Updated November 2026. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links marked "Search Amazon" open search results for the named model; check the model and seller before you buy.
Best Double Strollers: Side-by-Side, Tandem and Convertible Picks
Short answer: for most families with a baby and a toddler, the UPPAbaby Vista V3 with the RumbleSeat V3 is the easiest double, because it starts as a single and converts when the second child arrives. If you want two equal seats side by side (twins, or kids close in age), the Bugaboo Donkey 6 is the premium pick and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double is the all-round choice for parks and pavements. For travel and quick trips, the UPPAbaby G-Link V2 is a light side-by-side umbrella double, and the Graco Ready2Grow LX 2.0 is the value tandem that takes two Graco infant car seats.
Which double stroller for which family
| Your situation | Best type | Our pick |
|---|---|---|
| One child now, a second on the way | Single-to-double (convertible) | UPPAbaby Vista V3 + RumbleSeat V3 |
| Twins, or two kids under 2 | Side-by-side with bassinet or car seat options | Bugaboo Donkey 6 |
| Toddler plus preschooler, parks and rougher paths | Side-by-side, all-terrain wheels | Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double |
| Travel, small car, quick errands | Lightweight side-by-side umbrella | UPPAbaby G-Link V2 |
| Newborn plus toddler on a budget | Tandem that takes two infant car seats | Graco Ready2Grow LX 2.0 |
| You run or hike | Double jogger | See our double jogging stroller guide |
Side-by-side vs tandem vs convertible: which type do you need?
Double strollers come in three main layouts, and choosing the layout first narrows the list fast.
| Type | How the seats sit | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side-by-side | Two seats next to each other | Twins and kids close in age; both get the same view, recline and canopy, so there's less arguing | Width: most are 28 to 31 inches. Measure your front door, lift and favourite shop aisles |
| Tandem (in-line) | One seat in front of the other | Baby plus toddler; fits through any door a single fits through | Long and heavier to steer; the rear rider's view is the front seat |
| Single-to-double (convertible) | A single that adds a second seat, usually below or behind | Families planning a second child; you buy one stroller | The second seat is often lower and smaller; check its weight limit |
| Sit and stand | Front seat plus rear bench or platform | Toddler who likes to hop on and off | Small rear bench; see our sit and stand stroller guide |
Side-by-side doubles are the pick for twins: both children can recline and nap, and you can reach both easily. Most modern side-by-sides are under about 31 inches wide, which fits standard US doorways, but older homes and some shop doors are narrower, so measure first. Tandems are as narrow as a single stroller, which helps in crowds and small shops, but they're longer, so tight turns and kerbs take more effort, and the folded stroller takes more trunk space. Many tandems take two infant car seats, which makes them practical for a newborn plus a young baby.
Safety first: older double strollers on this page
Earlier versions of this page and of our side-by-side and tandem guides recommended models that are now covered by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalls or warnings. We no longer recommend them. If you own one, check the model number:
- Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double and Ultra (model numbers beginning SS76 or SS66): in 2023 the CPSC and Baby Trend warned about an entrapment hazard with the detachable canopy after one death. Remove and store the canopy when not in use.
- Schwinn Turismo and InStep swivel-wheel double joggers: part of a 2016 Pacific Cycle recall because the front wheel can detach.
- Older Maclaren umbrella strollers, including the Twin Triumph: a 2009 CPSC recall for a hinge mechanism that caused fingertip amputations. The CPSC now says the repair remedy is no longer available and that recalled strollers should be destroyed and discarded.
- UPPAbaby RumbleSeat adapters made between September 2014 and July 2019 (RumbleSeat models 0252, 0917 and 0918) were recalled in 2021 for a fall hazard. If your adapters have no yellow tab, stop using them and request free replacements from UPPAbaby. This matters most if you buy a used Vista and RumbleSeat.
Buying second-hand? Search the brand and model on CPSC Recalls before you pay.
Double strollers compared
| Stroller | Type | Width (listed) | Seat limit (listed) | Infant car seat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPPAbaby Vista V3 + RumbleSeat V3 | Single-to-double | Single-stroller width | RumbleSeat V3: 40 lb | UPPAbaby Mesa seats; others with adapters |
| Bugaboo Donkey 6 | Side-by-side convertible | About 23.6 in (single), 29.1 in (double) | 22 kg (48.5 lb) per seat | With Donkey adapters |
| Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double | Side-by-side, all-terrain | About 30 to 31 in | See manual | Single car seat with adapter |
| UPPAbaby G-Link V2 | Side-by-side umbrella | About 28.5 in | 3 months to 55 lb per seat | No |
| Graco Ready2Grow LX 2.0 | Tandem with bench and platform | Single-stroller width | See manual | Up to two Graco infant seats |
Widths and limits come from maker and retailer listings and can change between versions; confirm them in the manual for the exact model you buy.
