I spent the first six months of being a mom of two living in denial.
“I don’t need a massive double stroller,” I told myself. “I’ll just babywear the newborn and put the toddler in the single stroller. It’ll be fine.”
And it was fine, until the baby got heavy, my back started throbbing, and my toddler decided that walking was for suckers. I distinctly remember a meltdown in the middle of a zoo parking lot, sweating, trying to balance a diaper bag, a crying infant strapped to my chest, and a toddler refusing to take another step.
That was the day I gave in. But I didn’t just buy any double stroller; I went on a research bender to find the one that wouldn’t feel like pushing a school bus.
If you are debating whether to take the plunge, or if you hate the clunky tank you currently own, this post is for you. Here is the stroller I wish I had from day one, plus the top contenders for different lifestyles.
The Winner: Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double
The “I Wish I Bought This Sooner” Pick
If I could go back in time and hand my past self one piece of gear, it would be the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double.
There is a common misconception that side-by-side strollers are too wide to function in the real world. I avoided them because I thought I’d be stuck outside store doorways like a sad puppy.
The Reality Check: The City Mini GT2 fits through standard doorways. I repeat: It fits through standard doorways.
Why It Changed the Game:
- The “Butter” Push: This is the specific feature that makes you weep with joy. It has all-terrain rubber tires and suspension. I can push 65 pounds of combined kid-weight with one hand while holding a coffee.
- The Fold: You pull two straps in the seats, and the whole thing collapses in half instantly. No taking off seats, no complex latching systems.
- The Nap Factor: The seats recline nearly flat independently. One kid can be wide awake snacking while the other is in a deep slumber.
The “So What?”: It gave me my freedom back. I stopped dreading outings because I knew I could physically manage the gear without needing a second adult to help me lift or steer.
Top Choice: The Best Convertible Stroller
UPPAbaby Vista V3
Best For: Planning ahead for growing families.
If the City Mini is the “driver’s car,” the Vista is the luxury SUV. This is a tandem stroller (one kid in front of the other) that converts from a single to a double.
- Why Parents Love It: The configurations are endless. Two bassinets? Sure. A toddler seat and a car seat? Easy. It looks beautiful and has a massive storage basket that can hold a week’s worth of groceries.
- The Trade-Off: It is heavy, and steering gets harder as your front child gets heavier (physics is cruel). But for the infant/toddler stage, it is unmatched in versatility.
Top Choice: The Best for Travel & Quick Trips
Graco Ready2Grow 2.0 Double Stroller
Best For: Disney trips, airports, and trunk space.
When we booked our first flight with two kids, the thought of gate-checking our heavy everyday stroller gave me hives. Enter the Graco.
- Why It Wins: It weighs only 19 pounds. Let that sink in. My toddler weighs more than this stroller.
- The Details: It folds down compact enough to fit in some overhead bins (check your airline), it’s Disney-approved (size-wise), and it has massive sun canopies. It doesn’t have the all-terrain suspension of the GT2, but for pavement and travel, it is a lifesaver.
Top Choice: The Budget-Friendly Workhorse
Joovy Scooter X2
Best For: Getting the job done without breaking the bank.
Double strollers are notoriously expensive. If you can’t stomach the $600+ price tags, the Joovy Scooter X2 is the undisputed value champion.
- Why It Wins: It offers many of the features of the high-end strollers (huge canopy, reclining seats, mesh pockets) for a fraction of the price.
- The Trade-Off: It’s a bit wider and the fold isn’t as compact, but it is sturdy, reliable, and has one of the biggest storage baskets on the market.
Buying Guide: Side-by-Side vs. Tandem
Still confused? Here is the cheat sheet I wish I had:
Choose a Side-by-Side (like the City Mini GT2) if:
- You want the easiest “push” (physics favors this design).
- Your kids are close in age or weight.
- You want both kids to have the same view and legroom to prevent fights.
Choose a Tandem (like the Vista) if:
- You are buying for your first baby but plan to have a second soon.
- You navigate very narrow aisles or crowded city sidewalks constantly.
- One child is significantly younger (e.g., a newborn in a car seat and a 3-year-old).
Conclusion
There is no “perfect” stroller, but there is a perfect stroller for you.
For me, the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double was the one that stopped the sweat and frustration. It turned “getting out of the house” from a military operation into something manageable.
My advice? Don’t wait until your back gives out. If you have two kids, get the gear that handles the weight for you. You’ve earned it.
Tell me in the comments: Are you Team Side-by-Side or Team Tandem? What’s your biggest struggle with getting two kids out the door?
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