Planning to go out with your two kids for a stroll? It can be a little challenging for sure but thanks to double strollers, you’d be able to enjoy your day out with your two angels.
Are double strollers the same as twin strollers? Yes and no.
Yes, twin strollers qualify as double strollers. But not all double strollers are twin strollers.
Twin strollers are for, well, twins! Both buggies have the same features, dimensions, and add-ons.
The best double strollers, on the other hand, offer more flexibility and can have more variations. These baby strollers are sometimes designed not for twins but kids of different ages.
| My Top Picks |
|---|
| Baby Jogger 2016 City Select Double Stroller |
| Graco Ready2Grow Click Connect LX Stroller |
| Baby Trend Sit N Stand Double Eclipse Stroller |
| Thule Urban Glide 2 Stroller |
In general, double strollers come in three varieties — side-by-side, inline, and convertible.
Side-by-Side
As the name suggests, this variety has seats positioned beside each other. Both seats have the same amount of space and amenities, and it’s easier to turn and maneuver compared to an inline stroller. It’s also ideal for twins or kids that are more or less, of the same age and weight. However, side-by-side models are not suited for navigating through narrow pathways.
Inline
This style has one seat positioned in front of the other, with the back seat raised higher than the front for better viewing. In most cases, both seats DO NOT have the same amount of space and amenities. It’s a bit hard to steer but is suited for navigating through tight aisles and busy streets. Go for an inline double stroller if you want to go out with your baby and perhaps, your two-year-old, at the same time.
Convertible
If you plan on having another baby, but only when your firstborn is, say, at least two years old, a convertible stroller might be the best choice. It functions as a single stroller which can you can convert to a double stroller by adding a second seat. Some models can even accommodate a third child.
If you’re in the market for a double stroller, it MUST HAVE the following features:
- Storage basket
- Rubber, foam, or air-filled tires
- Front wheel brake for stability
- Compatibility with infant car seats
- A 5-point safety harness
- Reclining seat
- Adjustable canopy
- Car seat base adapters to allow parents to attach infant seats to the stroller without having to unbuckle the baby
Other features that are useful to have but not necessary are as follows:
- Bag hooks – can be placed on the front to hold shopping bags and other things, leaving the parent’s hands-free to push the stroller.
- Cup/bottle holder
- Child trays
- Toy attachment
- Rubber or foam, height adjustable handles
- Front wheel swivel
And here are other important pointers to consider before buying a double stroller.
Type
Side-by-side, inline, or convertible? It all depends on how and where you’re planning to use it most of the time. Are you going to be out in the malls more often than being in the park? Are you going to use it for your twins or is it for kids of different ages? That’s for you to decide.
Weight Considerations
Be mindful of the weight limit, not just of the stroller itself, but also the individual seats. Most double strollers, specifically, those for children of different ages, allow a higher weight limit for the front seats than the rear ones.
Detachable Features
Take into consideration as well, other things that you might need for each seat. Do you need a child tray or a bottle holder, perhaps? By the way, some strollers have these features included in the package while others are available as a separate purchase.
So who took the top spot when it comes to double strollers available?
1. Baby Jogger 2016 City Select Double Stroller
To me, the City Select represents family planning at its finest!
It’s an inline, convertible stroller that comes with two seats. If your budget is a little tight and you don’t have twins, you can simply buy one with a single seat and get the second seat for your next baby. To make it even better, you can attach the Baby Jogger Glider Board to accommodate a third child!
You can also opt to add a car seat adapter or a child tray, whichever you prefer. The UV 50+ canopies on both seats are of the same size with mesh peek-a-boo windows. It’s got 16 different configurations using conversion kits and infant seats; all sold separately.
What else do you get? Adjustable handlebar and a unique hand-operated parking brake. The standard seats that come with it offer multiple position recline and leg rest.
The only two cons I found with the City Select is the price and the way that it folds.
Accessories like infant car seats and bassinets are available as a separate purchase, and their costs can add up. But we only want what’s best for our kids, right?
Folding this stroller is still easy. However, you need to detach the other seat, which means you’d have to carry two separate pieces. That can be a little challenging to some parents.
Additional specs:
- Stroller weight – 35 lbs as a double stroller
- Weight limit – 45 lbs (each seat)
- Age range – newborn (with infant car seat) up to 5 years
2. Graco Ready2Grow Click Connect LX Stroller
As a rule, double strollers are more expensive compared than standard prams. But this Graco stroller is an exception. You get everything you could ask for in a double stroller – minus the steep price tag.
It’s an inline stroller with the second seat already included in the package. You also get trays for you and your kids, a storage basket, and a bench/standing platform in the back. Lastly, it also folds with one hand for easy storage.
The infant car seat and base are separate purchases, by the way.
Although the Ready2Grow is ideal for two kids of different ages, the seats tend to be cramped when used by two toddlers. Moreover, you can only use the rear seat in a parent-facing position.
Additional specs:
- Stroller weight – 33 lbs as a double stroller
- Weight limit – 50 lbs (each seat)
- Age range – newborn (with infant car seat) up to 5 years
3. Baby Trend Sit N Stand Double Eclipse Stroller
A unique selling point of the Double Eclipse is the removable rear seat that converts it to a traditional sit-and-stand, hence the name.
It can accommodate one or two car seats (separate purchase), making it ideal for twins as well as siblings with an age gap. It folds easily with one hand. Plus, the storage basket has more than enough space to take on your stuff.
And if you need trays and cup holders? Worry not. The Double Eclipse has got you covered.
The only downside to this stroller is that it tends to become a little hard to push with two toddlers in it. Other than that, it’s excellent value for money.
Additional specs:
- Stroller weight – 33 lbs as a double stroller
- Weight limit – 40 lbs (each seat)
- Age range – newborn (with infant car seat) up to 5 years
4. Thule Urban Glide 2 Stroller
The Urban Glide 2 is an all-time favorite in the side-by-side department. It’s a bit expensive compared to the other ones on this list. But hey, you get what you pay for.
It’s a beautiful and sleek stroller with its an impressive aluminum frame and large wheels. Best of all, it stands outs not only because of how it looks but because of its great features.
For starters, you get a hand-operated parking brake, adjustable ergonomic handlebar, smooth riding rear suspension, big canopy with peek-through window, and reclining seats.
Another useful safety feature is the storage area, which you can completely close to protect the contents from the elements. Very few strollers have this functionality.
But like any other model, it has its downsides. For one, it doesn’t come with car seat adapters (compatible with most car seats in the market), but you can purchase them separately. Two, you can’t roll it when folded so you’d have to carry it.
Additional specs:
- Stroller weight – 31 lbs
- Weight limit – 50 lbs (each seat)
- Age range – newborn (with infant car seat) up to 5 years
And that’s it for this guide on the best double strollers available. If you noticed, most of the models listed here are all convertibles and for a good reason. They come with an affordable price and upgrading them is also a breeze.
And while you can always get a stroller that’s not on this list, I hope the reviews pointed you in the right direction!
