How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

If you're looking for a double stroller there are a variety of options. To help you select the right one for your family, we spoke with the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.

You should look for a stroller which is easy to fold and push, as well as carry. Consider a model that's versatile enough to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler along with an adult rider board.

Safety

If you want to keep your kids safe while walking opt for a double stroller that has features like all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These brakes and wheels assist you in navigating trails and gravel without your children falling or rolling. The best double strollers offer plenty of storage space for gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.

The first step in choosing the right double stroller is to determine the age of your children and how far apart they are. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, those that do come with a variety of configurations that let you choose the seating that is best for your family.

The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar ages who like to interact. Some double-decker designs allow you to place one seat above the other, or even attach a riderboard to older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into a bassinet, which is attached to the frame, or as an independent attachment that gives you an unobstructed view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the best way to go.

Find a double-wheeled stroller that can handle off-road terrain and even hiking. A lot of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind and have features that allow you to take your kids to any adventure, regardless of how rough the road or how high the climbs might be.

In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers double feature thoughtful features that make navigating difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. For instance this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child so you're sure that they're safe when you run downhill or at faster speeds. It also features a full-coverage canopy with airflow to keep your kids comfortable in the summer heat.

If you're looking to purchase a light compact double stroller, check out this model from Joovy. It weighs just 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than other single strollers. It's ideal for air travel or storage in trunks or overhead compartments. Additionally, it comes with a large storage basket and a one-step linked parking brake that is easy to use.

Seating

Double strollers of today are sleeker and can be configured in many ways to meet the needs of your family. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--function as a base to which car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets can be plugged into. They are available in a variety of sizes and weights to accommodate children from newborns up to kindergarten.

A good double stroller should be easy to fold and move and will allow you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure you are comfortable on all of your outings. A good handlebar is one that is easy to grip, and it should allow you to walk with proper form (ask other parents for advice on this). It should also provide a variety of storage options that accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your children.

If your twins are near in age, you might consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. These models come with seats that are side-by-side, which means you can interact with them each other and keep an eye on both of them at the same. They also recline independently so that one child can lie down while the other is awake and ready to go.

The drawback of a twin pushchairs stroller could be that it's wider than one designed that is designed for a single occupant. This makes it difficult to navigate narrow aisles for stores, doors or even walkways. But for certain families, the advantages are worth the extra size and effort.

If you are looking for a compact double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is an excellent option. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is an excellent choice for city dwellers due to its shock absorption, sleek 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.

A wagon-style double stroller like the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. It's a basic model however it has plenty of space for storage and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels to handle any terrain. It also comes with 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 completely flat, making it hard for small children to reach their snacks or get comfortable.

Easy of Use

A double stroller is usually an investment that you hope to use for a long time. When choosing a stroller, you want to ensure that it's simple to operate and clean. The best double strollers have been designed to be user-friendly and include many useful features.

All the strollers that we tested can be folded easily and compactly using just one hand. They are also light and ideal for traveling. A lot of them fit into the majority of trunks and are gate-checked on airplanes. Furthermore, the majority our testers found that their strollers folded to smaller dimensions than their single-seat counterparts and some even came with a carry strap for convenient carrying.

The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller that has many options that will grow with your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth until the age of preschool. Each seat has a 5-point harness and a large canopy that provides ample protection from the sun.

Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight and extremely compact, weighing just 22 lbs and 26 inches wide when it's folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat stance, and the back seat can be adjusted to fit each child. There's a large storage basket and a simple, one-step linked parking brake which makes this stroller user-friendly and easy to maneuver.

The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry says that the packaging is clever and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes which can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp somewhat difficult to use, and it took her some time before she was able to master it. She was happy with the stroller in the end and would highly recommend it.

Storage

Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and many that let you customize the setup with the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added to accommodate older siblings. However, they're not all terrain double stroller created equal -- some are sleek and easy to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or stow.

If you are looking for a lightweight stroller that can hold two kids, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest option during our tests. It weighs close to 23 pounds. It is also simple to fold, but it has all the features parents need to enjoy a great time with two children.

The Vista v2 double by 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 create triple or quad stroller. It has a large 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 ideal double stroller for a toddler is one that has different options for customization, including the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. This is due to toddlers having limited endurance, and having a stroller that has the bassinet attachment can provide them with a safe space to rest for a nap. The expert 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 among parents due to its light weight and versatility. It's gate-check-friendly on airlines, fits through most doorways (without removing the wheels on the front), and can be made to a triple or quad stroller by adding an additional tandem. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, extra-long sun canopy and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders complete the impressive list of features. Taylor says that the only disadvantage is that it has a an enormous size when folded and it can be difficult for parents to carry.