Complete Buyer’s Guide for the Best Side by Side Double Stroller in 2023

One of the best innovations in baby gear is double strollers. For families who have twins or siblings, double strollers make it possible to go on trips safely and conveniently. And one of the most popular types of double strollers is the side by side kind.

Compared to an inline stroller, you’re not limiting the space on one kid with a side by side stroller. You can individually adjust each seat and canopy, so both kids feel comfortable throughout the ride. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about kids fighting for the more comfortable position as they would in an inline double stroller.

To help you find the side by side unit that matches your family’s needs, we have reviewed the best side by side double strollers in the market below. You can also check out our buyer’s guide to know more about the factors to consider when choosing your ideal stroller.

So what are you waiting for? Scroll down below, and let us save you the time and trouble in buying a side by side double stroller.

Best Side by Side Double Stroller Comparison Table

Model	Weight	Size	Capacity	Price
Baby Jogger City Mini GT2	36.5 lbs	40.70 x 29.25 x 42.25 in	130 lbs	Check Price
Britax B-Lively Double	29 lbs	40.75 x 31.50 x 41.40 in	100 lbs	Check Price
The Twin+ (Zoe XL2)	19 lbs	33.00 x 29.00 x 40.25 in	100 lbs	Check Price
Joovy Twin Groove Ultralight	26 lbs	32.25 x 30.00 x 42.75 in	100 lbs	Check Price
Joovy Scooter X2	32 lbs	32.50 x 30.00 x 41.80 in	90 lbs	Check Price
Baby Trend Navigator Double	43 lbs	46.00 x 32.50 x 43.00 in	100 lbs	Check Price
Baby Trend Expedition Double	25 lbs	49.00 x 21.50 x 43.00 in	100 lbs	Check Price
Kolcraft Cloud Plus	22.6 lbs	36.00 x 31.00 x 38.00 in	80 lbs	Check Price

Read also: Best Lightweight Double Stroller for Travel and for Walking

Best Side by Side Double Stroller Reviews

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 – Editor’s Choice

The first stroller on our list is our top favorite, and it is the City Mini GT2 from Baby Jogger. It comes in jet, ember, mystic, slate, and windsor, so you can choose the design that matches your children’s personality.

What We Love

Adjustable Handlebar

The main aspect that we love in the City Mini GT2 is the fact that it’s a joy to maneuver. Let’s start first with the handlebar itself. The stroller allows you to adjust the handle height, which will give whoever is pushing the stroller a more personalized pushing experience. Remember that having a comfortable handle height is important in terms of long-term comfort, especially when pushing two kids at once.

All-Wheel Suspension

We also like that the brand has suspension on all four wheels to minimize the bounciness. Pushing two kids at once can be difficult, especially when controlling the stroller. However, having an all-wheel suspension will provide you better handling. And as for the tires, they are made of quality rubber. We think this lessens the fear of getting them punctured while you’re using the stroller.

Hand Brakes

Another maneuverability feature that parents usually check is the brakes of the stroller. It’s important that they are easy to engage for the safety of the stroller. And with the City Mini GT2, you can just quickly click the parking brake with your hand.

This is not only advantageous for you in terms of safety, but it’ll also be more comfortable for you if you are wearing sandals. Some strollers can hurt your toes when engaging the brake pedal, and having hand brakes removes that annoying experience.

Adjustable Recline and Leg Rests

If you check our comparison table, this model has the highest weight capacity of 130 pounds. This gives you a longer period of using this stroller for your kids compared to those that are under 100. Each seat also has generous canopies to provide them shade. Their peek-a-boo windows even utilize magnets as opposed to Velcro, so you don’t wake your child up when checking on them.

The seats themselves are also comfortable and allow a recline adjustment close to a full horizontal. And to provide maximum comfort, simply adjust the padded leg rests to get the best sitting angle for your kids. But what if you have an infant?

Turn it into a Bassinet, Travel System, or Sit and Stand

You can install a bassinet from the brand to safely accommodate much younger babies. You can also use the adapters if you want to turn it into a travel system and add an infant car seat instead. Oh, and did we mention that the City Mini GT2 is also compatible with the brand’s glider board? You can turn this model into a sit and stand stroller if you have an older child.

One-Step Fold

When it comes to pack-up, you don’t need to take a lot of time folding the GT2. Just pull the dedicated strap, and the stroller will fold compact for you. You can even get it flatter by popping the wheels if you want to reduce its size more.

