Who Will Ride In the Double Stroller?:

When you begin shopping for a double stroller, you need to consider the ages and needs of the children who will ride in it. While many double strollers have two true seats for two riders, some doubles may have one seat and a stand-on board or a simple bench-style seat. While these options might work for an older child who only needs to ride occasionally, they probably won't work for a toddler who is likely to fall asleep when they ride.

Infant Seat Compatibility:

Lots of double strollers are designed to work with an infant car seat so you can use the stroller as a travel system. Some strollers even come with an infant seat adapter built-in, or the adapter is included in the accessory pack. If you'll be using your double stroller for twins, though, you'll need to check carefully to see which strollers can accommodate two infant car seats. Many can, but very few will include two adapters. That means you'll need to consider the cost of buying an extra adapter in your price comparisons. You should also look at how the adapters fit on the stroller, and how the infant seats attach. Do you have to use hooks and straps, or does the seat simply click onto the stroller? Also find out whether you can fold the stroller with the car seat adapters on, or whether you'll need to remove them each time.

Tandem or Side by Side:

All double strollers will fall into one of these categories - a tandem stroller, with the seats in line one behind the other, or a side by side stroller, where the seats are, as the name implies, side by side.

Each type has its advantages and drawbacks. Tandem strollers are only about as wide as a single stroller, so you'll have an easier time getting through narrow spaces. Tandem strollers may also do a better job of keeping kids separated to prevent eye-poking and hair-pulling, but this depends on how the seats are configured. If you'll be strolling kids who are of very different weights, such as a newborn and an older toddler, a tandem stroller will likely be easier to steer than a side by side, which can pull to one side when the weight isn't evenly distributed. Some tandem strollers are extremely long, front to back, though, which can make it feel like you're steering a school bus. For side by side strollers, there are several umbrella-style models that are fairly lightweight and maneuverable for doubles. Side by side strollers may be hard to use in tight spaces, though, and might not fit through some doorways.

Seat Weight Limits:

Many doubles have the same weight limit for each seat, or an overall weight limit for the whole stroller. Be sure to check on individual seat weight limits, though, because there are some strollers that have one seat with a much lower weight limit on one seat. If you're using the stroller for a small baby and a toddler, different weight limits probably won't present a problem. If you're using the stroller for twins, though, a lower weight limit on one seat could limit the length of time you can use the stroller. It's important to follow the seat weight guidelines, particularly on extra seats that you add to the stroller. Overloading your stroller is probably not safe. Of course, other stroller safety guidelines apply to double strollers, too!

Seat Independence:

Ideally, siblings would all nap peacefully at the same time. In the real world, though, that may not happen. If your stroller seats must be reclined or upright at the same time, you may have one rider who is really unhappy with their position at any given time. Seats that recline independently are much more convenient. If the stroller has reversible seats, check to see if you can reverse just one of them, or if you must change both to face the same direction. Look at the sun shade also. If you have a reversible seat, does the sun shade move independently to accommodate it?

Wheels & Steering:

As with any other stroller type, you need to match the wheel style to the type of strolling you intend to do most often. If you're primarily using a stroller on city sidewalks, a small, zippy, plastic wheel will help you make tight corners and avoid obstacles. For off-roading families, an air-filled tire will glide smoothly over rough terrain.

If you're buying a stroller before baby arrives, try loading the seats with heavy objects to simulate steering with toddlers in the seats. An empty stroller will usually be easy to steer. It may be a different story fully loaded, though. Check to see if the frame feels flimsy, too, because a rickety frame is likely to get worse as kids grow and wear increases.

Take a brisk walk with the stroller if possible to see if the handle height is comfortable for you and to see if your feet hit the wheels or frame as you walk. If another parent will also use the stroller, have them check it out, too. Is the handle height adjustable to be comfortable for both of you?

Stroller weight & Folding:

Double strollers can be very heavy. Even lightweight doubles will weigh about 20 pounds. Other double strollers are closer to 40 pounds, particularly when you add car seats, adapters, and other accessories. Remember that the stroller weight may affect how easily you can steer it, and also how often you want to lift the stroller in and out of your vehicle trunk. If you have a compact vehicle, be sure to fold the stroller and try it out in your trunk before buying. Can the wheels come off to help it fit? Is there room in the trunk for anything else? You should also make sure you're comfortable with how the stroller folds and unfolds. Do you have to remove all of the accessories and reverse the seats to fold it? Some double strollers need to have the seats removed entirely to fold.

Baskets & Consoles:

One advantage of a larger double stroller frame is that you usually get a much larger basket, too. Move the seats around if they're reversible to see if that affects basket access, or whether part of the seat or the leg space extends into the basket. Recline the seats, too, and see if you can still reach the diaper bag easily. Can you reach into the basket from the front and back, or just one way?

A parent console up by the handles is convenient for storing your keys, phone, and other essentials. It's also nice to have a cupholder for parents, as well as one by the seats for the kids. If the double stroller you like doesn't have any extra storage space, it's easy to find accessory cupholders and consoles, but don't forget to consider the extra cost as you compare models.

Strollers With Options:

You may not always want a double stroller, so it's a good idea to check out one of the many double strollers that can also be used as a single. Some have an additional seat that can be purchased and added separately, while the Bugaboo Donkey stroller frame actually expands from single to double, and seats can be added or removed whenever you wish. Many companies make stroller boards that can be added to a single stroller so an older child can stand and ride. Consider how you'll use the stroller now and in the future to determine which style is best for you.