Best Double Stroller: A Simple Definition

How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

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

Choose a stroller fairly easy to fold, push and carry. Also, consider a stroller that's versatile enough to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler along with an adult rider board.

Safety

If you want to ensure your children are safe while walking opt for double strollers that have features like all-terrain tires and a hand-operated brake. These brakes and wheels help you navigate paths and dirt without worrying about your children slipping 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 selecting the right double stroller is to determine the age of your children and how far apart they are. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that do come with a variety of options that let you pick the seating that is ideal for your family.

Side-by-side doubles are an iconic option, and they're great for children of similar ages who want to play with one another. Some double-decker designs allow you to put one of the seats over the other, or add a riderboard to older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet attached to the frame, or in an attachment that lets you look at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the best way to go.

For more adventurous families consider double strollers that can take on off-road terrains or even hiking. Many strollers were created with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that allow you to take them on any adventure no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs might be.

In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers come with thoughtful features that make getting around tough terrain and weather easier. This jogging stoller for instance, comes with a wrist loop, so you can ensure your child's safety when running downhill at higher speeds or in harsh weather conditions. It also features a canopy that covers the entire area and has ventilation so your kids stay cool during the summer heat.

This model is a lightweight and compact smallest double buggy stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23lbs. It's perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a huge storage basket and an integrated parking brake that is simple to use.

Seating

Double strollers are now sleeker and can be configured in various ways to meet the needs of your family. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models, and others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddlers seats and bassinets. They come in various widths and weight limits to accommodate children from birth to kindergarten.

A good double stroller must be easy to maneuver and fold, while permitting you to alter the height of the handlebar to ensure you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A good handlebar is one that is easy to hold and should invite you to walk with proper posture (ask parents for advice on this). It should also provide various storage options that can accommodate all the necessities you'll require for your children.

If your twins are close in age, you could find a tandem stroller works best for your family. These models have seats that are side-byside, so you can interact with them each other and keep an eye on each of them at the same. They also recline independently, so one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.

The disadvantage of a twin stroller is that it's more spacious than a model with a single to double buggy occupant, which can make it difficult to maneuver around the aisles of shops, sidewalks and narrow doorways. For certain families, however the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.

If you're looking for an ultra-compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great choice. Its shock absorption, sleek design, and capacity for two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for older children -- make it a great option for city-living.

A wagon-style double stroller like the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. This model is bare-bones and offers a lot of seating space and storage, as well as robust wheels that can 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 a little too low and they don't recline completely to a flat position, which makes it difficult for small children to sit comfortably or reach their snack tray.

Simple to Use

A double stroller is usually an investment of a large amount and one you're likely to use for many years. When you are shopping for a double stroller, be sure that it is easy to use and clean. The top double infant strollers strollers have been developed to be user-friendly and include numerous features that are convenient.

All the strollers we tested can be folded quickly and compactly in one hand. They're also light, which makes them ideal for travel. Many of them can be checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. In addition, the majority of our test subjects found that their strollers folded down to a smaller size than their single-seat counterparts, and some even came with the option of carrying a strap for carrying.

The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller that has lots of options that can grow with your family. This side-by-side stroller works with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth until the age of preschool. Each seat comes with five points of harness and a large canopy. It also offers plenty of sun protection.

The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly praised. The stroller is light and extremely compact, weighing just 22 pounds and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat position and the back seat can be adjusted to suit every 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 that model. Kerry states that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, but that it came in five boxes that could be trouble to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp a bit clunky, and it took a while before she could get it to work. She was pleased with the stroller, however, and would highly recommend it.

Storage

Strollers come with a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, and a lot allow you to modify your setup with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards for older children. However, not all of them are created equal -- some are elegant and simple to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or store.

If you're looking for a lightweight double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest option in our tests at around 23 pounds and is also simple to fold, but it has all the features parents require for a fun outing with two kids.

UPPAbaby's Vista v2 double is another model our testers loved. They especially liked its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat, and a bassinet with no adapters required. The rear seat can be removed to make it a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage, and it can be upgraded by adding a parent organizer and all-terrain tires, as as side storage bags.

Billingsley says that the most suitable double stroller with infant car seat stroller to use for a toddler is one with multiple customization options. This includes a bassinet or seat that can be removed. Toddlers are often restricted in their endurance, so strollers that have a bassinet attached will offer a safe spot for them to sleep. A double stroller should also include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, and plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.

The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents due to its light weight and the versatility. It's easy to check at airport gates and fits through most doors (without having to remove the front wheels), and can expand into a quad or triple stroller with an added tandem seat. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its large underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive feature set. Taylor says the one downside is that it has the largest footprint when folded, and can be difficult for parents to carry.