in age your kids are. Many double strollers only allow one child seat, however, those are available in various configurations so that you can select the type of seating that best suits your kids and your lifestyle.

The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar age who like to interact. Some double-decker designs allow you to put one seat over the other, or attach a riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into a bassinet attached to the frame or as a standalone attachment that allows you to have an unobstructed view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins then a twin stroller is the best choice.

For more adventurous families, look for a double stroller that is able to handle off-road terrain, or even hiking. Many 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 matter how rough or high the climbs are.

The best double strollers have thoughtful features to help you navigate in a difficult terrain or 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 when you run downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also comes with a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your kids cool in the summer heat.

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

Seating

Unlike the behemoth strollers of old, today's double strollers are sleek and support various configurations to fit families. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models, while others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller can be used as a base for car seats, toddler seats and bassinets. They come in various sizes and weight limits to fit children from birth to kindergarten.

A quality double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, while permitting you to adjust the handlebar height so you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A well-designed handlebar should be easy to grip, and it should encourage you to walk in a proper form (ask parents for advice on this). It should come with a variety of storage options that can accommodate all the essentials your children will need.

If your twins are close in age, you may discover that a tandem stroller is best for your family. The seats on these models are placed in a row, allowing you to be able to interact with them both and keep an eye on them simultaneously. They also recline independently, so one child can rest while the other is ready to go.

The drawback of a twin stroller could be that it is larger than one designed for a single-occupant. This makes it more difficult to navigate narrow aisles in store aisles, doors, or the sidewalks. However, for certain families, the benefits are worth the extra space and effort.

If you're in the market for a 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 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 double stroller-by-Side is another alternative. It's a basic model but it comes with plenty of space for storage and seating. It also has heavy-duty wheels to tackle any terrain. It also features an SPF canopy that is 50+ and a handlebar that can be adjusted. However, some parents feel that the seats are a little too low and can't recline completely to a flat position, which makes it difficult for small children to be comfortable or reach their snack tray.

Easy of Use

A double stroller is often a significant investment and one you're hoping to use for years. When shopping for one, you want to ensure that it is easy to use and clean. The best double strollers have been designed to be user-friendly and include many convenient features.

All the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly with just one hand. They're also light, which makes them ideal for travel. A lot of them fit into most trunks and can be gate-checked on airplanes. Most of our testers also discovered that their strollers could fold down much smaller than single-seat versions. Some even had a carrying strap.

The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with lots of options that will grow with your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat features five points of harness and a large canopy. It also offers ample sun protection.

Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. It is light and compact, weighing only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines to almost an entire flat position, and the back seat features an adjustable recline that can be adjusted for each 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 to the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry says that the packaging is innovative and fun, but it comes in five boxes that can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp a bit clunky and took her a while before she could master it. In the end, however she was very pleased with the stroller and would definitely recommend it.

Storage

Strollers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, and a lot allow you to personalize your layout with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards for older siblings. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are lightweight double pushchair and easy to use, whereas others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.

If you're looking to purchase a light double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest double stroller option in our tests, weighing close to 23 pounds. It is also simple to fold, but it still has all of the features parents need for a fun outing with two kids.

The Vista v2 double umbrella stroller by UPPAbaby is another model our testers loved. They especially liked its sleek design and ease-of-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler bassinet and seat without adapters. The rear seat can be removed to transform it into a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage and can be upgraded by adding a parent organizer and all-terrain tires, as well as side storage bags.

Billingsley says that the most suitable double stroller to use for toddlers is one with various options for customization. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. That's because toddlers often have limited endurance, and having a stroller that has an attachment for a bassinet will provide them with a safe spot to take a nap. She says that a double stroller should also have a comfortable harness and recline position and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.

The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its lightweight double pushchair and versatility. It is gate-check-friendly for airlines and fits through the majority of doorways (without taking off the wheels at the front) and can be converted to a triple or quad stroller by adding an extra tandem. The near-flat, independently reclined seats as well as the extra-long sun canopies that are adjustable are other highlights. A spacious underseat basket and the inclusion of cup holders for the child and parent round out the impressive set of features. The only disadvantage according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have a an elongated profile when folded, and could be difficult to store.