Double The Fun: The Best Double Strollers For City Parents

Maybe you're expecting one child, but want to start family planning. Or maybe you have twins on the way. Or maybe this isn't your first rodeo, and you have a toddler plus a bun in the oven. 

In this article:

• Double Strollers: Side by Side vs In Line
• Face Off Our Favorite Double Strollers

However you cut it, you're in the market for a double stroller. But which one to choose? Before you decide, you're going to want to consider a few key  things:

Double Strollers: Side by Side vs In Line

The first thing you want to think about is how you're going to be more comfortable strolling with two. If you are using the stroller for a single child now, try to look toward the future when you have two little ones in tow. 

Side by Side Double Strollers

Strolling side by side means you are a wider load. The options we offer (namely the Bugaboo Donkey) is not too wide (29.5") and will fit through any ADA Compliant doorway. However, you might want to pull out the measuring tape if you  have a prewar building or super small elevator. 

Even though you're taking up a wider space, the side by side configuration does offer some advantages. Namely when going over curbs. It's much easier to pop the curb when you have a side by side set up as the center of gravity is different. With the inline option, especially if the child in front is sitting right on the wheels, it can require a bit of strength to get on and off curbs. 

One other thing to note about side by side strollers: Because the overall width needs to accommodate an ADA compliant door (32"), each seat cannot exceed 16", meaning each seat is relatively narrow. [As mentioned, the Bugaboo Donkey is a slim 29.5" wide]

This is generally not too much of a problem with younger children close in age, but as there is a greater age difference between them, the bigger kid may find themselves too big for the seat. No worries! If that happens, then just reconfigure the stroller to a single and add a buggy board (with a seat) for them to ride along like a "big kid". 

Lastly, with side by side configurations, you have full visibility and access to each child. You can choose whether they face out or face you. The kids are right next to each other however, so if curiosity (or devilishness) strikes, be warned!

Inline Double Strollers

Now let's talk about inline double strollers. When you consider an inline stroller, think about your length instead of your width. 

At the beginning, use the stroller for one. When you expand to two, you're adding a bit of length and weight. So what can you expect out of an inline double? 

It's very easy navigating the sidewalks with your inline. You don't take up too much space and it's a breeze to get into any doorway and navigate around shops. There's never a worry whether you can make it on an elevator or through a door. 

However, as we said, popping curbs is going to take more strength, especially as the child in the front of the stroller gets heavier, as they sit over the front wheels. The longer the frame the more strength you will need. But don't be afraid, it's not that bad!

The flexibility and independence afforded by inline strollers is nice. When they're toddlers side by side, they may get in each other's business. Front-back they have their own seat with no interference.

 

This being said, when you push the stroller you're close up to one of your children, but the other is a bit further away and not as immediately accessible. Generally the further child will be your older one, so it's not that big of a deal. However, with some of the strollers (UppaBaby Vista) there are some limitations of double configuration that you want to know when it comes to newborns. (See our article on Uppa configurations). 

Face Off Our Favorite Double Strollers

Now let's look a little more deeply at some of our favorite options of side by side and inline strollers: namely the Bugaboo Donkey, UppaBaby Vista and Cybex Gazelle. 

Bugaboo Donkey

The Bugaboo Donkey is our favorite for side by side strolling in the city. It is a super high quality ride, giving each child ample space and flexibility. As a single, it's indulgent --- you have an amazing side basket and the ride is divine.

When you're ready to make it a double, you just have to get an additional seat (Duo Extension Complete) flip three tabs and widen out the frame. 29.5" is pretty narrow at the end of the day, in fact as a double, the Donkey is only a little wider than the single Vista. 

The Donkey has a nicely sized underseat basket and an easy fold as well. 

