How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

If you're in the market for a double stroller there are a variety of options. To help you select the best one for your family, we consulted the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.

Look for a stroller that's relatively easy to push, fold and carry. You should consider a stroller that can fit two infant car seats or a toddler with a riderboard.

Safety

Find a double-stroller that has all-terrain wheels and a brake that can be operated by hand if want to keep your kids safe when walking. These wheels and brake help you navigate trails or sidewalks without the risk of your children sliding or rolling away. The best double strollers offer plenty of storage space for gear as well as essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.

Selecting the best double stroller for your family begins by understanding how old and far apart in terms of age your children are. Many double strollers only allow one child seat, however, those that do come in different configurations, so you can select the seat that best suits your kids and your lifestyle.

The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar ages that like to interact. Double-decker designs permit the user to place one seat above the other, or add a riderboard to older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet that is attached to the frame, or in an attachment that allows you to peek-a-boo at your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins and want to have a twin stroller, it will be the best option.

Choose a stroller with two wheels that can handle off-road terrain, and even hiking. A majority of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind and come with features that allow you to take your children to any adventure, no matter how rough the path or how steep the climbs could be.

In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double strollers feature thoughtful features that make getting around difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. This jogging stoller for example, has a wrist loop, so you can ensure your child's safety when running downhill at higher speeds or in extreme weather conditions. It also has a canopy that covers the entire area and has ventilation to ensure your children stay comfy in the summer heat.

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

Seating

Double strollers today are more sleek and can be arranged in many ways to fit your family. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-byside models, and others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as a base for car seats, toddler seats as well as bassinets. They come in a variety of sizes and weight limits to fit children from birth to kindergarten.

A quality double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, as well as permitting you to adjust the handlebar's height to make sure you're comfortable throughout your outings. A great handlebar should be easy to grip, and it should allow you to walk in a proper posture (ask parents for advice on this). It should come with a variety of storage options to fit all the necessities your children will require.

If your twins are near in age, you might consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. The seats of these models sit together, allowing you to be able to interact with them both and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They also recline independently, so that one child can lie down while the other is awake and ready to go.

The downside to twin strollers is that it's more spacious than a model with a single occupant which makes it difficult to maneuver around walkways, aisles for shopping and narrow doors. However, for certain families, the benefits are worth the extra size and effort.

If you are looking for a compact double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a great alternative. Its shock absorption, sleek design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for more mobile children--make it an ideal choice for city living.

Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This bare-bones model offers lots of space for seating and storage space, along with sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also comes with a canopy with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline completely flat, making it difficult for children to reach their food trays or relax.

Easy of Use

Double strollers are usually a large investment that you will be using for a long time. When shopping for one you must ensure that it's easy to operate and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and include a variety of useful features for parents.

To start, all the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly (with just one hand!). They're also light, making them ideal for traveling. Many of them can be gate checked on airplanes and fit into most trunks. Our testers found that their strollers could be folded down to a smaller size than the single seat equivalents. Some even had a carry strap.

The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller that has a lot of versatility that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-byside stroller works with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth until the age of preschool. Each seat is equipped with a five-point harness and an enormous canopy that offers plenty of shade from the sun.

The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly regarded. This stroller is lightweight and extremely compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines to almost an entire flat position, and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline for every child. This stroller is easy to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, easy one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.

The only drawbacks of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to the model. Kerry states that the packaging was enjoyable and innovative, but it came in five boxes that could be an inconvenience to carry around. She also found that the Genuis magnetic buckle was clunky and took some time to master. She was satisfied with the stroller, however, and would recommend it.

Stores

Strollers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) styles, and a lot allow you to personalize your stroller by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some have even added rider boards for older siblings. However, not all of them are created equal -- some are elegant and simple to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or stow.

If you're looking to purchase a light Shop Double Pushchairs for Twins and Siblings stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, with a weight of just under 23 lbs. It's also easy to fold and has all the features parents want for a great day out with two kids.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is a second model that our testers adored especially for its sleek design and easy to use. It can fit two infant car seats or a toddler seat and a bassinet without the need for adapters. The rear seat can be removed to turn it into a quad or triple stroller. It has a large storage basket that can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.

Billingsley says that the best double stroller for toddlers is one that has multiple customization options, like a removable seat or bassinet. That's because toddlers often have limited endurance, and the stroller with a bassinet attachment will provide them with a safe spot to take a nap. She says a double stroller should have a good harness system and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.

The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its lightness and flexibility. It's easy to check at airport gates it can be accessed through all doors (without having to remove the front wheels) and can be expanded into a triple or quad stroller that has an additional tandem seat. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopies and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its large underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of parent and child cup holders complete the impressive set of features. The only downside according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have a an elongated profile when folded, and could be difficult to store.