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 right one for your family, we talked to experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.

Choose a stroller fairly easy to push, fold and carry. You should consider a stroller that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler with a riderboard.

Safety

If you want to keep your kids secure on your walks opt for double strollers that have features such as all-terrain tires and a brake operated by hand. These brakes and wheels will allow you to navigate paths and dirt without worrying about your children falling or rolling. The best double strollers also offer plenty of storage space for gear as well as kids-sized items like snacks and toys.

Selecting the best double stroller for your family begins by determining how old and far apart in terms of age your children are. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that do come with a variety of configurations that allow you to pick the seating that's best for your family.

The classic doubles are great for children of similar ages who want to play. Some double-decker designs allow you to place one seat above the other, or even attach a riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into a bassinet, which is attached to the frame or in a standalone attachment that allows you to have a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a dedicated twin stroller is the best option to go.

Choose a stroller with two wheels that is capable of handling off-road terrain as well as hiking. A lot of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind and include features that let you take your kids to any adventure, no matter how rough the path or how steep the climbs might be.

In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double strollers feature clever features that make traversing difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. For instance this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child so you're sure they're secure when running downhill or at faster speeds. It also has a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your children cool during the summer heat.

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

Seating

Double strollers of today are more sleek and can be arranged in many 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 for car seats, toddler seats or bassinets snap into. They come in a variety of widths and weight limits to fit children from birth to kindergarten.

A quality double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, while also permitting you to adjust the handlebar height so you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A good handlebar should be comfortable to grip, and it should allow you to walk in a proper form (ask other parents for tips on this). It should also provide various storage options that accommodate all the necessities you'll require for your children.

If your twins are close in age, you may consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. The seats of these models sit side by side, enabling you to engage with them both and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They can also recline separately so that one child can lie down while the other is awake and ready to go.

The downside of a twin stroller could be that it's wider than a stroller designed that is designed for a single occupant. This can make it difficult to maneuver narrow doorways, store aisles, or the sidewalks. For some families, however 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 option. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is an excellent choice for urban living due to its shock absorption capabilities, elegant design, and ability to accommodate two infant car seats. It also has an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.

Another option is a wagon-style stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. The model is basic, but it offers plenty of storage space and seating. It also has heavy-duty wheels that can take on any terrain. It also comes with an umbrella with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. But some parents say the seats are a little too low and don't recline to a completely flat position, which makes it difficult for smaller children to sit comfortably or reach their snack tray.

Simple to use

Double strollers are usually an investment that will be using for a long time. When shopping for one, you want to ensure that it's simple to operate and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and include a variety of convenient features for parents.

All strollers we tested could be folded easily and compactly using just one hand. They are light and perfect for travel. A lot of them can be checked at the gate on planes and fit in the majority of trunks. Our testers discovered that their strollers could be folded down much smaller than the single seat equivalents. Some even had a carry strap.

The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller with lots of options that will grow with your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth until preschool age. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and an enormous canopy that offers ample shade from the sun.

Another option that is highly regarded is the Joovy Twin Roo. It is light, compact and only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to almost an entire flat position, and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline for each child. The stroller is simple to operate and maneuver due 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 this model. Kerry says that the packaging is clever and fun, but it comes in five boxes, which could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also felt that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a little difficult to master. In the end, though she was extremely pleased with this stroller and would definitely recommend it.

Storage

Strollers come with a variety of sizes and shapes, from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to personalize your layout by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards for older siblings. However, not all of them are created equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold and store.

If you're looking for a light double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, with a weight of just under 23 lbs. It folds easily and has all the features parents want for a great day out with two children.

The Vista v2 double 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 or a toddler's bassinet as well as a seat without adapters. The rear seat can be removed to transform it into a triple or quad stroller. It has a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents wheel, all-terrain wheels, pushchairsandprams as well as side storage bags.

Billingsley says that the best double stroller for a toddler is one that offers multiple customization options. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. This is due to toddlers having little endurance, so a stroller with the bassinet attachment can provide them with a safe spot to take a nap. She suggests that a double stroller should also have a good harness and recline position and plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.

The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its light weight and flexibility. It is gate-check-friendly for airlines it can be accessed through all doors (without taking off the wheels at the front) and can be expanded into a quad or triple stroller by adding an add-on tandem. The near-flat, independently reclining seats as well as the extra-long sun canopy that can be adjusted are other highlights. A large underseat basket, as well as cup holders for the child and parent complete the impressive set of features. Taylor states that the only downside is that it has a large footprint when folded, and is difficult for parents to store.