You’ve probably come to this post either because your family is growing, or because you’ve got twins on the way. Whichever one it is, a double stroller is probably one of the first big purchases you’ll think about.
Most other purchases just require two of them - two moses baskets, two beds, two car seats. But the stroller is arguably the only thing you’ll need to consider that will have both children in at the same time. You can’t push two strollers at the same time, can you?! Well, you probably could but it would be pretty impractical.
Over the course of this guide, we’re going to look at the makeup of a double stroller, what you need to look out for when purchasing one, and we’ll list 10 of our favourites.
Table Of Contents
Our top three double strollers
Double stroller features
Just like jogging strollers, travel system strollers and lightweight strollers, double strollers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In fact, there are double versions of all those types of stroller - double running strollers, double travel systems and double lightweight (or umbrella) strollers.
Double strollers are configured in one of two ways. They either have the two children sat side-by-side, or one in front of the other (tandem). Both have positives and negatives.
The wider nature of a side-by-side double stroller gives both children a nice view of the world, but also makes it tricky to manage in tight spaces. You probably won’t even be able to get it out of your front door; you’ll likely need to get your kids in and out of the stroller outside the front door, which isn’t fun whether it's cold and wet.
The tandem configuration does help in that sense. They’re longer and thinner, so you’ll be able to get it out of the front door. But they can be tough to make tight turns, and perhaps the biggest downside is that one child will have a lovely view of the back of their sibling’s seat.
Some double strollers are designed for children of the same age (roughly), while others are designed specifically to carry children of different ages. Ie. a newborn in a carrycot and a toddler in a toddler seat.
Obviously we’re talking double strollers here, so you already know these things are going to be bigger, bulkier and heavier than the versions for a single child.
Their weights really do vary depending on which type of double stroller you go for. Double travel systems are generally around 11-16kg (roughly 25-35lbs), with double jogging strollers at the top of that range. Some lightweight or umbrella double strollers can even come in at less than 10kg (20lbs).
It’s also worth measuring your doorway and keeping that figure in mind when you look at double stroller dimensions. Most doorways in the US are 36” wide, meaning most double strollers will fit through with a little room to spare. However, the average doorway in the UK is just 30” which might be an issue for some double strollers.The type of wheels your double stroller has again depends on the type of double stroller it is - double travel systems have similar wheels to single travel systems etc. The biggest difference you might see is on lightweight double strollers. Sometimes brands will opt to put an extra set of wheels in the middle of the two seats at the front and back, meaning they usually have six sets of two wheels.
Given their size and weight, suspension systems are quite common on double strollers, helping to make it easier for you to push around on different surfaces.
Unless you’re getting a double stroller for jogging, you won’t find a deceleration brake in this class. Of course, you’ll find the standard parking brake on any type of stroller.
I’m sounding a little like a broken record here, but you guessed it right… It depends on the type of double stroller. Travel systems and jogging strollers will almost always have a single handlebar. There are still plenty of lightweight or umbrella versions that have single handlebars, but you’re a lot more likely to see them with two, separate handles.
A good double stroller will have adjustable handlebars, especially on tandem configurations. Having one child in front of the other usually reduces the space the frame and the handlebar - so being able to extend the handlebar or adjust the angle is really useful to give yourself a bit more space, especially if you’re a taller gentleman.
The 10 best double strollers
Editor's Review
“This stroller is amazing, worth the money! I knew it would be since my sister owns this. But boy I love it even more using it for my baby. It steers so easily with one hand, and I can even tip it back to climb or descend a curb with one hand. It’s smooth, sturdy, and seems durable. I love that the car seat clicks in as well. Can’t imagine using another stroller.”
The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a premium choice for growing families, starting off as a single travel system with the ability to convert into a double toddler seat stroller (with an additional Rumble Seat and carrycot sold separately).
UPPAbaby’s innovative chassis design means that it doesn’t actually get any bigger when you add a second seat, saving you space and weight. The chassis is also designed in a way to accept two of the same seat (two carrycots, two car seats, or two toddler seats) and mix-and-match configurations (one carrycot and one toddler seat etc). With the optional PiggyBack board, you can even carry a third, older child.
