How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

There are a lot of options when it comes to double strollers. To help you pick the most compact double stroller suitable one for your family, we consulted child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.

Look for a stroller that's fairly easy to fold, push and carry. Also, consider a stroller that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler and a rider board.

Safety

If you want to keep your children secure on your walks opt for double strollers that have features such as all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These brakes and wheels assist you in navigating paths and dirt without worrying about your children falling or rolling. The best double seat stroller strollers also have plenty of storage space for gear and kids-sized items like snacks and toys.

The best double stroller for your family starts with understanding how old and distant in terms of age your children are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, some do come with a variety of options that let you choose the seating that is ideal for your family.

The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar age who like to interact. Some options have a more double-decker design, allowing the user to place one seat higher than the other or attach a rider board to older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet attached to the frame, or in an attachment that allows you to peek-a-boo at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the best way to go.

For families that are more adventurous consider a double stroller that can handle off-road terrain or even hiking. A majority of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind, and include features that let you take your children to any adventure, no matter how rough the path or how steep the climb could be.

In addition to all-terrain tires the best double strollers have thoughtful features that make navigating difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. This jogging stoller, for example, has wrist loops so that you can ensure your child's safety when running at higher speeds or in extreme weather conditions. It also features a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your children cool during the summer heat.

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

Seating

In contrast to the massive strollers of old these double strollers are sleek and support a variety of configurations to fit families. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-byside 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 are available in a range of widths and weights that can accommodate children from newborns up to kindergarten.

A quality double stroller should be simple to fold and maneuver, as well as allowing you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure that you're at ease on all your outings. A well-designed handlebar is easy to hold and should inspire you to walk in a safe manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should have a range of storage options to fit all the necessities your children will need.

If your twins are close in age, you may consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. The seats on these models sit in a row, allowing you to engage with both of them and keep an eye on them at the same time. They also recline separately, so one child can sleep while 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 occupant, which can make it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles, and narrow doorways. For some families, however the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.

If you are looking for a small double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a great alternative. Its shock absorption, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for older children make it a perfect option for city-living.

A wagon-style double stroller such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. This bare-bones model offers lots of space for seating and storage space, along with sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has an umbrella with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and cannot recline fully flat, making it difficult for little children to reach their snacks or get comfortable.

Easy of Use

A double buggy newborn stroller can be an investment of a large amount and one you're hoping to use for many years. If you are in the market for a double stroller, make sure it's easy to use and clean. The top double strollers have been designed to be user-friendly and have many convenient features.

All the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly using just one hand. They are light and ideal for traveling. A lot of them fit into the majority of trunks and can be gate-checked on airplanes. Many of our test subjects found that their strollers can be folded down smaller than the single seat equivalents. Some even had a carrying strap.

If you're in search of a multi-purpose double single pushchair stroller that can grow with your family take a look at the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, a bassinet and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth until preschool age. Each seat has five-point harnesses and a large canopy. It also offers ample sun protection.

Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. It is light compact and weighs only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat position and the back seat can be adjusted to fit every child. There's a large storage basket and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller extremely simple to move and use.

The only drawbacks of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry says that the packaging is clever and fun, but it comes in five boxes, which can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also noticed that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a little awkward and took a while to master. In the end, though, she was very happy with this stroller and would highly recommend it.

Stores

Strollers come in all shapes and sizes, from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to customize your setup by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added to accommodate older siblings. They're not created equal. Some are lightweight and easy to use, while others are bulky, heavy 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 choice during our tests. It weighs around 23 pounds and is also easy to fold, yet it has all the features parents need for a fun outing with two kids.

The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved, especially for its sleek design and ease of use. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler's bassinet and seat without adapters, and its rear seat can be removed to turn it into a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage, and can be upgraded by adding an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires, as as storage bags for the sides.

Billingsley says the best double stroller for a toddler is one that has different options for customization, including a removable seat or bassinet. Toddlers can be weak in endurance, and a stroller that has an integrated bassinet can give them a safe space for them to rest. A double stroller should include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage room 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 and fits through the majority of doorways (without taking off the wheels at the front) and can be expanded into a quad or triple stroller by adding an additional tandem. The near-flat, independently reclined seats as well as the extra-long sun canopies that are adjustable are just a few of the highlights. A spacious underseat basket and the inclusion of cup holders for both parents and children complete the impressive set of features. The one disadvantage according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it lacks a a small profile when folded and can be difficult to carry.