The second baby adds a new layer of complexity to getting out the door, especially with two under 2 years old. In the early days, when my newborn was small and light, I could wear her in a carrier and strap the older one into a single stroller. But as they both got older (and bigger and heavier), and we went on longer treks, I needed a double stroller that could hold and transport both kids. I also liked the option of transferring the infant carseat from the car to the stroller.
At the same time, I found pushing a double stroller to be much like steering a tank. It’s tough to navigate tight corners or squeeze through narrow aisles. With the lightest ones still weighing close to 30 pounds, they’re a pain to lug up or down a flight of stairs when the elevators or escalators break. I have had a love-hate relationship with my own double stroller: Large, bulky, yet oh-so-necessary.
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Luckily, there are more options these days than ever. A lot will depend on such factors as the age difference between your kids, their temperaments and needs, and the carseat and stroller you already own, but here are some of the best bets:
Baby Jogger City Mini Double Stroller
The side-by-side Baby Jogger City Mini Double Stroller regularly receives high marks. Its standout feature is the ability to fold up quickly and easily, which is helpful when your hands are already full with two kids. At slightly less than 30 inches in width, it fits through most doorways—plus meets the new size requirements for bringing your double stroller into Disneyland. Unlike other side-by-side double strollers, the City Mini’s seats recline fairly flat for naps, and the canopy extends generously to provide plenty of protection from the sun. You can also purchase an adapter to attach a carseat (but only one carseat can be attached).
Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite
If you prefer a narrower profile—and your older one can steadily stand and hold on—the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite is a popular and well-rated tandem stroller that allows the older child to stand in the back, or sit and ride backwards. For the older child, it can be fun to be a “big kid” and hop on and off the stroller instead of being strapped in.
Lascal BuggyBoard Maxi
The best part of a stroller board is that you simply attach it to your existing stroller—there’s no need to spend the money and clutter up your home with another stroller. You also keep the general maneuverability of a single stroller, since the board flips up when not in use.
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Also known as a buggy board, glider board, or kick board, the stroller board allows your older one (suggested for ages 2 to 6) to stand in the back and ride along. The Lascal BuggyBoard Maxi (and Mini) claims to be compatible with 95 percent of the strollers on the market, including no-frills, lightweight travel strollers and double strollers (so you can get around with three). Its website offers a handy guide to fitting the board with your particular stroller.
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