This flexibility does carry a heavy price, however. The single stroller alone starts from £800 ($1,000), with the second toddler seat adding an extra £175 ($220) and carrycot adding £160 ($200). So if you’re having twins, you’re looking at over £1,100 ($1,300).
- Wheels - Four puncture-proof tyres
- Weight - 12.2kg (27lbs)
- Upright size - 91 x 65 x 100cm (36 x 25.7 x 39.5”)
- Folded size - 43.9 x 65 x 84.5cm (17.3 x 25.7 x 33.3”)
- Suspension - All wheel suspension
Suitable from: Birth to 15kg (3-4 years) per child
Key features
Innovative design allows more children without expanding the frame
Several configurations
Up to three children
Perforated mattress pad
Extendable canopies with UPF 50+ protection
PROS
- Chassis design is amazing
- Super flexible to meet your needs
- Sleek design
- Large sun canopies
- Temperature regulation from perforated carrycot mattress
CONS
- Out of budget for most parents
- Additional seats make it even more costly
Editor's Review
“Great value for the price. It is well-made and durable, and it comes with a variety of features that make it a great choice for families with two young children.”
An Amazon’s Choice product, the Graco Ready2Grow LX 2.0 is a super affordable and super versatile double stroller for parents of both twins and children of different ages. The five-way configuration allows you to carry 1) two newborns in car seats 2) a car seat and a toddler seat 3) two toddler seats 4) a toddler seat and bench seat, and 5) a toddler seat and standing platform. It certainly has its problems and drawbacks, but it’s an incredible option for most parents on a tight budget.
Suitable from - Birth to 4-5 years (22kg in the front seat, 18kg in the rear seat)
Key features
Folds like a single stroller
Five seating positions
All wheel suspension
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“I absolutely LOVE how this stroller has the ability to have my two little ones side by side! The versatility of this stroller is everything. This stroller is all you will ever need having multiple kids and I’m obsessed.”
The Bugaboo Donkey 5 is a big-budget luxury stroller ideal for parents whether they’re having twins, already have a little one and another on the way, or are planning to have two children in quick succession.
If you’re expecting twins or already have a little one, you can go straight for the Twin or Duo packages. The Twin package supplies a second carrycot, while the Duo package adds an extra toddler seat. The frame itself converts from the Mono single stroller to the Duo or Twin in a super simple three-click process. As a single stroller, there’s a huge storage basket that sits next to the child in addition to the large basket underneath.
Suitable from: 6 months to 22kg (4-5 years) per child
Key features
Three-click extension
Vented carrycot and aerated mattress
20 colour/pattern choices
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“All in all, this stroller is great and has been fitting my family’s needs well. If you’re looking for a good reliable double stroller that doesn’t break the bank this one is for you.”
Costing just £160 ($200), the Kolcraft Cloud Plus Double is a brilliant budget side-by-side stroller that is cheaper than a lot of single strollers. The seats sit independently of each, which allows you to adjust the sun canopy, seating position and leg rests to suit each child. It comes with the detachable drink and snack tray for each child, and a drink/storage tray for you too. At just 10.4kg (23lbs) it’s also one of the lightest double strollers around.
- Wheels - Four puncture-proof tyres
- Weight - 10.4kg (23lbs)
- Upright size - 91.4 x 78.7 x 96.5cm (36 x 31 x 38”)
- Folded size - 50.8 x 78.7 x 85.1cm (20 x 31 x 33.5”)
- Suspension - Front wheel suspension
Suitable from: 6 months to 18kg (4 years) per child
Key features
Lightweight
Parent and child drink/storage trays
Independent recline, sun canopy and leg rests
PROS
- One of the cheapest on the market
- Super lightweight
- Large independent sun canopies
- Adjustable leg rests
- Seats and leg rests are well padded
CONS
- Seat recline is very limited
- No car seat or carrycot options
- Really struggles on grass or uneven ground
Editor's Review
“I can't believe how easy this thing is to steer, and it actually somehow fits in the trunk of my car. I love that my keyfit 30 car seat snaps into the front or back (or both if you have two). Also, I am so glad that they have the zipper pouch on the back of the cargo net, so that when the car seat is snapped in, you can still get the diaper bag in and out (I tested that right away).”
