Double Strollers: Reviews

Reviewers generally agree that side-by-side strollers are lighter and easier to steer than tandem strollers (which position one seat behind the other). Although side-by-side strollers aren't much longer than a standard… expandsingle stroller, they are wider. Manufacturers now make double strollers that fit through standard doorways and grocery store aisles, such as the 22-pound Combi Twin Sport. You can pay much more for a side-by-side stroller, but reviews recommend the Combi Twin Sport most often. Experts and parents say it nicely balances features and price, with washable seat pads, reclining seats, a small storage basket, snack holder, five-point harnesses and carry strap. Unlike some pricier side-by-side strollers, the Combi Twin Sport can hold one infant car seat (but only the Combi brand). If you want to hook two infant car seats onto your stroller, reviews recommend a tandem such as the Graco Quattro Tour Duo (*Est. $250) or Graco DuoGlider LX (*Est. $150). collapse

There's a reason the Jeep Wrangler Twin Sport All-Weather costs so much less than the Combi Twin Sport (*Est. $225), reviews say: The Jeep has a lower weight limit (70 versus 90 pounds), no wheel suspension, no child… expandtray, three-point harnesses instead of five-point, no way to attach a car seat and no way to remove the seat material for washing. Still, parents who buy the Jeep are usually satisfied with its simplicity, light weight (23 pounds) and affordable price. Its seats do recline independently -- far enough to support young babies, reviews say. The Jeep proves safe, maneuverable and easy to use in one respected test, and top experts say it's a fine choice for parents on a tight budget. collapse

Tandem strollers, with one seat behind the other, are a good choice for kids of different ages; the narrow width makes tandem strollers easy to fit through doors, but their length makes them hard to turn. Graco also makes… expandless-expensive double strollers, but the Quattro Tour Duo gets by far the best feedback from reviewers. Its compact, one-hand fold is a plus, but this stroller's 39-pound-weight is a drawback. The rear seat is elevated so both children get a view, and it reclines totally flat for newborns and older kids who like to nap lying down -- or you can snap on two Graco infant car seats. The Quattro Tour Duo's rear seat has higher weight and height limits than the cheaper Graco DuoGlider LX (*Est. $150) plus extra features such as an open-front design with dual cupholders (convenient for toddlers who like to climb in by themselves). collapse

Reviewers say the Graco DuoGlider LX is the best tandem stroller under $200. Kids like the DuoGlider's two-level seating, which lets the rear passenger sit a little higher for a better view. Though it's fairly heavy… expand(about 30 pounds), parents say it handles well and folds easily enough, but it's not as well-reviewed as the more compact Graco Quattro Tour Duo (*Est. $250). More durable double strollers cost three times as much. The DuoGlider stroller can hold two Graco infant car seats, and it has machine-washable seat pads and a fully reclining back seat. The front seat reclines partially. collapse

On its own, the pricey three-wheeled phil&teds Explorer single stroller has a ton of storage and a fully reclining seat, so it's appropriate for newborns. Add a doubles kit -- an attachable second seat -- and the Explorer… expandconverts into a double stroller, with an additional seat above or below the main seat for an infant or a second toddler. Reviews say this stroller is great for parents who anticipate needing a double stroller but don't want the added width or length of a traditional double stroller. However, it's not the best bet for newborn twins, as the second seat doesn't recline (only babies with head and neck control can sit there). For two newborns, reviews suggest a more traditional double stroller such as the fully reclining Combi Twin Sport (*Est. $225), or a tandem that can hold two infant car seats such as the Graco Quattro Tour Duo (*Est. $250) or Graco DuoGlider LX (*Est. $150). collapse

A no-fuss alternative to traditional double strollers is a stroller such as the Joovy Caboose Ultralight. The 21-pound Joovy stroller is essentially a single stroller with a rear running board, allowing an older child to… expandstand or sit behind the main seat. According to parents, this is a good solution if you have an older child (at least 2 1/2 years old and no more than 44 inches tall) and a younger baby (the main seat also accommodates an infant car seat). Parents also say it works best if your older child likes to stand and isn't much of a napper. Although parents like the Joovy Caboose Ultralight, you might want to try it in a store first. collapse