The Stats:

• Width: (Mono) 23.6"   (Duo/Twin) 29"
• Length: 31.5"
• Weight: (Mono) 26.5 lbs   (Duo) 31.5 lbs
• Max Size of Child: 48.5 lbs per seat
• Underseat Basket Capacity: 22 lbs
• Side Basket Capacity: 22 lbs
• Car Seat Compatible: Turtle One, Turtle Air, Nuna Pipa, Pipa Lite, Pipa Lite LX, Maxi Cosi Mico 30, Chicco Keyfit, Chicco Keyfit 30
• Price: (Mono) $1399+ (Duo) $1759+  (Twin) $1889+

UppaBaby Vista

The UppaBaby Vista is the most popular stroller on the city streets these days. This is because it's super large underseat basket with oodles of storage and the fact that it can expand to accommodate two kids (or three with the PiggyBack board). It has great suspension and wheels that make strolling comfy for everyone. 

When you change from a single to a double, you have to purchase an additional seat -- the Rumbleseat -- as well as some adapters. The Upper Adapter will make the upper seat higher giving more room between the children. The Lower Adapter can be purchased to affix the Bassinet to the lower position. Note the bassinet cannot be in the upper position when configured as a double. 

The Vista offers a great balance of quality, practicality and style!

The Stats:

• Length: 36"
• Width: 25.7
• Weight: (Single) 27 lbs (Double) 32.6 lbs
• Max Size of Child: 50 lbs in main seat; 35 lbs in Rumbleseat
• Underseat Basket Capacity: 30 lbs
• Car Seat Compatible: UppaBaby Mesa, Mesa 2, Mesa Max, Maxi Cosi Mico Max 30, Maxi Cosi Mico NXT, Maxi Cosi Mico AP, Maxi Cosi Mico Max Plus, Nuna Pipa Lite, Nuna Pipa Lite LX, Nuna Pipa Lite R, Nuna Pipa RX, Nuna Pipa Lite RX, Nuna Pipa Urbn, Cybex Aton, Cybex Aton 2, Cybex Aton Q, Cybex Aton M, Clek Liing, Chicco Keyfit 35, Chicco Keyfit 30, Chicco Keyfit 30 Zip, Chicco Keyfit 30 Zip Air, Chicco Fit 2, Chicco Fit 2LE, Chicco Fit 2 Air.
• Price: (Single) $999 (Rumbleseat) $220 (Upper Adapter) $30 (Lower Adapter) $30 (Second Bassinet) $200

Cybex Gazelle

The Cybex Gazelle is another inline options for city double strollers. As a single, it features a luxe basket that's at arm's reach.

When you need to make it a double, remove the basket and the primary seat can be adjusted to be closer to you. Then add the second seat or optional bassinet. 

There are gorgeous colors available for the Gazelle - our fave being the Seashell Beige. Add car seats in either position and face children either direction. Note that the lower child, when facing in, has their feet in the underseat basket, so be sure to not store your winter whites in there. 

This is a slightly longer stroller than the Vista but all in all is pretty compact for the city. The wheels are city ready and suspension is top notch!

The Stats:

• Length: 41.3"
• Width: 25.4"
• Weight: (single) 27.7 lbs (double) 35.9 lbs
• Max Size of Child: 6 months to 50 lbs for both seats (must use car seat or bassinet for 0-6 months - purchased separately)
• Basket Capacity: 22 lbs
• Underseat Basket Capacity: 28 lbs
• Car Seat Compatible: Cybex car seats, Maxi Cosi Mico 30, Nuna Pipa car seats
• Price: (single) $799.95 (extra seat) $239.95 (bassinet) $199.95

Buying At Babesta

Whatever double stroller you choose, be sure to shop at Babesta. The prices are always the same (and we price match apples to apples), and we will do more for you! We assemble the stroller and can train  you on it in store! We also hold it til you need it in case you want to order it but aren't quite ready to bring it home. 

If you're in the Lower Manhattan area, we can also deliver to you same-day. If you're under Canal street, this service is free!

Thinking of putting your UppaBaby Vista, Bugaboo Donkey or Cybex Gazelle on your registry? No sweat! Make a Babesta Registry or even add us to your BabyList registry (just log into babylist and then click the "Add to Babylist" button on Babesta's site! It's that easy. 

Before you make your final decision though, we invite you to come on down to try the different options on the NYC streets. It makes a huge difference to pop those curbs, navigate through doors and feel the suspension on city streets. Then one of them is sure to jump out as the winner!

Can't wait to see you in the shop!