Best Double Stroller: A Simple Definition

How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

There are many options available when it comes to double strollers. To help you pick the right one for your family, we talked to child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.

Look for a stroller that's fairly easy to fold, push and carry. Look for a model that can fit two infant car seat or a toddler that has a riderboard.

Safety

Choose a double seat stroller-stroller which has all-terrain wheels and a brake that is operated with a hand if you want to ensure your children are safe when walking. These wheels and brakes assist you in navigating trails, gravel, and sidewalks without your children falling or rolling off. The best double strollers offer plenty of storage space to store equipment and essentials for kids like snacks and toys.

The first step to choosing the right double stroller is to know the age of your children and how far apart they are. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that do have a variety configurations that allow you to choose the seating that is ideal for your family.

The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar age who want to play. Some options have a more double-decker style, allowing you to place one seat above the other or attach an extra rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet attached to the frame, or with an attachment that allows you to peek-a-boo at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a dedicated twin stroller is the best way to go.

For families that are more adventurous opt for a double stroller that is able to handle off-road terrain or even hiking. A lot of these strollers were designed with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that let you take them on any adventure no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs might be.

In addition to all-terrain tires, the best double strollers have thoughtful features that make getting around difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. This jogging stoller for instance, features a wrist loop, so you can ensure your child's safety when going downhill at a higher speed or in adverse weather conditions. It also features an all-over canopy that has airflow to keep your kids cool in the summer heat.

This model is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just over 23 lbs, making it lighter than most single strollers and perfect to take on air travel or for storing in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a large storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.

Seating

Double strollers are now more sleek and can be arranged in various ways to suit your family. Some work as traditional side-by-side strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--work as a base that car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets click into. They are available in various widths and weight limits to fit infants and children up to kindergarten.

A good double stroller should be easy to fold and move and will allow you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure that you're comfortable on all of your outings. A well-designed handlebar is easy to hold and will encourage you to walk in a safe manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should also have various storage options that accommodate all the necessities you'll require for your kids.

If your twins are similar in age, you could consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. These strollers have seats that are side-byside, which means you can interact with them both 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 a twin stroller can be that it is larger than one designed that is designed for a single occupant. This could make it more difficult to navigate narrow aisles in store aisles, doors, or the sidewalks. For certain families, the advantages are worth the extra size and effort.

If you're looking for a compact double stroller the UPPAbaby Vista V2 double infant strollers is a great choice. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is an excellent choice for city living thanks to its shock absorption, sleek 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 model is bare-bones and offers lots of space for seating and storage space, along with robust wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has a canopy with a 50+ SPF and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are a little too low and don't recline to a fully flat position, making it difficult for smaller children to sit comfortably or reach their snack tray.

Simple to use

Double strollers are often an investment of a significant amount that you will use for many years. When shopping for one, you want to make sure it will be simple to operate and clean. Luckily, the most effective double buggy strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and include a variety of useful features for parents.

All the strollers we tested can be folded quickly and compactly in one hand. They are also light and are ideal for traveling. Many of them fit in most trunks and can be checked for gate-checking on planes. Many of our test subjects found that their strollers could be folded down to a smaller size than single-seat versions. Some even came with a carrying strap.

If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that can expand 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 until the age of preschool. Each seat has a 5-point harness and an enormous canopy that offers ample protection from the sun.

The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly regarded. The stroller is light and incredibly compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly the full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline that can be adjusted for each child. This stroller is easy to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, simple one-step parking brake and large storage basket.

The only drawbacks of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to the model. Kerry notes that the packaging was fun and clever, however it came in five boxes which could be trouble to carry around. She also noticed that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a little awkward and took a while to master. She was satisfied with the stroller at the end and would highly recommend it.

Storage

Strollers are available in various sizes and designs that include tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and many that allow you to customize the configuration using the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added to accommodate older children. They're not all created equal. Some are light 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 option during our tests. It weighs around 23 pounds and is also easy to fold, yet it has all the features parents require for a fun outing with two children.

The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is a different model that our testers loved, especially for its sleek design and user-friendly. It can fit two infant car seats or a toddler bassinet as well as a seat without adapters. The rear seat can be removed to transform it into a triple or quad stroller double. It comes with a large storage basket that can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.

Billingsley states that the best double stroller for a toddler is one that offers multiple customization options. This includes a seat or bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers are typically limited in their endurance and strollers with an attached bassinet will give them a safe space for them to rest. She says that a double stroller must also have a good recline position and harness system as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.

The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents because of its light weight and versatility. It's airline gate-check-friendly and fits through most doors (without taking off the front wheels), and can expand into a quad or triple stroller with an add-on tandem seat. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of parent and child cup holders round out the impressive feature set. The one downside, according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have the smallest profile when folded, and could be difficult to carry.