The Shortcoming

What about the storage? Unfortunately, the stroller’s basket is the stroller’s one feature that we are not impressed with. It is quite small compared to the other models in this list, and it’s also hard to access because of the metal bar in the stroller’s frame. Still, the brand does offer a parent tray and a snack tray if you want to reach other items better.

Britax B-Lively Double – Best Side by Side Double Stroller for Infant and Toddler

The next stroller on our list comes from the well-known brand, Britax. This is the B-Lively Double, and it’s our recommendation if you have an infant and a toddler. It comes in cardinal, cool flow teal, dove, and raven, which we think are fantastic colors to choose from.

What We Love

Newborn to 6 Years Old

However, the reason why this is our pick for families with an infant and a toddler is that it can accommodate kids up to 6 years old, while also being safe for infants. And if you have a newborn that still can’t use the model’s furthest recline, you can get a Britax or Bob infant car seat to turn the B-Lively into a travel system. However, this is also the limitation in this model because you can’t use other infant car seat brands. You can’t even turn this stroller into a sit and stand because the brand’s stroller board isn’t compatible with it.

One-Hand Infinite Recline

Like the previous car seat, we like the offered recline angles in this stroller. In fact, the brand calls this feature their “infinite recline” because there are more positions than a typical double stroller. It is even a bonus that reclining the seats is doable with one hand.

And as for the footrest, we think it’s pretty comfortable for most kids, even though you can’t adjust it. We also didn’t find any negatives with the canopy that offers UV protection and a peek-a-boo window.

Lightweight Yet Sturdy

What about its maneuverability? This model is even more perfect for an infant and a toddler in terms of how you can control it. Since toddlers are heavier, you want a stroller that is lightweight yet sturdy enough to accommodate both kids. B-Lively is only 29 pounds, so you still won’t struggle pushing it around with two kids. You can even adjust the height of the handlebar to make the experience more comfortable.

All-Wheel Suspension and Linked Parking Brake

We also like that Britax has an all-wheel suspension, so the stroller feels more stable when steering it. At the same time, you can quickly engage the brakes because the B-Lively uses a linked parking brake. A single step will immediately secure both wheels, regardless of the surface.

Compact and Self-Standing Fold

The B-Lively is reasonably lightweight and compact. But you might be more impressed when you fold the model because it will reach 29 x 23 x 12 inches afterward. And this is with the wheels still intact. It fits comfortably on the back of the car, and you can also save storage space at home since it self-stands.

Generous Storage

Lastly, you will love the basket underneath the B-Lively. You can easily access it, whether at the front or at the back. You can even use the 6 pockets behind the stroller to organize your baby items. Traveling with a toddler and a baby means more gear, so we appreciate this generous storage offered by Britax. You can also get a tray if your kids need them.

The Twin+ (Zoe XL2) – Best Lightweight Side by Side Double Stroller

What We Love

Double strollers don’t have to be heavy. In fact, you might be surprised that this stroller from Zoe only weighs 19 pounds. And not to mention, it’s also a narrow stroller, so it’s one of the best models that you can take when traveling with two kids.

With its size and weight, there’s no doubt that the Twin+ will be effortless to maneuver. In fact, this stroller gets smaller when folded, and it can stand on its own for fuss-free storage and travel.

Disney-Approved

You should also know that the Twin+ from Zoe is actually a Disney-approved stroller. You can save more when going to theme parks with your own stroller, so if you have two kids, this is an excellent double stroller consideration.

Bassinet, Triple to Quad Mode

At the same time, the seats reach a pretty deep recline to make the ride more comfortable for your kids. You can even get the Twin+ with the 15-inch seat back that turns into a bassinet. This way, you can do a full recline and transform the seat into a safe bassinet for your newborn.

Zoe also offers the option to further extend the number of seats in this stroller. What we mean by this is that you can purchase an add-on seat so you can fit 1 or 2 more kids in this stroller.

With Leg Rest, Belly Bars, and Ventilated Canopies

For additional safety and comfort on the seats themselves, the padded harness straps adjust quickly, as well as the leg rest. There are even belly bars for each kid to hold and keep them seated correctly. And the canopies with magnetic peek-a-boo windows for breathability extends quite far too.

If We Were to Improve…

The only criticism that we have for the Twin+ is that the elastic storage basket does not feel durable, especially with heavy items inside. But on the bright side, this stroller comes with a snack cup and cup holders for everyone.

