How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

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

Find a stroller that's relatively easy to fold, push and carry. Look for a model that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler with a riderboard.

Safety

If you want to keep your children secure on your walks opt for double strollers that have features such as all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These brakes and wheels will assist you in navigating trails and gravel without your children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers double strollers have ample storage space to store equipment and essentials for kids like snacks and toys.

Selecting the best double stroller for your family starts by determining how old and distant in terms of age your children are. Most double strollers can only can accommodate one child's seat, however, those are available in a variety of configurations so you can pick the seating option that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.

Side-byside doubles are a popular option, and they're great for children of similar ages who like to interact with each other. Double-decker designs permit you to put one seat above the other, or attach a riderboard to older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet attached to the frame or with an attachment that allows you to play peek-a-boo with your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the best option to go.

For families who are more adventurous opt for double strollers that can handle off-road terrain, or even hike. Many of these strollers were developed with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that let you take them on any trip, no regardless of how challenging or difficult the climbs may be.

The top double strollers come with clever features that help you navigate in a difficult terrain or bad weather. This jogging stroller, for instance, features wrist loops so that you can ensure your child's safety when running at higher speeds or in harsh weather conditions. It also has an all-over canopy that has ventilation so your kids stay cool during the summer heat.

If you're looking for a lightweight, compact double stroller, take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs less than 23 lbs., making it ideal 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 is simple to use.

Seating

Contrary to the giant strollers of old, today's double strollers are sleek and can accommodate various configurations to fit families. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--function as a base to which car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets can be plugged into. They are available in a variety of sizes and weights to accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.

A good double stroller will be simple to fold and maneuver, as well as allowing you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure you are comfortable throughout your excursions. A well-designed handlebar should be easy to grip, and it should allow you to walk in a proper form (ask other parents for tips on this). It should have a range of storage options that can accommodate all the essentials your children will require.

If your twins are near in age, you may consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. These models come with seats that are side-byside, so you can talk to them each other and keep an eye on each of them at the same. They also recline independently, so that one child can sleep while the other is awake and ready to go.

The drawback of a twin stroller can be that it's wider than a model for a single person. This can make it more difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles or the sidewalks. For some families, however the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.

If you're looking for a compact double stroller (recommended site), the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great choice. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for more mobile children--make it an ideal option for city-living.

Another option is a wagon-style stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. It's a basic model however it has plenty of storage space and seating. It also has sturdy wheels to take on any terrain. It also comes with an umbrella with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. However, some parents feel that the seats are too low and they don't recline to a completely flat position, making it difficult for small children to get comfortable or reach their snack tray.

Easy of Use

A double stroller can be a significant investment and one you're likely to use for a long time. When you are shopping for a double stroller, make sure it's easy to use and clean. The best double strollers are designed to be user-friendly and include many useful features.

All strollers we tested fold easily and compactly using just one hand. They're also lightweight, making them ideal for traveling. A majority of them are gate checked on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. Additionally, the majority of our test subjects found that their strollers folded down to a smaller size than the single seat models, and some even had the option of carrying a strap for carrying.

If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that will grow with your family, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller works with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth to preschool age. Each seat features five-point harnesses and a large canopy. It also offers ample sun protection.

The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly praised. The stroller is light and compact, weighing only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat position and the back seat can be adjusted for every child. There's a huge storage basket and an easy, one-step linked parking brake which makes this stroller easy to maneuver and use.

The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry says that the packaging is innovative and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes that could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also found that the Genuis magnetic buckle was awkward and took a while to master. She was pleased with the stroller in the end and would recommend it.

Storage

Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and designs that include tandems (single-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and many that let you customize the configuration using the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added for older children. They're not all created equal. Some are light and easy to use while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.

If you're looking for a stroller that is light that can fit two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest option in our tests at close to 23 lbs and is also simple to fold, but it still has all of the features parents require for a fun outing with two kids.

The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model that our testers loved. They particularly liked 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 triple or quad stroller. It has a huge storage basket that can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.

Billingsley says the best double stroller for a two-year-old is one that supports different options for customization, including a removable seat or bassinet. Toddlers are typically limited in their endurance and strollers that have a bassinet attached will provide a safe place for them to nap. A double stroller should also include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.

The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its light weight and flexibility. It's easy to check at airport gates and fits through most doors (without taking off the front wheels) and expands into a triple or quad stroller with an add-on tandem seat. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats and the extra-long sun canopies that are adjustable are other highlights. A spacious underseat basket, as well as parent and child cup holders complete this impressive feature set. The only drawback according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a a small footprint when folded and can be difficult to carry.