How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

If you're looking for a double stroller there are plenty of options. To help you pick the best one for your family, we consulted experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.

Find a stroller that's fairly easy to fold, push and carry. And consider a model that is able to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler along with a rider board.

Safety

Choose a double-stroller which has all-terrain wheels and a brake that is operated by hand if you want to ensure your children are safe while walking. These wheels and brake help you navigate trails or sidewalks without the risk of your children sliding or rolling away. 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 best double stroller is to determine the age of your children and how far apart they are. Most double strollers can only can accommodate one child's seat, however, those do come with various configurations so that you can select the seat that is most suitable for your children and your lifestyle.

The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar age who are keen to interact. Some double-decker designs allow you to put one seat over the other, or add a riderboard to older siblings. Newborns can either be snuggled in a bassinet that is connected to the frame or with an attachment that lets you play peek-a-boo with your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the way to go.

Choose a stroller with two wheels that can handle off-road terrain as well as hiking. Many strollers were created with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that let you take them on any adventure, no regardless of how challenging or difficult the climbs may be.

The best double buggy converts to single strollers come with intelligent features that aid in navigation in difficult terrain and bad weather. For example, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child so you can be sure that they're safe while running downhill or at faster speeds. It also comes with an all-over canopy that has airflow to keep your kids comfortable in the summer heat.

This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23lbs., making it ideal for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with an enormous storage basket as well as a one-step linked parking brake that's easy to use.

Seating

Double strollers today are more sleek and can be arranged in various ways to meet the needs of your family. Some double strollers can 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, toddler seats as well as bassinets. They are available in various widths and weight limits, allowing infants and children up to kindergarten.

A quality double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, while permitting you to alter the handlebar height so you're comfortable throughout your outings. A good handlebar is one that is easy to hold, and it should encourage you to walk in a proper posture (ask other parents for advice on this). It should offer a variety of storage options to accommodate everything your children will require.

If your twins are similar in age, you might consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. The seats on these models are placed in a row, allowing you to engage 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 nap and 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 difficult to navigate narrow aisles in store aisles, doors or the sidewalks. But for certain families, the benefits are worth the extra size and effort.

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

A wagon-style double running buggy stroller, such as 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 has sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also features a 50+ SPF canopy and a handlebar that can be adjusted. However, some parents feel that the seats are too low and can'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 one you must make sure it will be simple to operate and clean. Luckily, the top double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and come with a wide array of convenient features for parents.

To start, all the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with one hand!). They're also light, which makes them ideal for traveling. A majority of them are checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit into most trunks. Furthermore, the majority our test subjects found that their strollers folded down to a smaller size than their single-seat counterparts and some even had the option of carrying a strap for carrying.

The Valco Snap Duo trend is a lightweight double stroller stroller with lots of options that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth until preschool age. Each seat is equipped with a five-point harness and a large canopy that provides ample protection from the sun.

The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly regarded. The stroller is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline for every child. There's a huge storage basket and an easy, one-step connected 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 innovative and fun, however it comes in five boxes, which can be a little cumbersome to carry around. She also felt that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a bit clunky and took some time to master. However, in the end she was extremely pleased with this stroller and would highly recommend it.

Storage

Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and styles that include tandems (single to double pushchair-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and many that let you customize the setup with an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some even have add-on rider boards for older siblings. However, they're not All Terrain Double Buggy created equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or store.

If you are seeking a stroller with a light weight that can hold two kids and two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest choice during our tests. It weighs close to 23 pounds. It is also easy to fold, yet it still has all of the features parents require to enjoy a great time with two children.

The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby 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 needed. The rear seat can be removed to make it a triple or quad stroller. It has a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include a parent organizer with wheels for all-terrain and side storage bags.

Billingsley states that the best double stroller to use for a toddler is one with numerous options for customization. This includes a seat or bassinet that can be removed. This is due to toddlers having limited endurance, and having a stroller that has a bassinet attachment will provide them with a safe space to rest for a nap. She says a double stroller must also come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.

The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents because of its light weight and the 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 converted into a quad or triple stroller by adding an additional tandem. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopies and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its large underseat storage area and the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders complete the impressive set of features. Taylor says that the only disadvantage is that it has a a large size when folded and it can be difficult for parents to stow.