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When you have two young children under your supervision, a double stroller is essential to get them around town, between playdates, and to appointments. Some parents will like those designs that see children sat one behind the other, but this doesn’t always seem fair to me. Side-by-side strollers should mean equality in comfort and visibility for both children. But, I understand that some parents are easily put off by the width and fears that they are difficult to handle.
Among the various types of double strollers, side-by-side strollers are popular and the best double strollers. Below are 10 of the best double strollers that I would recommend. While none of them are completely perfect, they do a good job of highlighting what brands can achieve in a good design. I am sure that you can find something that suits your needs.
What To Look Out For When Choosing The Best Side By Side Double Stroller For Your Growing Family.
The dimensions.
It may seem a bit boring to talk about these facts and figures first but they are important. What is the width of the stroller and is it too wide for most door frames? How tall are the backrests on the seats for older children? What is the weight allowance of two kids combined? Don’t get caught out by something that is too compact.
Independent features.
Some strollers force kids to share the trays, canopies and storage features while sat in two halves of the same seat. Then others provide two very separate seats. This way you can adjust footrests, canopies, and backrests completely independently for individual comfort.
The steering.
This is always a concern with this sort of wider stroller. Is it easy to steer around corners or too cumbersome to be of much use? Look at the specification to learn more about the size of the wheels, their swivel and the ergonomics of the adjustable handlebar. At the same time, check for any wheel suspension systems to help you on rougher surfaces. User reviews are also a great place to learn more about the steering.
The storage features.
Most stroller brands appreciate that parents need plenty of storage for everything they need. Yet, they often go about providing it in very different ways. Under-seat storage is pretty standard but the capacity can vary. Built-in cup holders and phone holders are nice if they are the right size. Pouches on the sides can minimize the weight of the side stroller but need to be accessible.
Do you want a tray or a bar in front of your child?
This is something that I will discuss more when comparing the products below. Some have child and parent trays to help you stay organized and give kids something to rest on. Others will use a padded bar while some have nothing at all. Which would you prefer?
The cost.
Obviously, the best specification in the world is no good if the product isn’t within your budget. You need to be sure that you can find something that offers value. Don’t overspend on something that isn’t going to last or that has short-term value. Don’t spend too little on something cheap that you might have to replace. Find what works in your price range. As you will see from the products below, there are choices across at different ends of the scale.
10 Best Side By Side Double Strollers 2021
1: Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Double Stroller
What I love about this Kolcraft Cloud is that it really does feel like two separate strollers fused together. Your children will be side by side but they don’t have to share anything. Let’s be honest, there are plenty of days when it is so much easier to have some form of barrier between them. There is an impressive amount of attention to detail in this approach with the two canopies, the two separate child’s trays and the two storage baskets.
I also love the fact that there is a designated juice box holder rather than a cup holder. Cup holders are usually a bit of a one-size-fits-all approach for holding whatever might fit. Here we have a brand that really seems to think about what a child might actually need. This stroller is a little wider than some at 31 inches but it doesn’t seem to be too difficult to maneuver around.
However, there is a flaw here that I know is common with these double strollers: it doesn’t collapse down that easily despite the promise of an “easy” standing fold. My advice here is to assume that these strollers are going to be a pain to store and then you can be pleasantly surprised if you find one that is. There are also some comments about the wheels popping off after a while so longevity could also be an issue.
[i2pc][i2pros]The independent features for both children
Little details like the juice box holder
Not too difficult to use[/i2pros][i2cons]Some problems collapsing it down for transportation
Wheels popping off after a while [/i2cons][/i2pc]
2: Joovy Scooter X2 Double Stroller
The next product is the complete opposite of the one above because this time your kids will have to share. There is one canopy, one bar, one large storage basket and it is up to you if you think this makes life easier or not. There are definitely plenty of positive reviews about the features and design.
Key benefits here include the one-handed folding system, the large wheels for extra sturdiness, and the average width of 30 inches. This shouldn’t be too difficult to handle. I also like that the company was still able to include an independent recline function so your kids can rest or sit up as they need to.
One issue I want to point out here lies with the cup and phone holders. They are too small. One parent likens the cup holder to a water bottle holder and says that it isn’t great for their insulated coffee mug. This doesn’t bode well for those of us trying to do our bit for the planet with our oversized reusable cups.