1. UPPAbaby Vista V3 with RumbleSeat V3: best single-to-double
The Vista V3 is a full-size single stroller that becomes a double when you add the RumbleSeat V3, so you don't need a second stroller when the new baby arrives. The RumbleSeat V3 faces forward or toward you and has an adjustable footrest; UPPAbaby lists it for children up to 40 pounds. With a bassinet or infant car seat in one position and the toddler seat in the other, it handles a newborn plus a toddler. Because it stays the width of a single, it gets through doors and store aisles that side-by-sides can't.
- Why parents like it: one stroller from birth through two kids; big basket; smooth ride; easy to sell on later.
- Watch out: it's heavy and expensive, the RumbleSeat is sold separately, and in double mode the lower seat sits close to the basket, which cuts storage. The RumbleSeat V3 fits Vista 2015 and later.
Search Amazon for the UPPAbaby Vista V3 · Search Amazon for the RumbleSeat V3
More convertible options: our single-to-double stroller guide.
2. Bugaboo Donkey 6: best side-by-side for twins
The Donkey is a side-by-side that changes width: it's about 60 cm (23.6 in) wide as a single and widens to about 74 cm (29.1 in) as a double, which still fits most standard doorways. It comes in single, double (two seats, or a seat plus bassinet) and twin (two bassinets) versions, so twins can lie flat from birth. Retailers list each seat at up to 22 kg (48.5 lb), and the under-seat basket is one of the biggest you'll find. The Donkey 6 replaced the Donkey 5, which you'll still see second-hand.
- Why parents like it: twin-ready from birth; equal seats; converts back to a single with a side basket when one child stops riding.
- Watch out: it's one of the most expensive doubles, and it's heavy. Car seats need Donkey adapters.
Search Amazon for the Bugaboo Donkey 6
3. Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double: best all-round side-by-side
The City Mini GT2 Double is a side-by-side that folds with one hand using a strap in the seat, and its forever-air rubber tires handle gravel paths, grass and broken pavements better than plastic wheels. Retailers list it at roughly 30 to 31 inches wide. Each seat reclines on its own and has its own canopy, so one child can nap while the other sits up. It takes one infant car seat with an adapter, which suits a toddler plus a younger baby.
- Why parents like it: quick fold, comfortable ride on rough ground, good value for a full-feature side-by-side.
- Watch out: the folded stroller is wide and fairly heavy, and the basket is split between the seats. Check the per-seat limit in the manual.
Search Amazon for the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double
4. UPPAbaby G-Link V2: best lightweight side-by-side
When you want two seats without the bulk, a double umbrella stroller is the answer. The G-Link V2 weighs about 22 pounds, is about 28.5 inches wide, and folds into a long, narrow package that fits small trunks and airline gate check. Retailers list each seat from 3 months to 55 pounds, with independent three-position reclines and extendable UPF 50+ canopies.
- Why parents like it: light, narrow, quick to fold; good second stroller for travel.
- Watch out: small wheels and no infant car seat option, so it's for babies who can sit up, not newborns. The basket is small.
Search Amazon for the UPPAbaby G-Link V2
More light options in our umbrella stroller guide, including double umbrella strollers.
5. Graco Ready2Grow LX 2.0: best value tandem
The Ready2Grow LX 2.0 is a tandem with two seats, a rear bench and a standing platform, so it works as a full double, as a sit and stand, or with two Graco infant car seats for a newborn plus a young baby. Graco says the seats are for children who have head and neck control and can sit up unassisted; before that, use the car seat. It's the width of a single, folds into one package that stands on its own, and costs much less than the premium doubles above.
- Why parents like it: it grows with the family; big basket; one of the few doubles that takes two infant car seats.
- Watch out: long and fairly heavy (around 32 pounds in reviews), and it only takes Graco infant seats. Measure your trunk.
Search Amazon for the Graco Ready2Grow LX 2.0
Best double stroller for twins
Twins need two seats that recline flat or take two car seats or bassinets from birth. That points to a side-by-side such as the Bugaboo Donkey 6 Twin (two bassinets), or a tandem that takes two infant car seats, such as the Graco Ready2Grow LX 2.0. Umbrella doubles like the G-Link V2 are for later, once both babies sit up. For more twin gear, see our most useful items for twins.
