Phil & Teds

Price: Various models range from $550-$800

These adaptable strollers are quite popular in my moms' group, and I see them all over the Upper West Side.

Pros

• Narrow and fits well through doorways, but isn’t too long
• Compact; it doesn’t take up much room
• Wheels give a good bounce up and down stairs
• Sunshades are nice and big for both seats

Cons

• Very limited storage
• Tough to hang bags over the handlebars
• Child on the bottom is cramped and doesn't have much of a view
• Even less space for bottom child when a car seat is installed on top
• At times, difficult to push and maneuver
• Can be tricky to collapse

Graco Quattro Tour Duo Stroller

Price: Around $250

This is a less expensive and larger tandem for pushing two little ones around town.

​Pros

• Lots of storage, including a large bottom basket and small basket under the front seat
• Drink holder for parent, and built-in drink and snack holders for kids
• Reclining backseat
• Accommodates car seat in front or back spots
• Very affordable

​Cons

• Long and heavy, which can make it tough to maneuver
• Small wheels
• Still big after collapsed, making it difficult to store or to put in the trunk of a car
• Need two hands to push

Mountain Buggy Duo

Price: Latest model is $680

This double-wide stroller seems to be the model of choice for twins as well as city kids who are close in age.

Pros

• Easy to push and maneuver
• A large bottom bin for storage
• Both riders have good views
• Children can interact with each other (if they're arguing, this can be a con!)
• Both seats can recline together or individually
• More room for larger children

Cons

• Width makes it tough to fit through doorways and in elevators
• Tricky to maneuver through store aisles or other tight spaces
• May start to pull to the side of heavier child

Bugaboo Donkey

Price: Around $1500 but depends on configuration

I don’t know anyone with this latest—and priciest—addition to the double-stroller market, perhaps because no one can get their hands on one. But I suspect this high-demand stroller will soon be a playground staple, so I had to include it on our list. Here are some general observations. If you own this stroller, please add your thoughts in the comments.

Pros

• Several configurations for two children (even twin babies)
• As with other Bugaboos, one or both children can be front or rear-facing
• Side-by-side setup allows full views for both children and encourages interaction

Cons

• Price, price, price. Did we mention the price?
• Availability. Good luck finding one any time soon. Most retailers already have long waiting lists.
   

Other Strollers: Baby Jogger City Select and UppaBaby Vista

Both of these single strollers can add on an extra seat and transform into doubles. They give families lots of flexibility, too. Seats can be arranged in a number of different configurations. However, some moms say the City Select seats are on the small side.


The Board Option

Some parents of two opt to skip the double stroller and attach a board to the back of their single for the older child. If you opt for this solution, go for a wide, shallow board over a narrow, long one, so the pusher has enough room and doesn’t end up hunching over or walking to the side.

There's also a new product from Mountain Buggy called the Freerider, a scooter that can attach to a stroller like a board. To get a sense of how it works, check out the demo.

There are, of course, many other double strollers on the market, but these are the ones my friends and I have firsthand experience with. Whichever you choose, the one thing you can count on is a real workout from pushing around a lot more weight. Good luck!