[i2pc][i2pros]A more compact design
Easy to get kids in and out
Independent reclining backrest for added comfort[/i2pros][i2cons]The size of the cup and phone holders
Not as adaptable as the product above[/i2cons][/i2pc]
3: Baby Jogger City Mini Double Stroller
Next, I want to highlight a product that is still on the must-have wish lists of parents, despite being a 2016 model. I can see why this so appealing if you have two young kids. As with my first choice in this guide, there is attention to detail with the window on the canopy, the quick-fold system, and the use of front wheel suspension.
I also like the fact that kids can get pretty comfortable here thanks to the “near lat” recline of 150 degrees. This is one of the flattest out there and should be helpful when one child needs a good nap. Another bonus here is the choice of colors, as many of these double strollers are pretty bland. If that “slimming” all-black look bores you then you can get something brighter with reds, blues, and more.
The downside here is the cost. This is the most expensive here and is considerably more so than some of the more basic choices. It doesn’t help that they sell any cup holders and trays that we might want separately. It is up to you whether you think there is still enough value for money here.
[i2pc][i2pros]A nice design on the canopy
The angle of the reclining backrest
Some really nice colors other than black.[/i2pros][i2cons]A high starting price compared to other strollers
Extra costs for extra features[/i2cons][/i2pc]
4: Baby Trend Lightweight Double Stroller
The cost of the Baby Jogger City above means that I want to talk about this model next. This Baby Trend stroller is a much cheaper option with a cute design. There are some nice features here that should make this a user-friendly choice. This includes the free-standing fold, the individual baskets under the seats, individual canopies, and light aluminum frame. This all shows that you don’t have to break your budget to get something with a decent specification.
There is a sense of familiarity and simplicity to this stroller that will appeal to parents that don’t want to get something too complicated. New parents shouldn’t feel too overwhelmed here because of the size and standard features.
Yet, a low price tag does mean some cut corners in the build and specification. For example, it concerns me to see so many parents talking about the wobbling wheels and lack of suspension. This may become noticeable if you get onto uneven surfaces and can make parents a little too cautious to take the stroller out all the time.
[i2pc][i2pros]A simple, accessible design for new parents
Some nice individual features where it counts
A decent amount of storage[/i2pros][i2cons]Some issues with the front wheel wobbling
There isn’t any suspension system [/i2cons][/i2pc]
5: Baby Trend Expedition Double Jogger
As BabyTrend is such a popular brand, why don’t we look at another option in a different style? I like this as a bit of a “wildcard” choice for this guide because it is a side-by-side jogger. It can be difficult to find joggers in doubles that are stable. While the build and motion impress the majority of users, there are a few comments about some wobbles with the front wheel.
However, there is a lot of love here for the construction and weight allowance. I like that it doesn’t compromise on jogger features as it still has the three-wheel system, a rear brake, and the quick-release wheels that we would expect from this sort of stroller. There is also the benefit of the strong harness on the reclining seat.
Still, I can’t help but notice from the photos of this stroller that the canopy is much smaller. There isn’t the depth and doesn’t appear to be the same amount of adjustment to help kids when the sun gets too hot or bright.
[i2pc][i2pros]The features of the jogger system
A nice comfort system with the harness and recliner
Pretty well made[/i2pros][i2cons]Some wobbles with the front wheel again
A much smaller canopy than some extendable models[/i2cons][/i2pc]
6: Infans Double Stroller
If you worry about finding a stroller that is stable and don’t think that a jogger is for you, why not try something that has the tag of being “scientific”. This idea of a scientific design for ease of use intrigued me and can see why this is such a popular idea. The concept is that the designers took another look at the ergonomics and steering to make sure that you get the best response possible.
Most of the comments are positive which suggests to me that they are on to something. It also helps that they were able to create a comfortable design as “scientific” sounds a little clinical to me. There are reclining seats with adjustable rails and a nice canopy. I especially like the use of the mesh on the back as this is something that we don’t often see. It can make a difference in hotter months.
Aside from comments about the size of the basket underneath – which really is the norm from at least a handful of busy parents – the biggest issue is the folding mechanism. This product should fold down flat for storage but some users struggle to get this to work.
