Want a hot tip from a mom of three? Keep your children strapped into a stroller for as long as humanly possible. I let my eldest child AND my twins run free far too early (clearly having not learnt a thing from my first experience), and now I spend all my time outside the house running in three different directions to prevent them from bolting into traffic or playing with broken glass. It’s stressful for poor mommy. Keep them in there till college if you can.

Jokes aside, a good double stroller is an absolute must if you have two young kids. Not only will it keep them safe and secure (and save your sanity), it’s also the ideal way to cart around all their stuff. So. Much. Stuff.

But with so many strollers to choose from, you probably don’t know where to start. Look no further – our guide will help you pick the best stroller to accommodate children of different ages. For advice on how to pick the best stroller for twins and more information on the features of each type of stroller, check out our Guide to Twin Strollers.

Types of double strollers

The three main types of double strollers come with different advantages and disadvantages.

1.Tandem strollers

Tandem strollers feature seats placed one in front of the other. They’re no wider than a single stroller, but they tend to be heavy and bulky when folded up. Many parents find their width more practical than side-by-side strollers, but the seats rarely offer the same features. In most models, only one seat fully reclines and one seat might come with a tray and cup holder while the other doesn’t. These discrepancies can cause issues if your children are close in age and end up fighting over the “best” seat.

 

There’s a reason why the Nuna DEMI Grow Stroller won the “Best of the Best” 2018 Red Dot Award – it’s incredibly functional and easy to convert from a single to a double stroller. Start with the DEMI Grow Stroller Frame, which features an all-season seat, large stroller basket, extendable UPF50+ canopy, custom dual suspension and tough terrain tires. When you need to convert it into a double stroller, simply add the easy-to-attach DEMI Grow Bassinet, which is approved for overnight sleeping and perfect for traveling. Once your wee one has outgrown the bassinet, swap it for the DEMI Grow Sibling Seat and you’re all set! With its 23 modes, the Nuna DEMI Grow can adapt to your family’s changing needs.

2. Side-by-side Strollers

In side-by-side strollers, the seats are placed next to each other. Both children have the same view of the world and both seats can be fully reclined for naps. These strollers also tend to be lighter and more compact than tandem models. But their width can make them more cumbersome in tight spaces and some parents dislike the fact that the side-by-side arrangement enables bickering between siblings!

 

The Bugaboo Donkey 2 Duo Stroller takes care of all these potential problems. One of the most versatile double strollers on the market, it easily converts from mono to duo to twin stroller with a few simple clicks. In the duo configuration, you can place a bassinet (or car seat) and a reversible seat side-by-side, and then two seats side-by-side as your children get older. With one seat facing forward and one facing backward in duo mode, you can easily separate squabbling siblings by pulling up their sun canopies and creating two distinct spaces – genius! And because it’s only 5.5 inches wider in duo configuration than in mono, the Donkey2 Duo is easy to maneuver on busy city sidewalks and through narrow doorways.

3. Jogging Strollers

For active mamas, jogging strollers generally have three large wheels resembling bicycle tires instead of the four smaller wheels on traditional strollers. They not only make power walking and running a lot easier for you, they also offer a smoother and more comfortable ride for your baby. But keep in mind that you shouldn’t start running with your baby until they’re at least six months old or they can hold their head up on their own to avoid neck injuries. Once you get the all-clear from your pediatrician, it’ll be happy trails for you and your little one!

The Bumbleride 2018 Indie Twin Stroller is a double stroller like none other. Even though it features four wheels like a traditional stroller, its all-wheel suspension and lightweight frame make it easy to maneuver while walking or jogging over any kind of terrain. You’ll forget you’re even pushing it as you fly down the streets of your neighborhood! And it receives top marks for safety and sustainability too: not only is it Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Class I certified to be free from harmful chemicals, it also features durable fabrics made from 100% recycled PET bottles.