How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

If you're looking for a double stroller, there are a lot of options. To help you select the most suitable one for your family, we talked to experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.

You should look for a stroller that is simple to fold and push to carry. Also, consider a stroller that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler as well as an adult rider board.

Safety

Choose a double-stroller which has all-terrain wheels and a brake that can be operated by hand if want to ensure your children are safe when walking. These wheels and brakes allow you to navigate trails and sand without children slipping or rolling. The best travel double stroller double strollers come with plenty of storage space to store items for your kids, including snacks and toys.

The first step in selecting the right double stroller is to determine the age of your children and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, those that do have a variety configurations that let you select the seating option that is ideal for your family.

The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar ages that like to interact. Some double-decker designs allow you to place one seat above the other, or add a riderboard to older siblings. Babies can be placed in an infant bassinet that is attached to the frame or as an independent attachment that offers an unobstructed view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a dedicated twin stroller is the best option to go.

Look for a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain as well as hiking. A majority of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind, and include features that allow you to take your kids on any adventure, regardless of how rough the road or how steep the climb may be.

The top double strollers come with clever features that help you navigate in a difficult terrain or bad weather. For instance this stroller for jogging has a wrist loop for your child, so you'll be able to ensure that they're safe while running downhill or at faster speeds. It also has a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during summer heat.

If you're looking to purchase a light compact double stroller look at this model from Joovy. It weighs just over 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than most single strollers. It's ideal for air travel or storing in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a huge storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.

Seating

In contrast to the massive strollers of old these double strollers are sleek and offer an array of configurations that can be adapted to families. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--work as a base to which car seats, toddler seats or bassinets can be plugged into. They come in various widths and weight limits, allowing children from birth through kindergarten.

A good double stroller will be easy to fold and move and allows you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure you are comfortable throughout your excursions. A good handlebar should be easy to hold, and it should allow you to walk with proper posture (ask parents for advice on this). It should come with a variety of storage options to accommodate all the essentials your children will need.

If your twins are near in age, you might find a tandem double buggy stroller works best for your family. The seats on these models are placed side by side, enabling you to interact with both of them and keep an eye on them at the same time. They can also recline independently so that one child can rest while the other is ready to grow double stroller to go.

The disadvantage of twin strollers is that it's wider than a single-occupant model, which can make it difficult to navigate walkways, aisles for shopping and narrow doors. For some families the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.

If you're in the market for an ultra-compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 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 perfect option for urban living.

A wagon-style double stroller like the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. The model is basic however it has plenty of storage space and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels to tackle any terrain. It also comes with a canopy that has 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, making it difficult for children to reach their snacks or to relax.

User-Friendliness

A double stroller can be a significant investment and one you're hoping to use for a long time. When shopping for one you must ensure that it is easy to use and clean. The top double strollers have been developed to be user-friendly and include many useful features.

To start, all the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with just one hand!). They're also lightweight, making them ideal for travel. A lot of them fit into the majority of trunks and can be checked for gate-checking on planes. Most of our testers also found that their strollers could be folded down smaller than the single seat equivalents. Some even had a carrying strap.

If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that will adapt to your family's needs take a look at the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth up to preschool age. Each seat comes with five points of harness and a large canopy. It also offers ample sun protection.

The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly regarded. It is light compact and weighs only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly the full flat position and the back seat has an adjustable recline for each child. There's a large storage basket and an easy, one-step connected parking brake that makes this stroller extremely user-friendly and easy to maneuver.

The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to the model. Kerry says that the packaging is innovative and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes, which can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also noticed that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a bit clunky and took some time to master. She was pleased with the stroller in the end and would recommend it.

Storage

Strollers are available in various sizes and designs, including tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and some that let you customize the setup with the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added to accommodate older children. But, they're not all created equal -- some are sleek and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold or store.

If you're looking to purchase a light double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, weighing just under 23 lbs. It is also easy-to-fold and has all the features parents need to enjoy a day out with two children.

The Vista v2 double buggy for twins by UPPAbaby is another model our testers loved. They were particularly impressed by its sleek design and ease-of-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat and a bassinet, with no adapters required. The rear seat can be removed to make it triple or quad stroller. It has a huge storage basket that can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents with wheels for all-terrain and side storage bags.

Billingsley says that the most suitable double stroller for a toddler is one that has numerous options for customization. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers can be restricted in their endurance, so strollers that have an integrated bassinet can provide a safe place for them to sleep. She says that a double stroller should also have a great harness and recline position as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.

The ZOE twin pushchair from birth+ is popular among parents due to its lightweight and flexibility. It is gate-check-friendly for airlines and fits through the majority of doorways (without removing the wheels on the front), and can be expanded to a triple or quad stroller by adding an additional tandem. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopy and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive list of features. Taylor says the one drawback is that it has a large footprint when folded, and can be difficult for parents to stow.