What's an all-terrain double stroller?
It's just what it sounds like: a stroller built for two that can be used in a variety of landscapes, from smooth pavement to gravel to grass.
How does it manage?
Generally, the stroller is heavy-duty, weighing between 30 and 40 lb. Most significantly, the wheels are larger (from 12” – 16”) and preferably air-filled.
The best all-terrain double strollers will have a top-notch suspension system and padded seats (for the bumpier roads), plus weather protection, secure harnesses and hand and foot brakes.
Overall, the style is similar to a jogging stroller in that it’s easy to maneuver, well-balanced and stable. They come in a variety of designs, colors and price ranges.
Why having an all-terrain double stroller is a great idea
A stroller that can perform in any setting, in all weather, and can carry more than one child (though this type of stroller is also available as a single all-terrain stroller) plus essential supplies, is a dream come true for many parents. The versatility works especially well for families that enjoy meandering in urban neighborhoods as well as spending time adventuring off-road.
The double seats allow you to travel safely with two children regardless of your destination (note that most models can accommodate just one infant car seat).
Double strollers usually provide ample storage, too. This is a huge bonus if you’re running errands around town or planning an entire day away from home.
What to look for before you buy
The best all-terrain double strollers have been carefully crafted with a focus on the following features:
Maneuverability:
- In order to use a double stroller safely, you need to be able to handle it without any glitches. In other words, it should be easy to steer and glide around corners.
- The overall ride should be smooth and comfortable, even on rough roads.
- The handlebars should be adjustable and padded.
Comfort and Safety:
- The best all-terrain double strollers offer kids a smooth and comfy ride thanks to superb suspension systems, large tires, and padded seats.
- The seats should have secure (five-point) harnesses.
- To guard against the elements, look for sun and rain protective gear.
- Parents appreciate adjustable, padded handlebars and tether straps.
- Reliable brakes (foot and/or hand brakes) are key when it comes to safety.
Storage:
- Most double strollers have ample storage space. There should be room for supplies like toys, blankets, extra clothes, food items, and even space for grown-up necessities like a phone or wallet.
- A tray or cup-holder is a welcome bonus.
Portability:
- There may be a time when you want to put the stroller in a car or taxi, so make sure you can fold it up without too much trouble and carry it a short distance.
- If you're planning on storing the stroller in your home, be sure it folds up to a small enough size to fit in a closet or wherever you want it to remain.
Quick comparison: Best all-terrain double stroller
Strollers | Features we love | Rating | Buy it now |
---|---|---|---|
Baby Trend Navigator Double Jogger Stroller | - Can be used | ||
phil&teds Sport Stroller | - Can be used with 2 car seats | N/A | |
Baby Jogger 2016 City Mini GT Double Stroller | - Unique technology lets you fold it with 1 hand | ||
Baby Trend Expedition Double Jogger | - Lightweight, just 25 lb. | ||
Baby Jogger 2016 Summit X3 Double Jogging Stroller | - All-wheel suspension absorbs all road bumps |
For every last detail on our favorites, keep reading!
Baby Trend Navigator Double Jogger Stroller
Right away we noticed that this double stroller can accommodate 2 Baby Trend infant car seats (sold separately). Certainly, this is a bonus for the parents of twins!
In addition, the Navigator is a good fit for families that plan to spend significant time outdoors throughout the year; two separate canopies protect the children from sun, rain and wind.
With padded, reclining seats (featuring removable, washable covers) and secure five-point safety belts, the Navigator promises a comfortable and secure ride even during a lengthy jog.
Reflectors are positioned on the frame and wheels for extra safety after dark.
The parent tray includes an MP3 player hook-up, all-weather speakers plus 2 cup holders.
This model weighs 32.5 lbs. and measures 46” x 31.5” x 42”. It has a maximum weight capacity of 100 lbs.
Pros
- Fits 2 infant car seats
- Individual canopies and reclining seats
- Easy to fold
- Storage tray and 2 cup holders
- Padded handles
- Front-locking wheels
Cons
- Wobbly front wheels
- Outdoor use only
Our favorite feature
From our research, it seems that most double strollers will only accommodate one infant car seat. However, the Navigator can accommodate twins! The stroller fits 2 Baby Trend infant car seats.
phil&teds Sport Stroller
With 26 riding options on a super slim frame, this is an incredibly versatile stroller, suitable for newborns to 5 year olds (up to 44 lbs. in main seat and 33 lbs. in rear seat).
The double stroller can accommodate 2 car seats (with a rear-facing option), but be aware that the adapters are sold separately. Although the Sports model weighs just 28 lbs. and measures 40.5” x 23.2” x 41.7”, it's loaded with comfort and safety features.
The seats are crafted with uber-soft material (available in a variety of colors). They are extra roomy and longer than most, so babies can easily lie flat and be protected from the sun by a wide canopy.
Five-point harnesses keep baby in place.
