How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

If you're looking for a double stroller there are a variety of options. To help you pick the best travel double stroller one for your family, we spoke with child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.

Look for a stroller that's relatively easy to fold, push and carry. And consider a model that's versatile enough to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler along with an adult rider board.

Safety

If you want to keep your kids safe on your walks, look for double strollers that have features such as all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These wheels and brakes assist you in navigating trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without the risk of your children sliding or rolling off. The best double strollers also offer plenty of storage space for gear as well as essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.

The best Stokke Double Stroller stroller for your family starts by determining the age and distance in age your kids are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, some offer a variety of configurations that let you select the seating option that is ideal for your family.

Side-byside doubles are a popular choice, and they're perfect for kids of similar ages that like to be social with one another. Some options have a more double-decker design, which allows you to put one of the seats above the other or even attach a rider board to older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet connected to the frame or in an attachment that lets you look at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the best option to go.

For families that are more adventurous, look for a double stroller that can take on off-road terrains or even hiking. A lot of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind, and have features that allow you to take your kids on any adventure, regardless of how rough the path or how high the climbs might be.

The best double strollers have thoughtful features to aid in navigation in a difficult terrain or bad weather. This jogging stroller, for instance, comes with wrist loops so that you can ensure your child's safety when running downhill at higher speeds or in extreme weather conditions. It also comes with a full-coverage canopy with ventilation to ensure your children stay cool during the summer heat.

If you're looking for a light compact double stroller take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs less than 23 lbs. It's perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a large storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.

Seating

Double strollers are now sleeker and can be configured in a variety of ways to meet the needs of your family. Some are used as traditional side-by-side strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--function as a base for 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 quality double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, while also permitting you to adjust the handlebar height so you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A good handlebar is easy to grip and should encourage you to walk in a logical manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should also have a variety of storage options that can accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your children.

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

The downside to a twin stroller is that it's more spacious than a model with a single occupant and can make it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doorways. For some families the benefits are well worth the extra effort and size.

If you're looking for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great option. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great option for city living thanks to its shock absorption capabilities, sleek 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 double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This basic model comes with plenty of seating space and storage space, along with robust wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has a canopy with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are a little too low and can't recline to a fully flat position, which makes it difficult for children of smaller sizes to be comfortable or reach their snack trays.

Simple to use

A double stroller is usually an investment of a large amount and one you're hoping to use for years. When you are shopping for one you must ensure that it's simple to operate and clean. The top double strollers have been developed to be easy-to-use and come with numerous features that are convenient.

All the strollers that we tested fold easily and compactly using just one hand. They are light and perfect for travel. A lot of them fit into the majority of trunks and can be checked at the gate on planes. Many of our test subjects discovered that their strollers can be folded down to a smaller size than single-seat versions. Some even had a carry strap.

The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with many options that can grow with your family. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth until preschool age. Each seat is equipped with a five-point harness and a large canopy that gives ample protection from the sun.

The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly praised. This stroller is lightweight and incredibly compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines almost to an entire flat position, and the back seat features an adjustable recline for every child. The stroller is simple to operate and maneuver due to its large storage basket, easy one-step parking brake and large storage basket.

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

Storage

Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and designs and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and many that let you customize the setup with the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards which can be added for older children. However, not all of them are created equal -- some are elegant and simple to use, whereas others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold or store.

If you're looking for a light double stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest double stroller choice in our tests at around 23 pounds and is also simple to fold, but it has all the features parents require for a fun outing with two kids.

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

Billingsley says that the best double stroller to use for toddlers is one that offers multiple customization options. This includes a bassinet or seat that can be removed. This is because toddlers typically have limitations in endurance, and having a stroller that has an attachment for a bassinet will give them a safe place to rest for a nap. The expert says that a double travel buggy stroller must also have a great harness and recline position as well as plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.

The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its light weight and versatility. It's easy to check at airport gates it can be accessed through all doors (without removing the front wheels) and can be expanded into a triple or quad stroller with an add-on tandem double stroller seat. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopies and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its large underseat storage area and the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive set of features. One disadvantage, according to Taylor, is that it lacks a an elongated footprint when folded and can be difficult to stow.