Whether you’ve just had twins or have two youngsters close in age, the logistics of mobility can be complicated. Come to think of it, at this point, the logistics of grabbing a quick shower can be complicated!
But, assuming you have found the time to shower and dress in something other than a towel, you’re probably going to need to take the children out at some point.
Okay, you know you need a reliable double stroller, but which one? Well, we can show you. A good stroller will actually make your life easier, rather than adding a few more coarse words to your child’s burgeoning vocabulary. So let’s dive straight in.
How to choose the best double stroller
There’s a lot to know about double strollers before you begin to shop. They come in various shapes and sizes, and your own personal lifestyle will play a big part in which pick will be best for you and your kids.
Apart from that, as with regular strollers, double strollers often vary regarding optional convenience features, so awareness of these, and which ones would work best for your family, will help lead you towards an ideal pick.
Age difference of children
If you have twins, this will be less of a concern as they’ll probably remain similar in weight and height as they grow. However, if we’re talking about a two to four-year age gap, things could be different. Be mindful of weight limits, while considering a double stroller with a higher weight capacity.
If your older child is at that threshold where riding in a stroller is getting unreasonable, you can always consider a sit and stand stroller. You push, they stand, and no complaints about sore feet. Well, not from your child anyway!
Obviously, this means the best strollers for twins and those for a toddler and a baby are likely to be different models. Tandem strollers with sitting and standing features are often better for children of varying ages than side-by-side strollers, though modular picks can be suitable in either situation.
Double stroller types
Double strollers come in three basic varieties. What’s right for your family can depend on a few factors, so consider your own needs, your children’s ages, and how and where you’ll be using your double stroller. These will determine which style is suitable for you.
Tandem double stroller (AKA inline stroller)
This is the stroller version of a bicycle built for two. It’s the same width as a single-passenger stroller but longer, as the back seat sits behind the front one.
Some models have “stadium seating”, with one seat elevated above the other. They’re more than likely to have seats that are sized for siblings of differing ages, with weight limits to match.
Since they are longer than their single passenger counterparts, it can be harder to maneuver around or fit them into compact trunks. However, they are no wider than a single-passenger stroller, so it won’t feel like you’re monopolizing sidewalks or have a problem squeezing through doors.
Another downside to bear in mind is that both seats don’t always come with the same features or riding experience, so a bit of rivalry might blossom between your kids over who gets the best seat!
Side by side double stroller
Exactly as the name suggests, these strollers have two seats adjacent to each other. With the seats positioned side by side, you might experience less rivalry over who sits where.
Since they’re so wide, fitting through doorways and along hallways can be tricky, and it’s easy to feel like you’re taking over a public walking area.
That said, side by side strollers are often the better pick for parents looking for a double jogging stroller. If so, stick with picks that are made for that, with wheels that can accommodate terrain changes safely.
Modular stroller
Ideal for families planning to grow, modular strollers are versatile picks that can expand from a single-seater into a tandem stroller when needed. They’re great picks for twins, but also a good initial investment for a first child for parents who plan to add to the family down the road.
The best modular strollers are easily modified and can fold for storage into a compact space. They also eliminate the need for an extra single stroller, as the weight imbalance of pushing a single child in a tandem or side by side stroller can sometimes be problematic – apart from looking a little odd!
Wheels
Wheel type is a serious consideration when purchasing a double stroller because it determines the types of terrain your stroller will be able to accommodate.
If you’ll mostly be in smooth, indoor areas, most wheel types will work for you, but if you and your kiddos are going to be roughing it, consider a tire with a bit more heft and texture.
- Plastic: These tires won’t travel well over rough terrain, but are fine on smooth surfaces.
- Rubber Tires: These will never go flat and are good for smooth surfaces.
- Pneumatic Tires/Air Filled Tires: Think bike tires. You will potentially get a flat, but these tires provide a smooth ride and perform well on uneven surfaces like sidewalks.
- Air Wheel with Sealed Ball Bearings: These are a more durable wheel aimed at hikers or all-terrain joggers.
Remember, wheel size matters. A larger wheel size generally offers a smoother pushing experience, and some strollers offer the option of buying bigger or smaller wheels as accessories.