Joovy Twin Groove Ultralight – Best Side by Side Double Umbrella Stroller

If convenience during traveling is the topic, there’s no doubt that umbrella strollers come to mind. This type of stroller is well known for having a small footprint, and folds in a simple action that’s unique to umbrella strollers. And if we were to choose a side by side double umbrella stroller, the Twin Groove from Joovy comes to mind.

What We Love

With a width of 30 inches and a weight of 26 pounds, the Twin Groove is going to be a convenient stroller to bring when you’re traveling with two kids. It is even Disney-approved, so you know that it’s built for parks and crowded places.

All-Wheel Suspension

While you might think that the stroller having dual-style wheels is going to be a struggle to control, you will be pleased to know that steering it around isn’t a headache. The ride will also be smooth for the kids because it uses suspension on all wheels.

Adjustable Seats and Leg Rests with Waterproof Fabric

As for the seats themselves, they can recline close to a full horizontal. You can also get the kids more comfortable by adjusting the leg rests. You don’t even have to worry about clean-up because the seat fabric itself is waterproof and stainproof.

No Need for Infant Car Seat

But what if your child is too young to use the furthest recline? The Twin Groove has a so-called bassinet mode. The name itself allows you to turn the seat into a fully enclosed bassinet, which is completely horizontal and safe for newborns. This way, you don’t need to attach a separate infant car seat to keep your baby safe.

Reflective and Safe

The Twin Groove also has peek-a-boo windows on its canopies, so you can check on your little ones while you’re on a stroll. And as a bonus, they use reflective material in this area, making the stroller visible, especially at night.

Convenient Folding But…

As we have mentioned earlier, umbrella strollers have a unique simple folding mechanism. This is true to this unit, and it folds compact while also locking automatically. The brand even includes a shoulder strap, which is perfect for on-the-go convenience when traveling. But while closing the frame is easy, unfolding it takes some practice.

No More Fighting in Storage

When it comes to storage, you will be pleased that you can ensure that each seat gets a separate basket. This way, it’s easier for you to organize the items of each child.

There are even mesh pockets inside the seats, so that kids can keep their toys within reach. And for their drinks, there are mesh cup holders for each child as well.

Organize Your Items

Besides the pockets and baskets for the children, Joovy also considered storage convenience for the caretaker. Underneath the mesh sippy cup pockets are zippered compartments for your own items. This way, you don’t need to worry about them falling off the stroller. You can also use the handlebar cup holder for your own beverage.

Joovy Scooter X2 – Best Side by Side Stroller for the Money

Up next on the list also comes from Joovy, and it is the Scooter X2. For us, this is one of the best side by side strollers in the market that gives you the best value for money. You don’t need to spend a lot to get useful and quality features in a double stroller, and we think that the Scooter X2 is the proof.

What We Love

For starters, you’ll find some similarities with the Scooter X2 and the previous Twin Groove. It is only 30 inches wide, so fitting it through standard doorways and crowded places is not much of a struggle. At the same time, the overall size of the Scooter X2 is also Disney-approved. Therefore, you can bring it to theme parks easily.

Smooth Maneuverability

The maneuverability of the Scooter is fairly smooth, thanks to the large wheels. We didn’t notice any potential for tilting, and it helps that it uses suspension in each wheel assembly for a smoother ride. We also liked having the linked parking brakes similar to the Britax B-Lively earlier.

Adjustable Seats and Footrests

What about the seats? You can recline the seat with one hand, and make the experience a tad more comfortable for your kids by adjusting the footrests. And speaking of which, we like the location of these footrests because they protect your children’s feet from touching the wheels as they sleep.

With Bumper Bar

The stroller also has one bumper bar and canopy to cover both kids and restrict their movements. We would’ve preferred if these parts are individual for each child, but nonetheless, they are sufficient for their purposes.

A shortcoming that is worth noting when we’re talking about the seats is that this model isn’t meant for newborns. It cannot accept car seats, and the brand recommends it for children ages three months and up only.

Generous Storage and Easy Folding

On the bright side, storage and portability are not negative with the Scooter X2. The basket is easy to access, and you’ll get two zippered pockets and two mesh cup holders at the back of the seat. And when it comes to folding, you can do it with one hand without needing to readjust the positions.

Baby Trend Navigator Double – Best Side by Side Double Stroller For Twins

If you have twins, we can recommend all of them side by side strollers in this list. However, you might want to check out the Navigator Double from Baby Trend if you want something that you can use from infancy to toddlerhood.

