How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

If you're in the market for a double stroller, there are a lot of options. To help you select the best one for your family, we consulted child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.

Find a stroller that's reasonably easy to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler with a riderboard.

Safety

Look for a double-stroller that has all-terrain wheels and a brake that is operated with a hand if you want to keep your kids safe while walking. These wheels and brake assist you in navigating trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without your children falling or slipping away. The best double strollers offer plenty of storage space for gear as well as kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.

The first step in choosing the right double stroller is to know how old your children are and how far apart they are. A majority of Luxury double stroller strollers can 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.

The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar ages who want to play. Double-decker designs permit you to place one of the seats over the other, or add a riderboard to older siblings. Newborns can either be snuggled in a bassinet attached to the frame, or in an attachment that lets you peek-a-boo at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the best option to go.

Find a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain, and even hiking. A lot of these strollers have been designed with active parents in mind and have features that allow you to take your kids on any adventure, regardless of how rough the path or how steep the climbs may be.

In addition to all-terrain tires the best double strollers have clever features that make traversing difficult terrain and weather a lot 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 adverse weather conditions. It also has a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your children cool during the summer heat.

This model is a light and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds. This makes it perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a huge storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.

Seating

Unlike the behemoth strollers of old, today's double strollers are sleek and offer various configurations that can be adapted to families. Some are used as traditional side-by-side strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller - function as a base that car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets click into. They are available in a range of sizes and weights to accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.

A good double stroller should be easy to fold and maneuver and will allow you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure you are comfortable on all of 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 also have a variety of storage options that can accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your kids.

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

The drawback of twin strollers is that it can be larger than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to navigate the aisles of shops, sidewalks and narrow doorways. For some families the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.

If you're in the market for a compact double stroller the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is an excellent choice for city living thanks to its shock absorption, elegant design, and ability to accommodate two infant car seats. It also comes with an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.

Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This bare-bones model offers lots of space for seating and storage, as well as sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has a canopy that has 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. But some parents say the seats are a little too low and can't recline completely to a flat position, which makes it difficult for children of smaller sizes to sit comfortably or reach their snack trays.

Simple to Use

A double stroller is usually an investment of a large amount and one that you hope to use for years. If you are looking for a double stroller, make sure it is easy to use and clean. The top double strollers are designed to be user-friendly and have numerous features that are convenient.

For starters, all the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with just one hand!). They're also lightweight, making them ideal for traveling. Many of them fit in the majority of trunks and are checked at the gate on planes. Many of our test subjects found that their strollers could be folded down much smaller than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carry strap.

If you're looking for a flexible double stroller that can grow with your family Look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth to preschool age. Each seat features five-point harnesses and a large canopy. It also offers ample sun protection.

The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly praised. It is light compact and weighs only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat position, and the back seat can be adjusted for each child. There's a large storage basket and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller easy to maneuver and use.

The only drawbacks to the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry says that the packaging is smart and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes which could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also felt that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a bit clunky and took some time to master. In the end, however, she was very happy with her stroller and would highly recommend it.

Stores

Strollers come with a variety of sizes and shapes, from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to personalize your setup with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards for older children. But, they're not all created equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, whereas others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold and store.

If you are seeking a stroller with a light weight that can hold two kids The Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest double stroller stroller in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It's also easy to fold and comes with all the features parents would want to enjoy a day out with two kids.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is another model that our testers adored particularly for its sleek design and easy to use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters needed. The rear seat can be removed to create a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.

Billingsley states that the ideal double stroller for a toddler is one that supports different options for customization, including a removable seat or bassinet. That's because toddlers often have little endurance, so the stroller with the bassinet attachment can provide them with a safe spot to nap. A double stroller should have a good harness system 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 the versatility. It's airline gate-check-friendly, fits through most doors (without having to remove the front wheels) and expands into a quad or triple stroller with an added tandem seat. The near-flat, independently reclined seats and extra-long sun canopy that can be adjusted are among the other features. A spacious underseat basket as well as cup holders for both parents and children make up the impressive set of features. The one drawback according to Taylor, is that it lacks a an elongated footprint when folded and can be difficult to store.