Also, strollers with dual wheels on the front can more easily be knocked off-kilter if one wheel snags on something. Despite this, they remain a popular choice.
Now that we have some basics out of the way, let’s move on to our favorite products. With so many specialty double strollers out there, there’s plenty of ground to cover.
Best overall
Our opinion
Wheels: Rubber
Item weight: 34 lbs
Maximum seat capacity: 40 lbs per seat
This stroller is a previous winner of the National Parenting Product Award and a Cribsie Award.
It’s compatible with many car seats, although you will have to buy either a universal or brand-specific adapter to click them in. However, the stroller can fit two car seats at once and has seven positions from which to choose.
The frame is aluminum and reasonably lightweight, while the break is easily accessible and won’t pinch you if you’re wearing sandals. It’s not the quickest or easiest to fold up, but once folded it locks in place and won’t open up until you’re ready to strap those cute babes back in for a ride.
Best for twins
Our opinion
Wheels: Air
Item weight: 25 lbs
Maximum seat capacity: 40 lbs
This is another stroller that accepts two car seats from several different brands, as long as you purchase the compatible adapters.
Although it doesn’t come loaded with features, it’s a reasonably solid product for parents with twins. Some have found the seats tricky to adjust, while it offers reclining and upright positions for both seats.
It’s narrow enough to fit through doors with ease, but take note; this is because of its slimmer seats.
High-grade aluminum provides a secure frame, the brake is easily accessible, and the handlebar is adjustable for whoever is pushing.
Best for infant & toddler
Our opinion
Wheels: Rubber
Item weight: 33.99 lbs
Maximum seat capacity: 50 lbs (front seat, bench, and standing platform) 40 lbs (rear seat)
The front seat of this stroller can hold a child up to 50 lbs, which is its main selling point. The included bench seat and standing platform also hold 50 lbs, should your tot decide they’re in the mood for a different kind of ride.
There are 12 seat positions and the 3 and 5-point harnesses are both comfortable and safe.
This is more cumbersome than other models, making it tricky to push around tight corners. However, it has plenty of storage space and is extremely easy to fold and unfold.
Best sit & stand
Our opinion
Wheels: Rubber
Item weight: 27 lbs
Maximum seat capacity: 50 lbs (front seat) 50 lbs (bench/standing platform)
This stroller offers several perks, such as extra storage, a high weight capacity, and a tool-free assembly.
A 3 and 5-point harness will keep your kids safe, regardless of where they are sitting or standing.
The ride is not as smooth as some of its counterparts, and the canopy doesn’t provide as much protection as some parents would like. However, the front seat can recline all the way back, and the stroller folds up easily, even when you’re only using one hand.
Our fifth choice
Our opinion
Wheels: Plastic
Item weight: 19 lbs
Maximum seat capacity: 45 lbs per seat
This stroller is an Amazon #1 Best Seller in tandem strollers, and it’s easy to see why. An affordable stroller, the Delta fits through doors of the standard 30-inch width and its front wheels are shock-absorbing, making for a smooth ride. It also has a large protective canopy.
The seats only recline slightly and the brake is not sandal-friendly.
Parents report that it’s very simple to fold and unfold this product, meaning that, for a double stroller, it travels easily.
Best for joggers
Our opinion
Wheels: Textured rubber
Item weight: 34 lbs
Maximum seat capacity: 50 lbs each
The Baby Trend Expedition Double Jogger Stroller has everything that you need to make life a little more convenient on your run, including a sizable storage compartment for their essentials and yours, a cup holder on top for parents, and multi-position reclining seats with five-point safety harnesses for the kiddos. It’s great for them to grow into, as each seat can accommodate kids from 6 months until they reach 50 lbs.
Best with storage
Our opinion
Wheels: Plastic
Item weight: 32 lbs
Maximum seat capacity: 45 lbs per seat
Another product with a high weight capacity, this stroller’s width is only 30″. Although this can be a pro and a con, as thinner width means narrower seats, on the bright side, you won’t struggle to fit through doorways.