What We Love

The reason why the Navigator Double is our favorite for twins is that you can use two infant car seats in place of the toddler seats. This way, you can use this stroller as a travel system until your babies are ready to use the toddler seats. However, do note that the Navigator Double is only compatible with Baby Trend car seats.

When it comes to maneuverability, the Navigator uses large bicycle tires. And even though it isn’t a 3-wheel jogging stroller like the Expedition Double from the same brand, you can lock the front wheels for improved control.

Four-Wheel Jogger

As you can expect, the ability to lock the front wheels will give you better traction compared to those that are swiveling permanently. In fact, these wheels even have suspension for a bump-free ride. As for the brakes, they aren’t linked like the previous one, but they are still easy to engage.

Comfortable Seats

For the seats, they offer multiple recline positions in addition to the comfortable footrest. The canopy also extends far and back to make sure you’re giving your kids the proper shade. Overall, the seats are comfortable and breathable, even for long-term use throughout the day,

When it comes to portability, you don’t need to keep your twins waiting for a long time when it’s time to pack-up their strollers. It folds simply using the trigger, and you’ll be left with a flat stroller ready for storage and transport. You can also remove the rear wheels to make it even more compact.

Organize Your Gear

What about the storage? The basket itself is separated into two, just like the Twin Groove. Again, this is advantageous for you because this makes it easier to organize your baby gear. The twins also get their snack trays. And on your console, you’ll get a covered compartment for your essentials and then two cup holders.

But what’s unique with Baby Trend is that you can plug your MP3 player to the speakers for a lively stroll with your twins. We appreciate this bonus feature because you can use it to play lullabies or stories to calm down your fussy kiddos.

Baby Trend Expedition Double – Best Side by Side Double Jogging Stroller

Just because you are now a parent doesn’t mean that you have to forget about being fit and having a healthy lifestyle. You can take both kids on a quick jog using the appropriate jogging stroller, like the Expedition Double from Baby Trend. It even comes in three colors to choose from.

Like the previous two strollers, you can use the Expedition for your kids for a pretty long time. However, do note that this model does not accept infant car seats, and the recline can only go further in an angle that’s safe for babies 6 months and up. Nonetheless, the harness adjusts well, and the canopy also extends to cover your little ones. You can also check on them and improve the ventilation using the peek-a-boo-windows.

What We Love

Because it is a jogging stroller, you can assume that it’s no-sweat to steer and push the Expedition. For starters, the handlebar has a nice touch, and because it isn’t covered in foam, you can guarantee that it wouldn’t get damaged over time. However, it doesn’t allow height adjustment like the previous strollers.

Locking Front Wheels and All-Terrain Tires

As for how the Expedition moves, you can lock the front wheels, so turning or pushing in a straight path is effortless. The size, combined with the all-terrain tires, makes the stroller easy to push through various places. And for additional safety, you can have the stroller’s strap around your wrist.

Quick Folding and Removable Tires

When it’s time for packing, the Expedition has tabs that you’ll pull before pushing down the handle. The frame will collapse to get compact, and you can also release the tires to further save in footprint.

Covered Parent Console with Cup Holders

What about the Expedition’s storage? The basket itself is big enough to carry a typical diaper bag. But we love the covered compartment with cup holders on both sides located on the handle for your personal items.

Kolcraft Cloud Plus – Best Affordable Side by Side Stroller

The last stroller on our list is the Kolcraft Cloud Plus, and it is the best affordable side by side double stroller that you can get in the market. At this price, you’ll get awesome features to keep both your kids safe and comfortable.

What We Love

The Cloud Plus somehow deserves its name because it’s as light as a cloud to push. It is only 31 inches wide and weighs 22.6 pounds, so traveling with two kids is not going to be a hassle. Cloud Plus is even Disney size-approved like the other strollers in this list.

Excellent Steering But…

When it comes to maneuverability, Kolcraft doesn’t fall short in performance. We noticed that it offers excellent steering, and the front suspension makes the ride smoother. However, we understand that it cannot be perfect as the brakes are difficult to engage in.

Not for Newborns

As for the seats themselves, you must expect that Cloud Plus isn’t meant for newborns. It does recline but not to a full bassinet mode like the Twin Groove. The brand is also not compatible with infant car seats, so check the other models if you have a baby. On the bright side, the canopy extends pretty far, so UV protection isn’t a problem with Cloud Plus.

