These versatile strollers pull their weight with twins or multiple siblings in tow
Tandem double strollers like this one may not be as popular as side-by-sides, but they are great for maneuvering through narrow spaces.
By Keith Flamer
Schlepping around two kids, a diaper bag, snacks, juice boxes, and toys is no walk in the park. But it’s much easier with a double stroller. For that, you can thank the inventor, a father of twins.
Designed to seat multiple infants and/or toddlers, double strollers come in a few styles: side-by-side, tandem, or convertible. Side-by-sides are popular forward-facing cruisers that allow your little ones to interact and see the world, but the wider design can create problems fitting through doorways and on crowded sidewalks. But they fold more easily, a key factor if you’re frequently hoisting yours into the trunk of your car.
Some tandem double stroller seats face each other, but most feature one seat in front of the other, so one child likely has a better view than the other. These strollers are also harder to steer and push over curbs. But they’re a good choice for navigating narrow hallways, doors, and sidewalks.
More versatile convertible strollers can be used as a single stroller, then expanded with a second seat, car seat and adapter, or other accommodation for a second or even third child. Some can convert to a travel system or pram with the addition of an infant car seat or a bassinet. Other strollers accommodate an older sibling by allowing you to add a standing platform or a removable bench seat. And this list isn’t even counting stroller wagons—the monster Surburban-like cruisers capable of transporting multiple strapped-in toddlers in style. (CR doesn’t test those.)
Joan Muratore, the engineer who oversees stroller testing for CR, says the number of configurations varies by stroller, but there’s one feature you might need from the get-go. “Be sure that the stroller can accept two infant car seats if you’re having twins,” she says, “and that it allows the seats to face each other so that later, when your twins are toddlers, they can look at each other.” Easy entertainment.
How We Test Double Strollers
At CR’s headquarters, in Yonkers, N.Y., we test-drive all three categories of double strollers, as well as a double car seat carrier, evaluating them for safety, ease of use, and maneuverability. We push each stroller—loaded up with a weight in place of a tot—through an S-curve test course, steering them between cones, up and down curbs, and over obstructions, including grass, mulch, and tree roots. In our stroller ratings, we also note which strollers satisfy strict requirements at Disney theme parks.
You’ll find more than 15 double stroller brands in our ratings, from Baby Jogger, Baby Trend, BOB Gear, Chicco, Contours, Graco, Joovy, Maclaren, and Thule, among others. Prices range from $80 up to $850. While higher-cost double strollers tend to offer more features, ease of use, and maneuverability, you can find a quality option in a variety of price ranges. Not sure which type of stroller will best meet your needs? Check out our stroller buying guide. Otherwise, read on for some of our top-rated double strollers.
Side-by-Side Double Strollers
BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie Double Jogging
CR’s take: This top-rated BOB side-by-side double stroller is also an easy-to-maneuver jogger. It seats two kids, including infants under 6 months old. It aced our safety tests so you can walk or jog knowing your little ones are strapped in and shielded from the elements by canopies. The stroller offers a smooth, shock-absorbed ride (thanks in part to its air-filled tires) and a large storage basket. But this heavyweight cruiser leaves a large footprint when folded, and its weight and bulk make it less than ideal for quick trips in and out of a car.
Thule Urban Glide 2 Double
CR’s take: This sporty Thule Urban Glide 2 Double Stroller is solid and sturdy with very good maneuverability for a double stroller. It performed excellently in our safety tests, so it’s a good, secure choice whether you’re walking your kids for fresh air, getting exercise, or running local errands. But at 34 pounds, it, too, is bulky and would require some muscle if your errands require a car. Lifting this stroller in and out of a trunk is a workout in itself. And like a cozy SUV, you’ll pay a premium for its adjustable handle, one-touch brakes, and smooth big-wheel cruising comfort.
Tandem Double Stroller
Contours Elite V2 Double
CR’s take: With the Contours Elite V2, you’ve got multiple seating configuration options and a very large storage basket, but it’s quite heavy (38 pounds) and bulky. Although it’s sturdy and maneuvers well on flat terrain, testers found it more difficult to maneuver in rough terrain, on hills, and going up and down curbs. Adjusting the harness requires some rethreading of the straps, but the adjustments are smooth enough.
Convertible Double Stroller
Chicco BravoFor2 LE Double
CR’s take: The Chicco BravoFor2 LE packs useful features for a baby and an older toddler. It has a standard front seat, with an easy-to-adjust five-point harness, while a three-point harness on the “youth seat” keeps bigger kids safe, too (unless they prefer cruising on the standing platform). Our tests showed this stroller is top-notch on safety, and it’s a cinch to fold. It stands on its own when folded but has a large footprint in that position. Worth noting is that our testers found the stroller heavy and somewhat difficult to maneuver, especially when turning or going up and down curbs. And it doesn’t latch when folded, which makes it awkward to carry because it can flop open.
Double Car Seat Carrier
Baby Trend Snap-N-Go Double
CR’s take: Ideal for twins (or any two babies still riding in infant car seats), the Snap-N-Go Double is hard to beat for value and convenience. It accepts all Baby Trend infant seats, and some seats from other brands, too. (See the product manual or Baby Trend’s website for a list of compatible car seats.) It’s light (18 pounds) and very easy to fold. And with a car seat carrier like this, no need to wake your sleeping infants; simply transfer their car seats to the car, and fold the frame before loading it in the trunk. It also satisfies Disney theme park stroller size requirements.
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