A large canopy gives your kids plenty of protection in less than great weather, and there’s lots of storage space. It’s not compatible with infant car seats, so if your child is under three months, you might want to wait before buying this item. It’s also not so great on rough terrain, with that dual-wheel design occasionally struggling on bumpier ground.
That said, this stroller is simple to fold and small enough to fit into most trunks, making it extremely portable.
Best lightweight
Our opinion
Wheels: Plastic
Item weight: 22 lbs
Maximum seat capacity: 45 lbs (front and bench/standing platform)
This stroller won’t knock your socks off with loads of extra features but will get you and your kids easily from A to B.
The front seat works for newborn infants with a compatible car seat adapter and has a 5-point harness. The bench/standing platform has a 3-point harness, the whole package coming with a 2-year warranty.
It’s exceptionally lightweight and, while it does take two hands to fold, it’s one of the easier models to unfold.
Best affordable
Our opinion
Wheels: Plastic
Item weight: 12 lbs
Maximum seat capacity: 25 lbs per seat
This umbrella stroller is great for older babies. It has 5-point harnesses and a back wheel brake. You won’t be swimming in features like reclining seats or fancy tires, but you will find it easy to fold, excellent for travel, and very lightweight.
Our tenth choice
Our opinion
Wheels: Plastic
Item weight: 18.30 lbs
Maximum seat capacity: 35 lbs per seat
Lightweight and ideal for travel, the seats on this stroller can recline for the comfort of your little ones. Although it lacks a high weight capacity, it’s an affordable product with a comfortable 5-point harness in each seat and a good amount of storage in the basket underneath.
Safety
Make sure your stroller has comfortable, three or five-point harnesses to buckle in your children. Read all weight and height limits carefully, and never overload your double stroller. Easy-to-use brakes will make sure your stroller won’t move unless you want it to.
Your comfort and convenience
Make sure that the double stroller isn’t too awkward or heavy for you to maneuver when you’re out and about. The handlebars should come up to a comfortable height, and the stroller should offer enough storage space to meet your needs.
You’ll also want to make sure that, whichever product you choose, you won’t need to be a contortionist to fold and fit it into your car.
Considerations:
- Does the twin stroller I’m considering accommodate car seats in both seating areas?
- As my separate-aged children grow, will the double stroller allow for their disparate weight changes?
- Do I need a twin jogging stroller or wheels that allow for rough terrain?
- Are there appropriate safety harnesses available for my children?
Convenience features
While these features aren’t all essential, some of them can make a big difference in a stroller’s ease of operation by minimizing your frustration and offering comfort and security to both you and your children.
Decide which ones matter the most to you while seeking out the models that offer them. While not terribly uncommon, use an eagle eye to make sure you’re checking all your boxes.
- One-hand or easy folding, which can seriously simplify the breakdown process when you’ve got two small kids to get into the car, house, daycare, etc.
- Front-wheel suspension does an awesome job of reducing the bumpiness of their ride (especially when traveling over rough terrain), and can quiet fussy babies while preventing nap time interruptions
- Extended canopies for sun and rain protection keep your little ones sheltered from the elements, eliminating the need for over-accessorizing
- Access to both foot and hand brakes makes strollers safer and easier to use
- Extra storage space is great for stashing essentials, eliminating the need to carry a bulky diaper bag or purse
- Cupholders! Yes, cupholders are one of our non-negotiables, giving you a spot to stash their sippy and your iced coffee side by side, and they’re not uncommon additions to modern strollers
Our takeaways
- Making a huge investment doesn’t automatically mean buying the best stroller, so shop carefully for the specs and features that are best for your family
- Tandem strollers or picks with sitting/standing boards are often better for growing families with children of variable age
- Modular strollers are investment pieces with serious lasting value, sometimes accommodating up to three small children via a standing board
- Age and weight limits should NEVER be disregarded when shopping for strollers
- No matter what style you choose, look for something that’s compact in storage, offers a smooth ride and is simple to fold and carry
Wrapping up
Since spending the next several years balancing two babies in your arms as you go about your day is both inconvenient and bad for your back, you have, hopefully, found a double stroller that meets all your needs.
Whether figuring out the logistics of having twins or running errands with a sleepy infant and a toddler eager to see the world, we wish you safe travels throughout your days.