Store More

How does it store? You’ll be pleased that you’ll get trays complete with drink holders for you and the kids at this price point. You can also separate the items of each child because the seats have their own baskets.

Self-Standing

Lastly, Kolcraft folds pretty small at 20 x 31 x 33.5 inches. It isn’t a one-hand mechanism, but it is self-standing to save you storage space.

Read also: Best Double Jogging Strollers

Buyer’s Guide

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Side by Side Double Stroller

• Size and Weight

The first consideration when choosing a side by side double stroller is the model’s size and weight. If you think about it, most parents opt for an inline stroller over a side by side type because the latter will have a wider size. But nowadays, manufacturers have created side by side double strollers that are as comfortable, but more compact for easier navigation.

A favorite model of ours in terms of being not too wide while also being lightweight is the

The Twin+ (Zoe XL2). It is a side by side stroller, so each child will still feel comfortable due to the independent adjustments. However, it’s only 29 inches wide and 19 pounds in weight, so moving it around in a crowded area is not going to be a struggle.

• Age Difference Between Kids

Side by side double strollers is best for twins or siblings that are close in age. For twins, you can get any of the models we reviewed. But for siblings where one of the children is an infant, you need a stroller that can accept infant car seats. Remember that infants need to ride in the proper bassinet-type seat, and most strollers can’t do a full recline. Therefore, using an infant car seat to a stroller is a must. The Britax B-Lively Double is our recommendation for siblings because it can convert into a travel system. This way, it’ll be convenient both for you and your baby because you can just leave the base in the car, and then attach the infant seat to the stroller directly.

However, if there is a significant age difference between your kids, you might need a sit and stand stroller. This type of stroller has a standing or sitting platform at the back for the older child while the younger child can ride at the front.

• Type of Stroller

If you check out our comparison table, you’ll notice that we have reviewed, not just your typical side by side strollers. We have also checked out the umbrella and jogger type strollers. This way, you can choose which model will fit your family perfectly.

For example, our favorite side by side umbrella stroller is the JOOVY Twin Groove Ultralight. We all know that umbrella strollers are known for being the best for traveling because they are lightweight, compact, and folds quickly in one movement. So if you need a stroller for traveling with two kids, this model is our recommendation.

On the other hand, you may want to check out the Baby Trend Expedition Double, if you want to stay active and take your kids for a run. Jogging strollers are also slimmer and more comfortable to push, so you can also keep that in mind if those characteristics are on top of your priorities.

• Maneuverability

Like we have said previously, jogging strollers are on top of the list if maneuverability is your priority. This is because you can lock the front wheels so that it’s easier to control, especially when turning or moving in a straight path quickly.

As for the other side by side strollers, you can also check out the quality of its steering, as well as the model’s suspension system. Ideally, getting suspension on all wheels will be more comfortable for your kids because the ride will be smoother.

• Comfort and Safety

Comfort and safety are also somehow related to the quality of maneuverability of the stroller. For example, you might want an adjustable handlebar, so you don’t slouch when pushing both kids. And then, the stroller’s brakes should also be easy to engage, even while wearing flip flops, for your comfort and your children’s safety.

But besides the examples above related to maneuverability, the stroller seats themselves also play a role in comfort and safety. Of course, you want the seat to have adjustable harnesses and reclining seats, so that each child can get the proper and comfortable seating position. The recline should not make them feel strained, and the harness should be tight enough to keep them safe throughout the ride.

Each seat should also provide good shade to protect your child from sunlight and exposure to the elements when you’re outside. Remember that UV rays are dangerous, so you want to keep your children covered, especially on a sunny day.

And lastly, traveling with children will be more comfortable if they have snacks, toys, and other gear ready. The stroller should have a spacious basket underneath, so you don’t need to carry additional weight on your back. However, you can also take advantage of trays at the front of the seats. You might also consider hanging diaper bags on the handle, or having a parent tray for your personal essentials.

Read also: Best Car Seat and Stroller Combo

Conclusion

Finding the best side by side double stroller can be daunting, but with the right guide, you will find your family’s perfect match. Our top pick is the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2.

It offers multiple design options, and the overall construction is built to last. It is also fantastic when it comes to maneuverability and portability, making side by side strollers as convenient as inline strollers.

You can also check the other strollers that made it into this list and use our buyer’s guide to create criteria in choosing. 

Have you found your next side by side double stroller in this review? If you have any questions, leave them below, and let us help you!