An Amazon’s Choice product, the Chicco Cortina Together is an affordable tandem double stroller offering plenty of ways to ride. Compatible with all Chicco car seats (without the need for adapters), it can carry two car seats, one car seat and one toddler seat, or two toddler seats in four different configurations. Both toddler seats recline independently with their own sun canopies. Underneath, there’s a huge zip-lock storage basket, although you do really need to reach to get some items.
Suitable from: Birth* to 18kg (4 years) per child
Key features
Four-way seat configuration
Interchangeable bumper bar and cup holders
Easy click car seat installation (with no need for adapters)
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“I was hesitant to invest the money in this double stroller but it has been truly wonderful! I love how smooth the ride is, the storage is great, the hand brake is a life saver for hills, and we love all of the accessories we’ve purchased.”
Although the Thule Urban Glide 2 is a brilliantly designed, dedicated double jogging stroller, it also works incredibly well as a versatile day-to-day stroller whether you’re living in the city or the country. A side-by-side configuration, it is one of the larger double strollers on the market (80cm/31.3” wide and 15.5kg/34.1lbs in weight), but the rear suspension means it…glides…over any surface. There is also the option to purchase and attach a car seat or carrycot for one child, making it a great choice for parents with two different aged children.
- Wheels - Three-wheel air-inflated tyres, 12” front, 16” rear
- Weight - 15.5kg (34.1lbs)
- Upright size - 104 x 80 x 101.6cm (41 x 31.4 x 40”)
- Folded size - 41 x 76.4 x 87.1cm (16.2 x 30.1 x 34.3”)
- Suspension - Rear wheel suspension
Suitable from - 6 months* to 22kg per child (4-5 years)
* Can be used for one child only from birth with carrycot and car seat - sold separately
Key features
Deceleration handbrake
Lockable swivel wheel for jogging and day-to-day use
16” inflated rear tyres with suspension
PROS
- Performs well on bumpy surfaces
- Steering is responsive despite its size and weight
- Great choice for taller dads
CONS
- Expensive extras
- Quite heavy
- Won’t fit through a lot of doorways in the UK
Editor's Review
“Comfortable to steer, easy to handle, and amazing for long walks. The newborn cocoon keeps baby cool in hot weather even though it's black, baby also does not move so if you live in a hilly area you don't have to worry about the baby sliding in the cocoon.”
The Ickle Bubba Venus Prime Double is an affordable (£339/$425) but stylish side-by-side stroller that gives plenty of flexibility, capable of carrying two children from birth. The Venus Prime package comes with a newborn “cocoon” that attaches to one of the seats, two matching footmuffs and a full-size rain cover. If you’re having twins, you can also purchase an extra cocoon for £60 ($75).
Suitable from: Birth to 15kg (3-4 years) per child
Key features
Three-way seat configuration
Matching independent footmuffs
Gate opening bumper bars
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“This stroller is excellent quality, with a great frame and fabric. Easy to steer. Pretty easy to fold and unfold. Handled our uneven roads and sidewalks pretty well, even grass and gravel pretty decently. Overall I'm very impressed with this stroller for the price and quality you get!”
The City Tour 2 is the side-by-side double stroller from the much-loved brand, Baby Jogger. At just 10.5kg (23.2lbs), it’s easily one of the lightest double strollers on the market. And with an incredibly small folded size, it’s also one of the best for storage and transporting. The seats recline independently into near-flat positions, while the adjustable calf support gives that extra bit of customisation. The independent sun canopies provide UV 50+ sun protection with separate peekaboo windows.
- Wheels - Four puncture-proof tyres
- Weight - 10.5kg (23.2lbs)
- Upright size - 94.5 x 66 x 102cm (37.2 x 26 x 40.3”)
- Folded size - 68.5 x 66 x 19cm (27 x 26 x 7.8”)
- Suspension - Front wheel
Suitable from: 6 months to 15kg (3-4 years) per child
Key features
Adjustable calf support
Compact, one-hand fold mechanism
Near flat independent seat recline
PROS
- Ultra light and compact
- Performs well on uneven terrain (although the wheels could be better)
- Independent near-flat reclining and adjustable calf supports
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Easy to steer
CONS
- Backrests are quite short, so taller passengers may not have much support for their head/neck
- Wheels aren’t great
- They are definitely better looking options
Editor's Review
"This is a great stroller!! Very lightweight and durable. It folds and unfolds with ease. brought this for vacation and trips to the beach boardwalk. extremely impressed with the overall quality and functionality with this stroller"
The Delta Children LX Side by Side is a super cheap, no frills double umbrella stroller for parents with two children who are out of the newborn phase. Costing as little as £60 ($75), it’s on par with plenty of budget single strollers. It comes with two small storage pockets and two large storage baskets on the backrests, rather than underneath the seats. Rather unique in the market, it has six sets of dual wheels rather than the four.
