How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

If you're looking for a double stroller there are a variety of options. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, has helped us choose the right one for you.

You should choose a stroller that is simple to fold and push, as well as carry. Look for a model that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler that has a riderboard.

Safety

If you want to keep your kids safe on your walks, look for a double stroller that has features like all-terrain tires as well as a hand-operated brake. These wheels and brake assist you in navigating trails or sidewalks without your kids slipping or rolling off. The best travel double stroller double strollers come with plenty of storage space for items for your kids, including snacks and toys.

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

Side-byside doubles are a popular option, and they're great for kids of similar ages who want to be social with one another. Some options have a more double-decker design, allowing you to place one seat above the other or attach a rider board to older siblings. Babies can be placed in an infant bassinet that is attached to the frame, or as an independent attachment that offers a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins and want to have a twin stroller, it will be the best option.

Choose a stroller with two wheels that can handle off-road terrain as well as hiking. Many of these strollers were developed with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that will let you take them on any adventure no matter how rough or high the climbs might be.

In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double strollers come with thoughtful features that make navigating difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. This jogging stoller for instance, comes with a wrist loop, so you can make sure your child is safe when running at higher speeds or in extreme weather conditions. It also features a canopy that covers the entire area and has ventilation so your kids stay comfortable in the summer heat.

If you're looking to purchase a light, compact double stroller, check out this model from Joovy. It weighs in at just over 23 pounds, making it lighter than some single strollers, and ideal to take on air travel or for storing in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a large storage basket and an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.

Seating

Contrary to the giant strollers of the past these double strollers are sleek and can accommodate an array of configurations that can be adapted to families. Some are used as traditional side-by-side strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend sit and stand Double stroller 'N Stand Double Stroller--work as a base to which car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets snap into. They are available in a range of sizes and weights to accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.

A quality double stroller should be a breeze to move and fold, while allowing you to adjust the handlebar height so you're comfortable throughout your outings. A well-designed handlebar is easy to grip and should encourage you to walk in a safe manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should also provide a variety of storage options that accommodate all the necessities you'll require for your children.

If your twins are near in age, you could find a tandem stroller works best for your family. The seats of these models are placed together, allowing you to be able to interact with both of them and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. 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 stroller may be that it is larger than a model that is designed for a single occupant. This can make it more difficult to navigate narrow aisles in store aisles, doors or even sidewalks. For certain families, however the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.

If you're looking for a compact double stroller the UPPAbaby Vista double pushchairs is a great option. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is an excellent choice for urban living 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.

Another alternative is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare bones but it comes with plenty of storage and seating space. It also has sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also features a 50+ SPF canopy and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, which makes it hard for small children to reach their snacks or relax.

Simple to Use

A double stroller is usually an investment of a large amount and one you're likely to use for years. When you are shopping for a double stroller, be sure it is easy to use 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 the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They're also light, making them ideal for traveling. They can fit in the majority of trunks and can be checked for gate-checking on planes. Many of our test subjects found that their strollers could fold down to a smaller size than the single seat equivalents. Some even came with a carrying strap.

The Valco Snap Duo trend is a 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 until the age of preschool. Each seat is equipped with a five-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 weighs only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly a full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline that can be adjusted for each child. There's a large storage basket and an easy, one-step connected parking brake that makes this stroller easy to maneuver 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 could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also found that Genuis's magnetic buckle was difficult to master. She was happy with the stroller at the end and would recommend it.

Stores

Strollers come with a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to customize your layout with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards designed for older kids. However, they're not all 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 fit two children The Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, with a weight of just under 23 lbs. It is also easy-to-fold and has all the features parents would want for a great day out with two kids.

UPPAbaby's Vista v2 double is another model that our test subjects loved. They were particularly impressed by its sleek design and ease-of-use. It can fit two infant car seats, or a toddler's bassinet as well as a seat without adapters. Its 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 with an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires as well as side storage bags.

Billingsley says the best double stroller for a toddler is one that supports multiple customization options, like the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. Toddlers are often limited in their endurance and strollers with a bassinet attached will provide a safe place for them to nap. She says a double stroller should also include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.

The ZOE twin strollers for newborns+ is popular with parents due to its lightness and flexibility. It's airline gate-check-friendly, fits through most doors (without having to remove the front wheels) and can be expanded into a triple or quad stroller with an add-on tandem seat. The near-flat, independently reclining seats and the extra-long sun canopies that are adjustable are other highlights. A large underseat storage basket as well as parent and child cup holders make up the impressive features. Taylor says that the only disadvantage is that it has a a large profile when folded, and is difficult for parents to carry.