How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

There are many options available when it comes to double strollers. To help you pick the best lightweight double stroller one for your family, we consulted experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.

You should choose a stroller that is easy to fold, push and carry. You should consider a stroller that can fit two infant car seats or a toddler that has a riderboard.

Safety

Find a double-stroller that includes all-terrain wheels as well as a brake that can be operated with a hand if you want to keep the kids safe while walking. These brakes and wheels will help you navigate trails and sand without children falling or rolling. The best double strollers also come with plenty of storage space for gear and kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.

The first step in selecting the right double stroller is to figure out the age of your children and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers are designed to accommodate one child seat, but those are available in various configurations so that you can choose the seat that is most suitable for your children and your lifestyle.

The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar ages who like to interact. Double-decker designs permit you to put one of the seats over the other, or add a riderboard to older siblings. Babies can be placed in a bassinet, which is attached to the frame or in an individual attachment that offers a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins, then a twin stroller will be the best option.

For families that are more adventurous consider double strollers that can handle off-road terrain or even hike. Many of these strollers were designed with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that will let you take them on any trip, no regardless of how difficult or 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 more enjoyable. For instance, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child, so you can be sure they're secure when running downhill or at higher speeds. It also features an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your kids cool in the summer heat.

This model is a lightweight and compact double pushchair from birth stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds. It's perfect for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a large storage basket and a parking brake that is linked in one step that's easy to use.

Seating

Contrary to the giant strollers of the past these double strollers are sleek and offer a variety of designs to accommodate families. Some pushchairs double strollers are designed to 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, toddlers seats, and bassinets. They are available in various sizes 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 your handlebar height to ensure that you feel comfortable throughout your outings. A good handlebar is easy to grip and should encourage you to walk in a logical manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should also offer a variety of storage options that will accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your children.

If your twins are close in age, you might find a tandem stroller works best for your family. The seats of these models are placed in a row, allowing you to engage with them both and keep an eye on them simultaneously. They also recline independently so that one child can nap while the other is awake and ready to go.

The downside to twin strollers is that it can be wider than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doorways. However, for certain families, the benefits are worth the extra space and effort.

If you're looking for a compact double stroller the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a fantastic choice. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is an excellent choice for city living thanks to its shock absorption, sleek design, and capacity to accommodate two infant car seats. It also has an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.

A wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. This basic model comes with lots of space for seating and storage, as well as robust wheels that can handle any terrain. It also comes with a 50+ SPF canopy and adjustable handlebars. However, some parents feel that the seats are a little too low and don't recline to a completely flat position, which makes it difficult for small children to be comfortable or reach their snack trays.

Easy of Use

A double stroller can be a significant investment and one you're likely to use for a long time. If you are in the market for a double stroller, be sure it is easy to use and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and come with plenty of features that are convenient for parents.

All strollers we tested could be folded easily and compactly using just one hand. They're also light, making them ideal for traveling. Many of them can be checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. Many of our test subjects discovered that their strollers could fold down smaller than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carry strap.

The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller with many options that will grow with your family. This side-byside stroller works with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth up to the age of preschool. Each seat features a 5-point harness and a large canopy. It also offers plenty of sun protection.

Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight compact and weighs only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly the full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline 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 negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry says that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, however it also came in five boxes that could be an inconvenience to carry around. She also found that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a bit awkward and took a while to master. In the end, though she was very pleased with this stroller and would definitely recommend it.

Storage

Strollers are available in various sizes and styles that include tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and many that allow you to customize the setup with a car seat or bassinet attachment. Some come with rider boards for older children. However, they're not all created equal -- some are elegant and simple to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or stow.

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 close to 23 pounds. It is also simple to fold, but it still has all of the features parents need for a fun outing with two children.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double stroller with bassinet is a different model that our testers adored especially for its sleek design and ease of use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat, and a bassinet with no adapters required. The rear seat can also be removed to make it a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage and can be upgraded by adding an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires as well as storage bags for the sides.

Billingsley says the ideal double stroller for toddlers is one that offers multiple customization options, like an adjustable seat or bassinet. Toddlers are typically limited in their endurance and strollers with an integrated bassinet can give them a safe space for them to nap. She suggests that a double stroller must also have a good harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.

The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents because of its light weight and versatility. It's airline gate-check-friendly it can be accessed through all doors (without taking off the front wheels) and expands into a quad or triple stroller with an add-on tandem seat. The near-flat, independently reclined seats and extra-long, adjustable sun canopies are just a few of the highlights. A spacious underseat basket and the inclusion of parent and child cup holders round out the impressive set of features. Taylor states that the only drawback is that it has the largest footprint when folded, and is difficult for parents to stow.