What Is a Double Stroller? | Two Kids, One Ride

Whether you’re expecting twins or have two children close in age, a double stroller solves the math problem of moving two kids with two hands. Parents choose between two main layouts, and the choice shapes everything from how the stroller feels pushing it to whether it fits through your front door. Here’s what defines a double stroller, the styles available, and what they cost.

How Do Double Strollers Carry Two Kids?

There are two core seating layouts, plus a third style that borrows from both. Each changes how the stroller handles and where it fits.

• Side-by-side: The two seats sit next to each other. These are wider than standard strollers, so check door widths and store aisles. They offer each child an equal view forward.
• Tandem (in-line): One seat sits behind the other, making the stroller longer front-to-back but keeping the width close to a single stroller. The rear rider often sits lower with a restricted view.
• Sit-and-stand: A tandem variant where an older child stands on a rear platform while a younger child rides in the seat. The Delta Children Jeep Destination and Joovy Caboose LX are common examples.

These aren’t just cosmetic differences. Side-by-side models are typically wider than single strollers, while tandems are longer.

What Styles of Double Strollers Are Available?

Manufacturers tailor double strollers to specific uses, and the category splits into several distinct types. Treating them all as one group is a common mistake.

• Double travel systems: Accept infant car seats, bassinets, or toddler seats. These are the most versatile for newborn-to-toddler families.
• Double jogging strollers: Built with air-filled tires and suspension for running. Baby Trend’s Side-by-Side Double Jogging Stroller is a budget example.
• Lightweight or umbrella doubles: Folding doubles that sacrifice some feature comfort for portability. Some weigh under 20 pounds.

Compatibility varies by product. Not every double stroller works with every infant car seat or bassinet, so check the model’s specifications rather than assuming a feature is universal.

How Much Does a Double Stroller Cost?

Pricing ranges widely, from budget tandem models to premium side-by-side units. Current retail examples show the spread.

If you’re shopping on a budget and want a tested list of affordable picks, our roundup of the best affordable double strollers breaks down the value options.

FAQs

Are double strollers worth it for two kids?

For parents of twins or two children close in age, a double stroller is usually worth it because it lets one adult move both children at once. It replaces the juggling act of a single stroller plus a baby carrier. For an older child who walks most of the time, a sit-and-stand model may be a better value.

Which is better: side-by-side or tandem?

Side-by-side models give each child an equal forward view and are easier to push with one hand, but they’re wider. Tandem models fit through standard doorways but are longer and the rear seat often has a restricted view. The right choice depends on your door widths and where you plan to use it most.

How long does a double stroller last?

Most double strollers carry children from birth (with an infant car seat or bassinet) through toddlerhood, typically covering three to five years of use. Some models convert to a single stroller when one child outgrows it, extending their useful life further.