The essential double stroller guide for new parents
If you have two kids (or one on the way), a double stroller is a must-have for all the adventures you get into as a family. But finding the perfect stroller for two can feel overwhelming with so many options to choose from. This guide will walk you through what matters most while picking the right double stroller for your family. Let's get started.
Factors to consider when shopping for a double stroller
Side-by-side or tandem
In a side-by-side stroller, like the Bugaboo Donkey 5, your children sit next to each other, making it easy to interact, bond, and share the view. Tandem strollers, like the Bugaboo Kangaroo, seat one child in front of the other and are as narrow as a single stroller. Both styles can adapt to fit one, two, or even three children, making them ideal for growing families.
Your children's ages
Are you shopping for twins, or do you have kids of different ages? Twin strollers (such as the Bugaboo Donkey 5 Twin) often have matching seats or bassinets, so your twins can ride together comfortably from birth.
Meanwhile, double strollers for kids with an age gap include a bassinet for your baby and a second seat for your toddler. Bugaboo double strollers can seamlessly converted from a single to a double stroller and vice versa, with more than 20 different configurations to combine the seat, the bassinet, and the car seat (if you have one). This gives you total flexibility to switch it up depending on the age of your children and whether you’re going out with one or two of them. Our strollers can carry babies from birth until they reach 22 kg (50 lbs) — about 4 years old.
What you use it for
Think about your lifestyle and daily activities. Will you mainly use the stroller to take your two children for city walks, or off-road adventures? If your double stroller is purely for city strolling, pay attention to its size and weight as you might need to navigate crowded sidewalks or public transport. Or, if you're often taking the family to explore the outdoors, then prioritize durable wheels and good suspension to keep the bumping to a minimum.
Reversible seats
Do you want the seats to face you, face the path ahead, or even each other? Some double strollers, including the Bugaboo Donkey 5 Duo, let you adjust each seat independently to suit your kids’ moods or ages. Higher seat and bassinet positions can also help you keep an eye on them as they bond.
Available storage
A stroller with plenty of storage space is a lifesaver for carrying diapers and snacks for two. Most double strollers come with underseat storage or optional organizers that attach to the handlebars. Some models provide even more space when you're out with only one child. For example, the Bugaboo Donkey 5 in Mono mode lets you attach a side luggage basket next to the seat, giving you up to 20 kg (44 lbs) of total storage capacity.
Ease of transport and folding
Look for one that folds easily and is simple to transport. If you go on a lot of road trips, check your stroller's folded dimensions and make sure it fits in your car trunk. Bugaboo double strollers typically have two folding options: a compact fold for small spaces and a self-standing fold for convenience, making them suitable for most trunks.
Stroller width
Side-by-side double strollers are wider than single ones, but some models are smaller than you might think. The Bugaboo Donkey 5 in Duo or Twin mode is only 14 cm (5.5 inches) wider than a single stroller, and designed to comfortably fit through standard doorways and elevators. However, if you want to whip in and out of important doorways without folding and unfolding, measure your entrances and compare them with the stroller's width — it's better to be safe than sorry.
If you're really tight on space, consider a tandem (or in-line) option, since its slim width means you can easily maneuver through narrow hallways even when carrying multiple children.
Materials and durability
The best double stroller should last until your youngest child no longer needs it. Look for high-quality and durable materials that are easy to care for. Puncture-proof wheels and machine-washable fabric will save you a lot of headaches in the long run. Also, choose a stroller that has been rigorously tested against industry safety and quality standards.
For example, Bugaboo strollers are tested to exceed industry standards and can handle over 7,000 km (4,349 miles) with minimal wear. Their modular design makes it simple to repair or replace parts if needed. Plus, strollers purchased directly from Bugaboo.com or registered online come with a 4-year warranty, ensuring they stay in excellent condition for years — even after your child has outgrown them.
Maneuverability
You’ll often have your hands full, so pick a stroller that steers smoothly even with one hand. Here's a tip: side-by-side strollers with one long handlebar (like our Bugaboo Donkey 5) are easier to manage than two separate handlebars (one left and one right). Take your prospective stroller for a test drive in-store if possible, as it will give you a real-time feel of how manageable it is.
Extras and accessories
Accessories can make all the difference. Make your life easier with parent add-ons like cup holders and snack trays. Keep your baby well-protected with weather essentials like rain covers and sun canopies for the summer, or footmuffs for colder weather.
One must-have is a wheeled board, which lets an older third sibling sit or stand while riding along. Some strollers require an extra adapter for this connection, so make sure to check before you buy. Both the Bugaboo Donkey 5 and the Bugaboo Kangaroo come with built-in attachment points, so no extra adapters are needed.
Double strollers, double the fun
Finding the right double stroller can feel tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. Think about factors such as your kids’ ages, how you’ll use it, and your family's storage needs. Choose a durable, easy-to-transport model, and accessorize it with a wheeled board — you’ll be ready for stress-free outings with one, two, or even three kids in no time.