Side-by-Side Double Strollers

Side-by-side strollers work well for twins

Side-by-side double strollers are self-explanatory; the two seats sit next to each other. This makes the stroller wider, but the length is about the same as a single stroller. Experts say this configuration works well for twins, where you'll have more or less equal weight in each stroller seat.

If you're looking for a budget side-by-side double stroller, you don't have many choices. The Jeep Wrangler Twin Sport All-Weather (*Est. $90) amounts to little more than a double umbrella stroller. But at 23 pounds, it's relatively easy to fold and stow in the trunk for quick trips. The side-by-side Jeep twin stroller has seats that recline independently (reviews say they lay back far enough for young babies, but they don't lie totally flat), a parent cupholder, and is equipped with three-point harnesses and two removable cargo bags. Parents reviewing this stroller say they were ready to trade in their heavy strollers for the simple, lightweight Jeep after trying it. Parents say a double umbrella stroller is great for quick trips and situations where you wouldn't want to leave your expensive twin stroller all alone in a stroller-parking area. The Jeep Wrangler Twin Sport All-Weather g-Edition (*Est. $150) adds tinted sun visors on the canopies, seat padding and recycled fabric made entirely from post-consumer plastic drink bottles.

For a more full-featured stroller that's just as lightweight, experts recommend stepping up to the 22-pound Combi Twin Sport (*Est. $225). Both of the Combi's seats can recline enough for newborns, and unlike the Jeep, the Combi can accommodate one infant car seat (but only the Combi Shuttle 33 brand). The Combi also has five-point harnesses (the Jeep's are three-point) and holds up to 90 pounds (the Jeep's weight limit is 70 pounds), plus wheel suspension; a removable child bar with cupholders; a small, bottom storage basket; and seat cushions that can be removed for washing -- all of which the Jeep lacks. Both owners and expert testers find the Combi maneuverable, easy to fold and comfortable for babies and toddlers. Parents say it also travels well through doors and along narrow aisles, but they note that it's not great on uneven ground. Babble.com names the Combi Twin Sport the best affordable stroller for 2010 -- but the Combi is actually recommended more often by our sources than pricey side-by-side strollers.

Maclaren recalled all of its strollers in November 2009 after 12 children reportedly had their fingers amputated in the hinges. Now, like other Maclaren strollers, the Maclaren Twin Triumph (*Est. $265) and ritzier Maclaren Twin Techno (*Est. $360) come with protective hinge covers (see the Introduction for more on the recall). Our most reputable sources continue to recommend both of these Maclaren double strollers, although not as often as the less expensive Combi Twin Sport.

At just over 23 pounds, the Maclaren Twin Triumph is comparable in weight to the Combi Twin Sport. Both strollers can be used from birth, have five-point harnesses and washable seats. The Maclaren Twin Triumph has a higher weight limit -- 110 pounds -- but unlike the Combi, it has no child bar, no cupholders and cannot hold infant car seats. Parents who love the Maclaren Twin Triumph cite its nimble steering, light weight, compact fold and sturdy feel. Testers at Babble.com agree that "we haven't seen a double stroller that's easier to use," and they name the Maclaren Twin Triumph the best lightweight/daily use stroller for 2010. If you can spend more, the Maclaren Twin Techno adds full wheel suspension, extendable leg rests and sun visors for the canopies (dinky canopies are a common complaint with the Twin Triumph).

Peg-Perego has updated its problematic side-by-side Aria Twin double stroller, which parent and expert reviewers alike criticized for being too lightweight and for suffering from various quality problems. At 21 pounds, the newer Aria Twin 60-40 (*Est. $320) is 4 pounds heavier. It also has asymmetrical seats: One is big enough to accommodate an infant car seat, while the other one is slightly narrower but still wide enough for a toddler to ride comfortably. Despite the relatively high price tag, the Twin 60-40 continues to get a mixed response from parents. As with the previous Aria double stroller, there are some complaints about construction quality and ease of use. Several parents say it is harder to steer, especially once kids are older (and heavier).

If you have deep pockets and want a snazzier looking double stroller, the Bumbleride Indie Twin (*Est. $670) offers more features than the Maclaren and Combi twin strollers. At 29 inches wide, it's narrow enough to fit nicely through doorways and tight spaces, but reviewers say both seats are comfortably roomy. BabyGizmo.com's Hollie Schultz calls it maneuverable enough to function as an all-terrain stroller, and the lockable swiveling front wheels make it suitable for the occasional jog. It's also packed with comfort features, including adjustable footrests with foot muffs, individual canopies with air-flow vents and storage pockets, and a big storage basket. This stroller is a favorite at Babble.com and Canadian Family magazine, where testers say maneuverability and features are great, but the stroller is just huge -- particularly when folded. What's more, it's also heavy (34 pounds).

Among other all-terrain double strollers, the Mountain Buggy Urban Double (*Est. $725) also has a vocal fan club. The Mountain Buggy double stroller is heavy (35 pounds), and editors at Baby-Gaga.com say that heavier kids or kids with wide shoulders might feel squished. But it does fit through doorways, and parents say it maneuvers exceptionally well. Mountain Buggy declared bankruptcy in early 2009 and was bought by fellow New Zealand stroller maker phil&teds, which has moved Mountain Buggy production to China. The Urban Double has been discontinued in favor of the new (but nearly identical) Mountain Buggy Duo (*Est. $680), but we still found the New Zealand-made Urban Doubles for sale at major online retailers.

For a lot less money, the Baby Jogger City Mini Double (*Est. $400) gets good reviews from both experts and parents. Like the Bumbleride Indie Twin and Mountain Buggy Urban Double, the Baby Jogger Mini Double is a twin version of a three-wheeled all-terrain stroller. Unlike the Bumbleride and Mountain Buggy versions, however, the Baby Jogger double stroller weighs 26 pounds -- a lot less than other strollers, regardless of style. The Baby Jogger costs less too, but it's also pretty basic. It doesn't come with a parent console, cupholders, rain cover or car-seat adapter, though you can add those accessories at additional cost. Be aware that this stroller has a recall associated with it. In August 2009, 41,000 single and double strollers were recalled for a faulty buckle that could come undone. Models made on or after Feb. 8, 2009, have a new buckle that stayed buckled in a major consumer test. Parents who own older Baby Jogger City Mini strollers can call Baby Jogger at (877) 506-2213 to order replacement buckles, and see the Consumer Product Safety Commission website recall page for details on which models are affected. 

Manufacturers are now also making double jogging strollers. These double strollers have three wheels, and while some are appropriate for vigorous running, others just look sporty. With its lockable front swivel wheel, the BOB Revolution Duallie (*Est. $570) is a real running stroller that also gets high marks for durability and maneuverability on bumpy terrain. However, parents do caution that it's heavy and bulky when it comes time to fold and stow it, and it can hold only one infant car seat at a time with an optional adapter (*Est. $90). The Revolution Duallie has 16-inch rear wheels and fits two children from 8 weeks, with a maximum weight of 50 pounds each. More info on double all-terrain and jogging strollers can be found in our report on jogging strollers.