Suitable from: 6 months to 15kg (3-4 years)
Key features
Compact umbrella fold
Ultra lightweight
PROS
CONS
10. Britax B-Lively
Editor's Review
“This stroller pushes well on the street, sidewalk and indoors. It is harder to manoeuvre on grass (but nowhere near as difficult as our tandem stroller- on any surface).”
The Britax B-Lively is a brilliant mid-range side-by-side double stroller. The all-wheel suspension offers a really smooth, comfortable ride on even surfaces while the huge UPF 50+ sun canopies provide excellent protection against the sun. It’s got one of the easiest one-hand folding systems on the market, although it is still quite large once folded. And at 80cm (31.5”), it will struggle to fit through a lot of doorways.
Suitable from: 6 months* to 22kg (4-5) year child
*Suitable from birth with travel system adapter kit
Key features
Large, vented sun UPF 50+ canopies
Large zip-lock rear storage pockets
One-hand fold
Travel system ready
PROS
CONS
Things to consider when buying a double stroller
Family planning
Family planning is actually an important consideration when looking at double strollers… well, any stroller in fact, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Let’s say you have your first child, you splurge on an expensive single stroller. Less than a year later, you find out your second is on the way. Suddenly you’ve shelled out on this stroller, and you already have to think about trading it in for a double stroller.
Well there are some strollers designed in a way that can expand with your family. Of course it’s impossible to predict these things with any certainty, but if you’re planning to have another child pretty quickly, it might be a better idea to opt for one of these strollers.
The Bugaboo Donkey 5 Duo and UPPAbaby Vista V2 are ideal for this, with the latter actually capable of carrying three children. They are expensive, costing well over £1,500 ($1,800) - but might save you money on buying two strollers.Budget
Because we’re dealing with different types of double stroller, the variation in the budget is huge.
Lightweight double strollers often don’t cost a great deal more than single lightweight strollers, usually sitting around the £100 ($125) mark.
However, when you get to double travel systems and double jogging strollers, you certainly see the price go up. Double travel systems can easily cost north of £1,000 ($1,250) and a double jogging stroller is likely to cost at least £700-800 ($880-1,000) for just the stroller.
FAQs
How do I know if the stroller is too wide?
Naturally, double strollers are a lot wider than single strollers when they’re in a side-by-side configuration.
The answer to this question actually largely depends on where you live. In the US, the typical door is around 91cm (36”) wide. The widest stroller on this list is 80cm (31.5”), so you know you’re generally going to be pretty safe. If you’re in the UK, however, it’s a very different story. The average front door is 78cm (31”) in the UK, so some of these double strollers simply won’t fit through the door.
You probably want to give yourself at least 5cm (2”) of room either side to make sure you can fit the stroller through without issue.
Are double strollers heavy?
They certainly can be. Logically, they are bigger than single strollers so therefore will be heavier.
Let’s look at an easy comparison. The Kolcraft Cloud Plus single stroller weighs 5.8kg (12.8lbs). The Kolcraft Cloud Plus double stroller is nearly twice as heavy at 10.4kg (23lbs).
However, you can definitely get ones that are lightweight for their size. The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is itself one of the lightest double strollers on the market, along with the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Double. And there’s the ultra lightweight, no frills Delta Children LX Side by Side which weighs just 8.9kg (19lbs).
Which double stroller is best for tall dads?
The more premium options, like the Thule Urban Glide 2, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 and Bugaboo Donkey 5, really are best for taller dads because they’re offering either adjustable handlebars or great clearance at the bottom of the stroller, meaning taller dads can walk at their usual stride.
However, there are more affordable options for taller dads. The Britax B-Lively has good handlebar adjustment, while the Ickle Bubba Venus Prime makes up for its lack of adjustment with great ground clearance.