Best double stroller for an infant and a toddler
With a newborn and a toddler, you want a lie-flat or car seat position for the baby and an upright seat for the toddler. A single-to-double (Vista V3 + RumbleSeat V3) or a tandem that takes an infant car seat (Graco Ready2Grow LX 2.0) works well. If the toddler mostly walks, a sit and stand stroller or a ride-on board on your single stroller may be enough.
How to choose a double stroller
- Your children's ages. Newborns need a fully reclined seat, bassinet or compatible infant car seat. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that sitting devices aren't a safe place for routine sleep, so move a sleeping baby to a firm, flat surface when you can.
- Width or length. Side-by-sides are wide; tandems are long. Measure your doors, lift, hallway and car trunk before you buy.
- Weight and fold. Doubles often weigh 25 to 40 pounds or more. If you lift it into a car every day, try the fold and lift in a store if you can.
- Seat limits. Check each seat's weight and height limit, especially the second or rear seat on convertibles and tandems.
- Car seat fit. Check whether your infant car seat clicks in, and whether you need an adapter. Our infant car seat guide covers the main seats.
- Wheels and terrain. Rubber or air-filled tires ride better on grass and gravel; small plastic wheels are fine for malls and city pavements. For running, choose a dedicated double jogger with a locking front wheel.
- Canopies, recline and storage. Separate canopies and reclines let one child nap while the other looks around. A big basket matters more with two kids' gear.
- Brakes. A single foot brake that locks both rear wheels is easiest with a heavy, loaded stroller.
Using a double stroller safely
- Use the full harness on both children every time, and set the parking brake whenever you stop or a child climbs in or out.
- Don't hang bags on the handlebar: extra weight up high can tip a double backwards, especially when one child gets out.
- Keep fingers clear of hinges and folding joints when you open or fold the stroller.
- Stay within the maker's weight limits for each seat and the basket.
- Register the stroller with the maker so you hear about recalls.
Strollers sold in the U.S. must meet the federal safety standard for carriages and strollers (16 CFR part 1227). Wondering how long you'll need it? See when should your child stop using a stroller.
FAQ
What is the best double stroller?
For a baby plus a toddler, the UPPAbaby Vista V3 with the RumbleSeat V3, because it starts as a single and converts to a double. For twins, the Bugaboo Donkey 6. For a lighter all-rounder, the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double, and for travel, the UPPAbaby G-Link V2.
Is a side-by-side or tandem stroller better?
A side-by-side gives both children the same seat and view and suits twins, but it's wide. A tandem is as narrow as a single and often takes two infant car seats, but it's longer and harder to turn. Choose by your doorways and how you'll use it.
Will a side-by-side double stroller fit through a door?
Most modern side-by-sides are about 28 to 31 inches wide, which fits standard US doorways. Older houses, lifts and some shop doors are narrower, so measure first.
What is the best double stroller for twins?
One that takes two bassinets or two infant car seats from birth, such as the Bugaboo Donkey 6 Twin, or a tandem that takes two infant car seats, such as the Graco Ready2Grow LX 2.0.
Can you use a double stroller from birth?
Yes, if it has a fully reclining seat, a bassinet or a compatible infant car seat for the baby. Many umbrella doubles start at about 3 months, once a baby has more head control.
Can you jog with a double stroller?
Only with one built for running, with a locking front wheel, hand brake and wrist strap. Regular doubles aren't designed for it. See our double jogging stroller guide.
Sources
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, CPSC and Baby Trend warn consumers about entrapment hazard with Sit N' Stand canopy (2023)
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Pacific Cycle recalls swivel-wheel jogging strollers (2016)
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Maclaren USA recalls to repair strollers following fingertip amputations (2009)
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, UPPAbaby recalls adapters included with RumbleSeats (2021)
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls (searched November 2026; no open recalls found for the current UPPAbaby Vista V3, RumbleSeat V3 or G-Link V2, Bugaboo Donkey 6, Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double or Graco Ready2Grow LX 2.0)
- American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org), A parent's guide to safe sleep
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 16 CFR part 1227, Safety Standard for Carriages and Strollers
- Product details from manufacturer and retailer listings (UPPAbaby, Bugaboo, Baby Jogger, Graco), checked November 12, 2026. Specs can change; check the listing and manual before you buy.
