How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

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

You should choose a stroller which is easy to fold, push and carry. And consider a model that's versatile enough to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler as well as an adult rider board.

Safety

If you want to keep your children safe while walking make sure you choose a double stroller that has features like all-terrain tires as well as a hand-operated brake. These wheels and brakes allow you to navigate trails and sand without children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers offer plenty of storage space for items for your kids, including snacks and toys.

Choosing the right double stroller for your family starts with understanding the age and distance in age. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that offer a variety of configurations that allow you to pick the seating that is ideal for your family.

The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar ages who like to interact. Certain models feature a double-decker style, allowing you to put one seat higher than the other or add an extra rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet connected to the frame or with an attachment that allows you to play peek-a-boo with your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins then a twin stroller is the best choice.

Choose a stroller with two wheels that is capable of handling off-road terrain and even hiking. Many strollers were created with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that let you take them on any adventure no regardless of how challenging or difficult the climbs might be.

In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double strollers feature thoughtful features that make navigating tough terrain and weather easier. This jogging stroller, for instance, features wrist loops so that you can ensure your child's safety when running downhill at higher speeds or in harsh weather conditions. It also comes with an all-over canopy that has ventilation to ensure your children stay comfy during the summer heat.

If you're looking to purchase a light, compact double stroller, check out this model from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds. It's perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a huge storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.

Seating

Double strollers are now sleeker and can be configured in various ways to meet the needs of your family. Some double pushchair from birth strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models while others, such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as a base for car seats, toddlers ' seats as well as bassinets. They are available in a variety of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.

A good double stroller should be a breeze to move and fold, as well as permitting you to adjust the handlebar height so you're comfortable throughout your outings. A well-designed handlebar is one that is easy to hold, and it should allow you to walk with proper posture (ask parents for advice on this). It should also provide a variety of storage options that accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your children.

If your twins have a similar age and are in the same age group, a tandem stroller might be the best choice for your family. The seats of these models sit side by side, enabling you to be able to interact with them both and keep an eye on them simultaneously. They can also recline independently so that one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.

The downside to twin strollers is that it can be more spacious than a model with a single occupant 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 looking for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great option. Its shock absorption, sleek design and capacity for two infant car seats, plus an optional running board for older children -- make it a great choice for city living.

Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. 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 features a canopy with a 50+ SPF and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and cannot recline fully flat, making it hard for small double buggy children to reach their food trays or get comfortable.

Easy of 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 that 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 convenient features for parents.

All strollers we tested fold easily and compactly using just one hand. They are also light and perfect for travel. A lot of them can be checked at the gate on planes and fit into most trunks. In addition, the majority of our test subjects found that their strollers folded down to a smaller size than the single seat models, and some even included an adjustable carry strap for easy carrying.

The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with a lot of versatility that will grow with your family. This side-byside stroller works with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth up to the age of preschool. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and a large canopy that provides ample protection from the sun.

The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly regarded. It is light, compact and only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat stance, and the back seat can be adjusted to suit every child. There's a large storage bin and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller user-friendly and easy to maneuver.

The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry says that the packaging is clever and fun, but it comes in five boxes which can be a little cumbersome to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp a bit clunky and it took her a while before she could get it to work. She was satisfied with the stroller at the end and would highly recommend it.

Stores

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 customize your setup with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards which can be added for older children. However, they're not all created equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or stow.

If you're looking to purchase a light double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing just under 23 lbs. It folds easily and comes with all the features parents need to enjoy a 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 easy-to-use. It can fit two infant car seats or a toddler's bassinet and seat without the need for adapters. Its rear seat can be removed to make it into a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage, and can be upgraded with a parent organizer and all-terrain tires, as well with side storage bags.

Billingsley says that the most suitable double stroller for a toddler is one that offers numerous options for customization. This includes a seat or bassinet that can be removed. This is due to toddlers having little endurance, so having a stroller that has the bassinet attachment can give them a safe place to take a nap. A double stroller must also have a good harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.

The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its light weight and versatility. It is airline gate-check friendly and fits through the majority of doorways (without removing the wheels on the front) and can be made to a triple or quad stroller by adding an add-on tandem. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket and inclusion of parent and kid cup holders complete the impressive feature set. The only downside, according to Taylor, is that it lacks a an elongated profile when folded, and could be difficult to carry.