A stroller can quickly become one of the most-used pieces of baby gear in a twin household.
Whether you’re taking your babies to appointments, going for a walk, shopping or simply trying to get out of the house, the right stroller can make traveling with two babies much easier.
But choosing a stroller for twins isn’t only about finding one with two seats. You’ll also want to think about how you’ll use it, where you’ll store it, how easily it folds and whether it works for your babies during the newborn stage.
Here are some of the most important things to consider before choosing a stroller for your twins.
Side-by-Side vs. Tandem Twin Strollers
One of the first decisions you’ll encounter is whether you prefer a side-by-side or tandem stroller.
A side-by-side stroller positions the babies next to each other. Many parents like this setup because both babies have a similar view and are easy to see.
The tradeoff is width. Depending on the stroller, navigating smaller doorways, crowded stores or narrow spaces may take a little more planning.
A tandem stroller places one seat in front of the other. This creates a narrower stroller profile, which may be helpful when you’re moving through stores, sidewalks or tighter spaces.
However, tandem strollers can be longer, and the seating positions may offer different views or features for each baby.
Neither style is automatically better. The right choice depends largely on your family’s routine.
Think About the Newborn Stage
Not every double stroller is designed to accommodate newborns in the same way.
If you plan to use your stroller immediately after bringing your twins home, look carefully at the manufacturer’s age and weight requirements.
Depending on the stroller, newborn use may require compatible infant car seats, bassinets or another newborn-approved configuration.
This is especially important when you’re building your Twin Baby Registry, because the stroller and infant car seats may need to work together.
Check Infant Car-Seat Compatibility
If you expect to drive frequently with your twins, car-seat compatibility can make a big difference.
Some twin stroller systems can accommodate two infant car seats at the same time, while others may only accommodate one or require specific adapters.
Before purchasing, check which infant car-seat brands and models are compatible with the stroller you’re considering.
A travel-system setup can be especially convenient when your babies are sleeping and you don’t want to move them unnecessarily between the car seat and stroller.
Pay Attention to the Stroller’s Width and Size
Twin strollers naturally take up more space than most single strollers, but their dimensions can vary considerably.
Think about the places you’ll use your stroller most often.
Consider your home’s doorway, stores you visit regularly, sidewalks, elevators and other spaces you’ll need to navigate.
And don’t forget about your vehicle.
A stroller can look perfect online and still become frustrating if getting it into your trunk requires rearranging everything else you’re carrying.
Check the Fold Before You Buy
With twins, you’ll already have plenty to carry.
A complicated stroller fold is one more thing you probably don’t want to deal with while managing two babies.
When comparing strollers, look at how many steps are required to fold them and whether the stroller can stand when folded.
Also check the folded dimensions.
If possible, measure your vehicle’s cargo area before making your final decision.
Don’t Underestimate Storage
Leaving home with two babies usually means bringing quite a few supplies.
Diapers, wipes, bottles, burp cloths, extra outfits, snacks and blankets can fill a diaper bag quickly.
A roomy stroller basket gives you somewhere to store additional items without having everything hanging from the stroller handles.
If you’re still figuring out what you’ll need when you’re away from home, our Diaper Bag for Twins Guide can help you organize the essentials.
Look at the Weight
Double strollers can be heavier than you expect.
The stroller’s weight matters especially if you’ll regularly lift it into and out of your vehicle by yourself.
Remember that you’ll often be doing this while also keeping track of two babies and their belongings.
A stroller doesn’t necessarily need to be the lightest available, but its weight should feel manageable for the person who will use it most often.
Consider How Easily It Maneuvers
A twin stroller may carry two children plus everything stored underneath it, so maneuverability matters.
Consider how easily the stroller turns, how the wheels handle different surfaces and whether the handlebar feels comfortable.
If your routine includes long neighborhood walks, parks or uneven sidewalks, your priorities may be different from those of a family primarily using a stroller indoors.
Look for Features That Make Everyday Life Easier
Small features can become surprisingly important when you’re using a stroller regularly.
Things worth considering include adjustable canopies, reclining seats, accessible storage, washable fabrics, adjustable handlebars and easy-to-use brakes.
You don’t necessarily need every available feature.
Focus on the features that solve problems for your family’s routine.
A Double Stroller Travel System Our Family Used With Twins
When my twin grandchildren were babies, I purchased a double stroller travel system that came with two infant car seats.
This was especially helpful in our family. The double stroller I purchased for my twin grandchildren came with two compatible infant car seats, so the stroller and car seats worked together as a complete travel system made it easier to get the twins from the car into the stroller without having to move them out of their infant seats each time.
For families expecting twins, a double stroller travel system that accommodates two infant car seats may be worth considering, especially during the newborn and infant stages. Before purchasing, check the stroller’s car-seat compatibility, weight limits, dimensions and recommended age requirements to make sure the system works for your family’s needs.
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Think About Your Everyday Routine
It’s easy to choose baby gear based on what looks best online.
But the better question is:
How will this work in our everyday life?
If you live in the city and regularly navigate narrow spaces, width may be especially important.
If you drive most places, folding size and vehicle storage may matter more.
If you plan to walk frequently, maneuverability and wheel performance may move higher on your list.
Think about your real routine before focusing on extra features.
Practice Before Your First Big Outing
Once your stroller arrives, practice using it before you actually need it.
Learn how to open and close it, adjust the seats, use the brakes and attach any accessories.
If you’re using compatible infant car seats, practice attaching and removing those as well.
The first time you figure everything out shouldn’t have to be in a parking lot with two babies waiting.
For more practical tips for getting out with two babies, see our Leaving the House With Twins Guide.
Don’t Feel Like You Need the Most Expensive Stroller
Twin baby gear can become expensive quickly.
A higher price doesn’t automatically mean a stroller will work better for your particular family.
Instead, compare the features you’ll actually use.
Your priorities might simply be two comfortable seats, manageable weight, sufficient storage, an easy fold and a stroller that fits your vehicle.
That’s perfectly reasonable.
If you’re still deciding which baby gear deserves space on your list, our Twin Baby Essentials Guide can help you separate everyday necessities from things you may not need.
Choosing the Right Stroller for Your Twins
There isn’t one stroller that will be perfect for every twin family.
The best choice is one that fits your babies’ ages, your transportation, your available storage space and the way your family actually spends its time.
Before purchasing, compare dimensions, weight limits, seating configurations, infant car-seat compatibility and folding size.
Taking a little extra time to compare those details now can help you choose a stroller that continues working for your family as your twins grow.