[i2pc][i2pros]The scientific approach to the design
The comfort on offer
Plenty of adjustable features[/i2pros][i2cons] The storage underneath the seat could be better
Some struggle with the folding mechanism [/i2cons][/i2pc]
7: Jeep Destination Ultralight Side x Side Double Stroller
One thing that you need to consider with these strollers is whether you want a tray, bar, or nothing at all. Personally, I like the security and support of some sort of barrier in front of my kid. A soft rail can bring peace of mind. But, I understand that others will see them as a hassle.
The great thing about this model is the bar in front of the seat actually swings out so you can get your child in and out more easily. There are plenty of adjustable features here to help you use it with greater ease, including the canopy and the footrests. I also like the fact that that they have done all this will cutting half an inch off the width. It might not sound like much but it means less of a squeeze through some doorways. Another plus point here is the use of the reflective pads on the sides, just in case you take a later walk and want to be more visible.
Unfortunately, parents have had to deal with some issues with the durability of this item. The foam on the soft bar and the rubber on the wheels can break down over time. Eventually, this will have a negative impact on comfort and safety.
[i2pc][i2pros]The swing-out bar for ease of access
The adjustable features for user comfort
The reflective pads on the side for visibility[/i2pros][i2cons]The deterioration of the foam on the bar
The deterioration of the rubber on the tires [/i2cons][/i2pc]
8: Britax B-Lively Double Stroller
If you worry about bars and trays becoming a security issue or just getting in the way during your day, this next option could be a better fit. This has infant car seat compatibility with an independent reclining motion on each seat, a 50lb weight limit per seat and a deep canopy. There is also a standing fold system but be aware that this model is also a little wider than average at 31.5 inches.
One of the big selling points here is the focus on making this as lightweight as possible. On the positive side, this means a light aluminum frame and clever use of storage pockets around the chair instead of those heavier trays.
The downside is that the material on the storage basket under the toddler seat is flimsy. While this should be an extra-large storage system, it can’t hold much child weight. Some parents notice that aluminum is more prone to scratches than other materials used in the past.
[i2pc][i2pros]A nice reclining seat for comfort
Plenty of storage pockets around the stroller
Lightweight and easy to carry[/i2pros][i2cons] Not the best storage underneath
The aluminum is prone to damage [/i2cons][/i2pc]
9: Summer 3Dpac CS+ Double Stroller
The next model is one that I feel may get a little bit overlooked because of its average specification. It comes across as quite the box ticker when you start laying out the features in the specification. In terms of comfort, you can a reclining seat with a decent amount of padding and some leg rests. For convenience, you get the one-handed folding system, the window on the canopy and the storage pockets.
But, I can’t help but feel that it’s a jack of all trades and master of none compared to other products here. There is no wow factor or USP that you see with other products – like the jogger, the “scientific” design, or some of the more adaptable strollers. There are a few limitations in the design that can put parents off, such as the design of the cup holder and the fact you can only use one car seat at a time.
The appeal here depends on whether you are after a top-of-the-line model or something that is a little more accessible and dependable. It is difficult to rave about this but hard to criticize it too much either.
[i2pc][i2pros]Most kids should get comfortable here
It is car set compatible to a point
The same great canopy design we’ve come to expect[/i2pros][i2cons]A lack of special features
Some questionable choices with the design [/i2cons][/i2pc]
10: The Twin+ (Zoe XL2)
Finally, we have this aptly named Twin. For the most part, it does everything that I would want a stroller to do. The canopy design mirrors that of some of the better models in this guide with the extendable elements and the viewing window at the back. There is lightweight that makes it easy to carry around. There is also a nice amount of storage available across the stroller and you can choose your preferred color again.
Unfortunately, this all falls a little flat for some parents when they notice the flaw with the capacity. Why ensure that your stroller can hold children up to 50 pounds each if you don’t create a backrest tall enough for toddlers? The result is a product that kids can grow out of much sooner than expected. There have also been some steering issues that you might want to watch out for when testing this out for the first time.
[i2pc][i2pros]The lightweight design
The storage options across the stroller
The color choices[/i2pros][i2cons]The short backrest for taller children
A short-term solution for some families. [/i2cons][/i2pc]
Choosing The Best Side-By-Side Double Strollers For Your Family.
The reviews I have provided here show that there are some common flaws and benefits when turning to this sort of baby stroller for twins. Expect to compromise on maneuverability and any easy-fold systems for something that provides more comfort and adjustments for your kids. You can find some well-made products with lots of helpful components and independent comfort features. Compare your options carefully, look at the parent feedback in the testimonials and find what is best for you.