The 12” air-filled tires are sturdy and can be easily switched from a locked position back to a free swivel. This technology makes it effortless to hop over curbs or other obstacles. When it’s time to put away the stroller, it’s a cinch to collapse it with just one hand and it automatically locks into place.
Pros
- One-hand brake system
- Ample storage
- Lightweight
- Front-locking wheel
- Easy to manuever
- Durable
- Easy to fold
Cons
- Expensive
- Car seat adapters sold separately
Our favorite feature
We can’t get over how this compact stroller offers 26 riding options! In this way, it’s no doubt the most versatile of all the options featured here.
Baby Jogger 2016 City Mini GT Double Stroller
This is called a “City” stroller for a reason. The sturdy design and foam-filled tires can tackle whatever covers the city streets, from gravel to grass to random debris.
Both of the plush seats recline to an almost flat position and are shaded by adjustable canopies. The seat covers are removable and machine washable. The handlebar is adjustable to different heights and is equipped with a hand brake.
This stroller weighs 33 lbs. and measures 48.6” x 43.5” x 30”.
If you plan to travel with an infant, you can easily attach the City GO infant car seat. The City Mini does accommodate other car seat brands as long as you purchase a separate seat adapter.
Pros
- Adjustable handlebars
- Seats recline
- Sun and rain protection
- Easy to fold
Cons
- Not much storage space
- Bulky car seat adapter
Our favorite feature
We appreciate how easy it is to fold this stroller, especially when we’re trying to hop into a taxi from a crowded city sidewalk. The “quick fold technology” allowed us to collapse the stroller with just one hand (and it locked into place)!
Baby Trend Expedition Double Jogger
The Expedition is one of the lighter weight double strollers at 25 lb. and certainly one of the most affordable. This 3-wheel design measures 46" x 31.5" x 42".
The large rubber tires can handle rougher roads and can easily pop over curbs, and there are foot-activated rear brakes. What’s more, the front wheel can be locked into place while jogging or when bumping over uneven ground.
The Expedition has several storage options, 2 cup holders, plus a parent tray where you can plug in to have music while you travel. The multi-position seats are shaded by a peek-a-boo canopy and each seat has a five-point safety harnesses. Each seat can hold up to 50 lb.
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Lightweight
- Pneumatic rubber tires
- Easy to manuever
- Reclining seats
- Peek-a-boo canopy
- Padded leg rests
Cons
- Requires 2 hands to fold
- Not compatible with infant car seats
- Brakes are difficult to set and release
- Under-the-seat storage could be larger
- Harness is tough to buckle and unbuckle
Our favorite feature
The price tag is our favorite feature! For parents on a budget this is a great choice. The Expedition delivers a solid ride on most types of terrain, and the lighter weight makes it easy to maneuver.
Baby Jogger 2016 Summit X3 Double Jogging Stroller
The Summit X3 has just about everything you could want from a jogging stroller.
The air-filled tires measure 16” in the back and 12” in the front and have optimal suspension. Front and rear brakes provide the utmost control (especially on rougher terrain). With just a flick of a switch, the front wheel locks into place so you can set off on a comfortable jog; another quick flick unlocks the front wheel so it can swivel with ease.
The seats have multiple positions (including a near flat recline), secure harnesses, shoulder pads, comfy padding and are shaded by a peek-a-boo canopy with side vents.
There is ample storage behind and underneath the seats and a tether strap for extra control.
When it’s time to fold up the stroller, the quick fold technology allows you to do so with just one hand.
The stroller is a bit heavier than others at 37 lbs. and the dimensions are 53” x 32.5” x 40.6”. The total weight capacity is 75 lbs.
Pros
- Front wheel lock
- Great suspension
- Comfortable seats
- Easy to fold
- Front and rear brakes
- Ample storage
Cons
- Cannot adjust handlebar
- Heavy
Our favorite feature
Of all the strollers we reviewed here, the Summit X3 seems to offer the most comfortable of all rides. The seats are not only spacious, but they have a deep recline and what looks to be extra padding. What’s more, the canopy provides just the right amount of protection from the sun and rain.
Strollers have come a long way from old-fashioned, over-sized and awkward prams. Back then, it would’ve been impossible to push more than one child along a crowded city sidewalk and weave in and out of stores, cafes, and cars.
Today, there’s no reason not to bring your kids along for the ride wherever you go! And today you have more options than ever—from all-terrain models to double joggers and side-by-side double strollers.
These days the best all-terrain double strollers are incredibly versatile and user-friendly. In fact, they’re crafted with both the parents and the kids in mind. What's more, they'd make a great baby shower gift!
There is just as much of a focus on safety (like a secure harness, dependable brakes, sturdy tires etc.) as on comfort (padded seats and leg rests, canopies, reclining positions etc.).
In this way, kids can comfortably tag along whether you’re running errands in the city, jogging in the country, or meandering in your neighborhood.
The benefits of the all-terrain double stroller are that the entire families can fully enjoy adventures both on and off road.
Featured image: Shilad Sen