How to Choose the Best Double Strollers

A double stroller can make things easier for parents of twins or children of different ages, whether you're on your way to a relaxing walk or for a morning run. What are the best options to choose from the various options available?

Our newest team member, Kerry, got her stroller testing feet wet with this expandable model that allows you to change the seating configuration to suit different needs.

Safety

Your stroller should be safe regardless of whether you're running shopping trips with your children, going to the zoo or trick-or-treating. That means a sturdy frame, as well as comfortable harnesses for children who sit down, and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It should also to pass through doors, be easy to fold and move, and be easy to move. It should also be affordable.

Each double stroller that we tested went through rigorous testing in our laboratory at the zoo, in our lab and on streets in cities. We also took them out for family outings in suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests assess the stroller's stability and maneuverability as well as ease of steering and handling, suspension comfort for the driver and the rider, weight capacity and seat canopy heights and storage space.

We ask parents for feedback on each model, in addition to the safety checks that are routinely performed by our team. We then take all the information into consideration when making our recommendations.

If you're looking for a safe quality, high-quality stroller, begin with our top recommendations. These strollers are incredibly versatile and can be used as infant car seats. They come in tandem or single stroller configurations, and they're suitable for children from birth to elementary school.

The best double strollers will evolve with your family. They are sleek and stylish with a variety of designs and options, and can accommodate infants and toddlers by providing side-by-side or tandem (single file) seating. Most also feature a spacious storage basket and a telescoping handlebar and one-handed folding mechanisms.

If you have twins or a child who is a similar age to their sibling, consider selecting a tandem stroller that has benches in the back that can be used by a 3rd child. These strollers are a great choice for siblings who want to get together, but not be able sit side-by-side in a standard stroller. They could end up fighting or arguing. You'll also find convertible models that allow you to take off the bench seat when your children are ready to go for an excursion without a car seat.

Comfort

The best double strollers feature comfortable child seats that are well-padded and well-supported. They also come with plenty of storage space, large footwells that can accommodate children's feet and legroom, and UPF 50+ canopies that provide great sun protection. Seats should recline at an angle to ensure that children are comfortable. They should also come with adjustable calf bar that let parents independently adjust the seat. The handlebars must be ergonomic and easy to maneuver according to Alli Cavasino, a certified child-passenger safety technician. The handlebars need to be close enough to the seat of your child that you can grab them and hold them. If the handlebars on the stroller are not close enough it will be difficult to maintain your balance and good form when pushing them.

The ride should be smooth even on rough or rocky surfaces. Some of the models that we tested had shock absorbers to ensure that the ride is stable. Some models have front and back suspensions which increases control and reduces force needed to push them. The wheels should have a sturdy tread and be made from premium rubber.

We searched for the most flexible double strollers that could be used from birth until toddlerhood and beyond. Some of the double buggy travel system strollers we found can be converted into tandem strollers or side-by-side ones. One of them is the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted to one-file infant strollers. The model is three times as expensive as our main tandem choice however, its materials are more durable and it will last longer.

The most effective double strollers are lightweight and easy to maneuver for long walks, trips to the zoo or the park and for shopping trips. Double strollers are generally bigger than single strollers, and can be difficult to fit into narrow aisles or doorways. Some are also priced more than their single-seat counterparts, but that's understandable considering that you're getting a greater value for your budget. The models we recommend are safe for both adults and kids, and they'll develop with your family.

Convenience

If you're planning to invest the money to buy a double stroller, you'll want one that's convenient to move and store. Ideally, the twin stroller with car seats will be lightweight and fit in the trunk of your car or in the space at home. It should be able navigate rough terrain and make precise turns. Some of the top double-strollers come with adjustable calf supports, as well as seats that recline. They also provide UPF sun protection. The canopy should be large enough to cover two children. If you are worried about the sun getting in their eyes, opt for one with a peek-a-boo window.

The age and stage of your children will determine what type stroller you need. For example, parents of twins might choose an convertible stroller that accommodates two infant car seats at the same time, while a family with an older child and a toddler might prefer a double buggy that converts to single that is side-by-side. It is also important to determine whether you'd like a stroller that fits through narrow doors or in crowded aisles in grocery stores and is able to be used on planes.

In our Lab tests we found that most double strollers were easy to fold and carry. The majority of double strollers fold down in one or two steps, and are small enough to fit into the majority of compact cars. They're also designed to be sturdy when folded, which makes them easier to put back together.

Some of the top double strollers come with useful features for parents, such as a one-parent cup holder and a spacious storage basket. Be sure to check if the stroller is equipped with locks for the front seat to stop your child twin pushchair from birth climbing out. Some strollers come with an adapter for car seats that can be converted to a single seat as your child develops.

The price tag on some of the top double strollers is high, but they generally have better build quality and resale value than cheaper models. They're also easier to maneuver and can withstand rough terrains, such as urban sidewalks or parks.

Style

Parents who are looking for a double stroller are looking for more than just a way to carry two kids. They want a lightweight stroller that is easy to move and has enough space to expand with their children. And since they're likely to be carrying more weight than their peers and their strollers, they should be comfortable for shoulders and back.

The most effective double strollers are sleek and support many different customization options. They can also be able to accommodate infant car seats to provide an easy transition from baby to toddler. They are available in tandem (single-file seating), side-by-side, and even light enough for jogging.

In addition to size, one of the primary considerations for parents shopping for a double stroller is whether or not it will fit through doorways or other narrow spaces. Fortunately, most of the models we tested in our latest update can clear standard exterior doors that are 36 inches wide. The most can accommodate interior doors that measure 28 to 35 inches wide.

Other factors we look at when reviewing the best double strollers is how quickly and easily they fold and unfold, how large the cargo basket is, how padded the seats are and how adjustable the canopy are. We also take into consideration how comfortable the buckles and seat straps are for children sitting in the stroller, and how easy it would be to adjust the height of the handlebars.

For example our top option one, the Uppababy Vista V2, is lightweight and has ample onboard storage for both children. It has a cup for parents holder and seats that recline individually. It also comes with a generous UPF 50+ canopy that has a the peek-a-boo window. The straps and buckles are cushioned and among the most comfortable we've test. We also found it to be the easiest seat for children to fasten.

If you aren't quite ready to purchase a double stroller yet, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites can offer used options in good condition at affordable cost. Do your research and check for any indications of damage before you buy.