How to Find Your Double Stroller Soulmate

Flickr user Elvert Barnes
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Becoming a mom for the second time comes with plenty of perks you didn't get the first time around. You know a little more about what to expect. You've found some mom friends. You've got the gear. The changing table is set up, the rocking chair is broken in, and the volume on the white noise machine has been perfected.

The big question, aside from figuring out how to adjust to life with double the number of children (!), is whether or not you really need a double stroller. You'll have to figure that first part out with some trial and error (and lots of patience), but we can help with the double stroller conundrum. Here are some questions to think through and options to consider as you stroll your way toward baby number two.

Are You an Off-Road Mama?

Are You an Off-Road Mama?

Are you determined not to let motherhood slow you down? Counting down the days until your doctor gives you the green light to get back in the gym? Scheduling your weekend long run around nap schedules and play dates? If you answered yes to any (or all) of these questions, a double stroller that's built to tackle all kinds of terrain is the only option likely to keep up with you.

The Bob Revolution FLEX Duallie ($635) features a convertible front wheel that swivels to maneuver tight turns or locks forward for increased stability when jogging or on rough terrain. An adjustable padded handlebar offers nine positions to create a comfortable fit for parents of all heights and a high-tech suspension system offers two stages of weight support for an ultrasmooth ride.

Best For: Country dwellers, runners, outdoors-women

Not For: Walk-up apartment dwellers, compact-car drivers, tight budgets

Are You Afraid of Commitment?

Are You Afraid of Commitment?

If you plan to schlep two kids around town on errands and play dates but are overwhelmed by the behemoth jogging strollers that appear to be the size of a Mini Cooper, the Graco Roomfor2 Click Connect Stand and Ride Stroller ($99) is barely bigger than a single stroller.

This design lets your older child perch on a minimalist rear seat that he or she can easily get in and out of all by herself (We have a suspicion your toddler might like to do things like this without your help. Just a hunch). There's still plenty of room for snacks and sweatshirts in the under-seat storage area, but from a head-on view, you won't even look like you've got two kids.

Best For: Navigating narrow doorways, sibling sets with at least a year gap

Not For: Twins, runners

Will Your Kids Be Close in Age?

Will Your Kids Be Close in Age?

If you'll have two children with a small age gap or are welcoming twins, the UPPABaby Vista ($900), while expensive, has plenty of options for handling two little ones on the go.

The combos options offered seem almost endless, from one bassinet or two car seats to one car seat and a reversible toddler seat or two toddler seats and the ability to add a ride-along board, it's not crazy to think this pricey purchase could last you through thousands of errands and three small kids.

Best For: Mamas on the move, twins, siblings close in age

Not For: Runners, bargain hunters

Are You Fit and Frugal?

Are You Fit and Frugal?

If your motherhood style is all about getting out of the house and being on the move but you don't want to drop upwards of $600 on a double stroller, the Baby Trend Navigator Double Stroller ($229) provides many of the same features as its pricier counterparts without quite as much sticker shock.

An adjustable front wheel and a built-in MP3 speaker will keep long walks to the park smooth and fun, while side-by-side snack trays will keep your little ones busy.

Best For: Walkable neighborhoods, bargain hunters

Not For: Walk-up apartment dwellers, compact car drivers

Don't Use a Stroller That Often?

Don't Use a Stroller That Often?

Maybe your older child is already in elementary school and you don't anticipate needing a double stroller very often. Even big kids like to hitch a ride every now and then, though, and sometimes letting them rest their legs for a minute is just the trick to stave off a future meltdown.

Enter the Baby Jogger Glider Board ($79), which clips onto the back of compatible strollers to offer big brother or sister a free ride when their legs mysteriously turn to jelly (What? Your kid's legs have never stopped working when you're in a hurry to make it to the next appointment?).

Best For: Older siblings who are at least 3, families who rarely use a stroller, navigating tight spaces

Not For: Twins, stroller addicts, long walks

Are You a Minimalist Mama?

Are You a Minimalist Mama?

If your mantra is "less is more," the Kolocraft Cloud Side-by-Side Double Stroller ($75) should be just enough double stroller to keep your hands free and your baggage light.

You won't find any superfluous compartments or gadgets on this streamlined design, but independently reclining seats and large canopies will keep your kiddos comfy while you fill your reusable shopping tote with only the essentials.

Best For: Compact car drivers, quick trips, city dwellers

Not For: Multihour outings, uneven terrain

More of a Minimalist Plus?

More of a Minimalist Plus?

Super lightweight (just 16 pounds!) but still offering an under-seat storage net and cupholders for all three of you, the ZOE Umbrella XL2 Double Stroller ($280) takes a side-by-side umbrella stroller design up a notch without adding too much bulk.

Even a minimalist needs a chai latte and set of sand toys for the road sometimes.

Best For: Travel, walk-up apartment dwellers, everyday use

Not For: Running, uneven terrain