Thursday, February 25, 2016

The Best Side-by-Side Strollers

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Based on 10,529 analyzed reviews

Table of contents

NerdWallet Shopping’s scoring of the best side-by-side strollers is based on our analysis of the opinions of experts and shoppers like you.

Choosing a stroller takes careful thought and consideration — after all, your baby’s safety while you’re out and about is important. We researched some of the most popular models on the market to help you decide.

To narrow down the field, we looked at expert opinions from review sites such as The Sweethome, CNET and Good Housekeeping. We then analyzed user reviews to get their opinions on each stroller’s best and worst attributes.

We recognize that consumers look for different qualities in strollers, so we scored these user observations based on a handful of features, including ease of use, weight, safety, accessories and more.

Our analysis

Our final stroller scores run from a low of 1 to a high of 10. Here’s how we came up with the numbers:

Overall score: This score shows reviewers’ overall satisfaction level with the stroller as a whole across 13 criteria, including ease of use, maneuverability, accessories and durability.

Functionality: This score reflects reviewers’ satisfaction with the stroller’s level of functionality, in particular how it relates to the baby. Categories that factor into this score include: comfort, safety features and noise level.

Ease of use: This score indicates reviewers’ satisfaction with how easy it is to use the stroller. Categories that factor into this score include: ability to fold the stroller, the stroller’s weight and its maneuverability.

These strollers are our top picks, ranked in order.

The strollers


1. Joovy Scooter X2

Equipped with a huge canopy and extra large storage basket, the Joovy ScooterX2 Double provides plenty of room for two little ones. Its comfortable ride and easily foldable design are also a plus.

Overall score Functionality Ease of use
8.7 9.3 7.9

Buyers Like

  • Comfortable ride for kids
  • Large basket with ample storage

Buyers Dislike

  • Can be noisy
  • Relatively heavy

2. Britax B-Agile Double

The Britax B-Agile Double combines ease of use with peace of mind, thanks to its maneuverable design and safety features (five-point harness, lockable front swivel wheels, linked parking brake and large canopies).

Overall score Functionality Ease of use
8.6 9.1 8.5

Buyers Like

  • Durable
  • Smooth ride
  • Five-point harness enhances safety

Buyers Dislike

  • No cup holders included
  • May need separate adapter to fit some car seats

3. Delta Children LX Side by Side Tandem Stroller

Toting two children doesn’t have to be a chore with the Delta Children LX Side by Side. This double stroller boasts a lightweight design and a compact umbrella fold, making storage simple and hassle-free.

Overall score Functionality Ease of use
8.4 6.3 8.8

Buyers Like

  • Easy to fold
  • Compact

Buyers Dislike

  • Sun shades are relatively small
  • Can be difficult for taller users to push

4. Baby Jogger City Mini – Double

The Baby Jogger City Mini Double keeps comfort paramount with its padded, reclining seats and adjustable sun canopies. And while the kids are resting easy, parents will too, thanks to the stroller’s agile design.

Overall score Functionality Ease of use
8.3 9.7 8.6

Buyers Like

  • Comfortable reclining seats
  • Easy to steer and maneuver

Buyers Dislike

  • Storage basket is fairly small
  • Many accessories (including cup holder and parent tray) must be purchased separately

5. BOB Revolution Flex Duallie

Ideal for fitness and adventures alike, the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie promises to be geared up for “wherever the road takes you.” Users appreciate its sturdy construction and smooth maneuverability.

Overall score Functionality Ease of use
7.9 8.8 7.2

Buyers Like

  • Sturdy construction and smooth ride
  • Easy to maneuver

Buyers Dislike

  • Bulky and heavy design
  • Many accessories (including snack tray) have to be purchased separately

6. BOB Revolution SE Duallie

Marketed as a stroller for everyday use, the BOB Revolution SE Duallie provides users with the trustworthiness of a strong suspension system and the convenience of an easy-to-turn design.

Overall score Functionality Ease of use
7.6 9.1 7.0

Buyers Like

  • Smooth ride and sturdy construction
  • Strong suspension system
  • Easy to turn

Buyers Dislike

  • Relatively heavy
  • Storage basket is difficult to access

Best side-by-side strollers buying guide

If you have two little ones in your life, you’ll likely want a double stroller that can tote all of your precious cargo at once. But before you buy a side-by-side stroller, you need to know what to look for to ensure the right fit for your family. Consider these features in a stroller built for two.

Safety
Safety is a top concern for every parent, whether it means protecting your little ones from the sun (shade canopies) or keeping them strapped in tight (five-point harness). Look for safety features in your future side-by-side stroller.

Compatibility
Pay attention to stroller compatibility, especially if you’ll be strapping car seats into your side-by-side. Some strollers fit only certain brands of car seats, while others require that users purchase a separate adapter to fit select brands.

Weight
Whether you plan on using your stroller only for trips to the store or bringing it along on jogs around the neighborhood, the weight of the product will play a role in your purchase decision. Take a look at how much the stroller weighs. You may want to avoid bulky designs, especially if you’ll be using it regularly.

Design
Many side-by-side strollers look the same, but they’re not all built the same. Pay attention to design-oriented features, such as wheels, size and storage capability. Look for a reliable suspension system for a smooth, consistent ride. If easy storage is important to you, look for a one-hand fold.

Accessories
We’ve found that some parents end up disappointed when they discover the stroller they purchased comes with no frills and they have to purchase accessories, such as cup holders, car seat adapters and snack trays separately. If you settle on a model that doesn’t come with accessories, be sure to price the add-ons, which will raise the overall cost of your stroller.

Storage
Storage baskets are usually considered a stroller accessory, but storage is such an important part of side-by-sides that you’ll want to consider it carefully. Whether it’s trays or baskets, find out what storage is included as part of your purchase and how large it is. With two little ones, you’ll likely be carrying many supplies.


Compare other popular strollers here:

 
For more stroller buying advice, check out:

 
Courtney Jespersen is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: courtney@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @courtneynerd.


Top image via iStock.

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