If you need to transport three kids, a side-by-side double stroller with a rider board can work well when your oldest is happy to walk part of the time. My shortlist is the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double, Bumbleride Indie Twin, Bugaboo Donkey 6, and Valco Trend Duo. The right choice depends on your younger children’s ages, the terrain, and whether your oldest needs a full seat or just a place to rest.
Sadly, not all Side-by-Side double strollers work well with a rider board, even a universal one. Compatibility depends on the stroller version and the board. Zoe now offers a Ride On Board for the Twin V2 with its included adapter and for the Twin V3. Older Twin models are not supported. Below, I’m sharing the best side-by-side double strollers (in no particular order), designed to pair with a rider board, which will provide you with flexibility, durability, and peace of mind while strolling with your crew.
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Table of Contents
Which double stroller with glider board would I choose?
- For an easy fold and everyday outings: the City Mini GT2 Double is one of my favorites, especially when you need one infant car seat rather than two.
- For newborn twins and rougher paths: I would look closely at the Bumbleride Indie Twin. It offers newborn-ready seats and air-filled tires, with the extra weight and tire maintenance that come with them.
- For parent-facing seats: the Donkey 6 is the option here. My hands-on impressions below are from the Donkey 5, and the current buying details are labeled separately.
- For a lighter stroller: the Valco Trend Duo is worth a look. Read the adapter details carefully if you need two infant car seats.
A rider board is different from a third stroller seat. If your oldest still needs a harness, naps, or somewhere to sit for most of the outing, I would start with the three-seat alternatives farther down this guide.
1. The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double
This is one of my favorite side-by-side double strollers because it is versatile. It is compact and easy to fold while offering amazing canopies, a near-flat recline, upright seats, and good foot support for babies or toddlers. The basket could be a little bigger, and I wish you didn’t have to move the canopy when using the car seat adapter, but overall, it is a great option that pairs nicely with Baby Joggers Ride on Board.
Here is what you need to know:
- Price: $720 – Order on Amazon, or Nordstrom
- Rider Board Price: $130 – Order on Amazon or Nordstrom
- Stroller Weight: 36.5 lb
- Stroller Width: 29.25 in
- Age: Birth to 50 lbs per seat – Rider board works up to 45 lbs
- Car Seat Compatibility: One Car Seat – with most Britax, Cybex, Graco, Nuna, and Maxi Cosi infant car seats.
Pros:
- Compact, easy fold
- Amazing push
- Great canopies
- Near-flat reclines
- Mesh for added airflow
Cons:
- Heavy
- Smaller basket
- No snack trays
- Canopy needs to be removed to use car seat adapter
Check out my full Review of the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 on YouTube!
2. The Bumbleride Indie Twin
The Bumbleride Indie Twin is known for its sustainability, non-toxic materials, and all-terrain capabilities. Both seats work from birth without any additional accessories, but you also have options for a car seat or bassinet (even for twin parents!). Choose the Mini Board that matches your stroller’s manufacture date. The current Mini Board fits Indie Twin models manufactured in 2023 or later; earlier strollers need the appropriate past-collection board. Children must be able to walk unassisted.
Here is what you need to know:
- Price: $1,099 manufacturer list price (checked October 2, 2026); check current pricing on Nordstrom
- Rider Board Price: $159 for the current Mini Board; check the board version and current pricing on Nordstrom
- Stroller Weight: 36 lb
- Stroller Width: 29.5 in
- Age: Birth to 45 lbs per seat – Rider board works up to 44 lbs
- Car Seat Compatibility: Yes, and it works for twins with the following car seats: Clek, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Cybex, etc.
Pros:
- Newborn reclines
- All-terrain air-tires
- Non-toxic
- Great for twins
Cons:
- Awkward fold
- Need to carry a bike pump
- Average canopy coverage
- Heavy
3. The Bugaboo Donkey 6 Double
The Bugaboo Donkey 6 Double is the current model, with reversible seats and a 33 lb underseat basket. The Double package includes two seats and one bassinet. For newborn twins, choose the Twin package with two bassinets. A compatible Bugaboo comfort wheeled board adds a place for a third child.
My original Donkey 5 impressions and pros and cons are preserved below. The photo shows the Donkey 5; the buying details and specifications have been updated to the Donkey 6.
The Bugaboo Donkey 5 is a single-to-double stroller that glides like butter. This is one of the only reversible seat side-by-side double strollers on the market. It is made with high-quality materials, and the seat frames can be used as a seat or a bassinet. Many European parents use this stroller as a versatile way to transport three kids. It is big and a little complicated to fold depending on the setup, and the price tag is very high, but if having your baby parent-facing is important, it is the best! Plus, the Bugaboo Donkey ride-on board even has a built-in seat for your toddler.
Here is what you need to know:
- Price: $2,169 for the Heritage Black Double configuration on Bugaboo’s US site (checked October 2, 2026). Colors and bundles may differ. Shop the Donkey 6.
- Rider Board Price: Check current pricing on Target or Nordstrom
- Stroller Weight: 42.1 lbs with one bassinet and one seat
- Stroller Width: 29.1 in
- Age: From birth with a bassinet or compatible infant car seat; stroller seats from 6 months, up to 50 lbs each. Comfort wheeled board: from 2 years, up to 44 lbs.
- Car Seat Compatibility: One or two compatible infant car seats with the correct adapters (sold separately). Bugaboo’s current US list includes specific Bugaboo, Maxi-Cosi and Nuna models. Check the single/double adapter or twin adapter list for your exact car seat. Measure the complete setup for doorway clearance.
Pros:
- Amazing push
- Reversible seats
- Bassinet & seat fabrics to grow with your child
- Great for twins
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Large and complex fold
- Heavy
4. The Valco Baby Trend Duo
For a long time, this was one of the only lightweight side-by-side double strollers that worked for families with twins. Recently, more options like the new Bombi Twin have come out, but it doesn’t offer a rider board or bassinet, so some parents still stick with the Valco.
With the more recent version of this stroller, you get two tall, upright seats with newborn-ready reclines, amazing canopies, and lots of accessories including the choice between a rider board or a co-rider seat to add to your stroller. While the fold is a little awkward and the materials and the buckles and brake could use an update, it is still a great option for families of 3.
Here is what you need to know:
- Price: $825 – Order on Amazon or Target
- Rider Board Price: $100 – Order on Amazon
- Co-Rider Seat Price: $174.95 manufacturer-listed price (checked October 2, 2026). Check current pricing at Target. For children 15 months and older, up to 55 lbs; confirm fit with your exact stroller before buying.
- Stroller Weight: 27 lbs
- Stroller Width: 29 in for the standard Trend Duo in Valco’s published specifications; the newer Sport SE is listed at 29.5 in. Check the version you are buying.
- Age: Birth to 45 lbs per seat – Rider board works up to 55lbs
- Car Seat Compatibility: Yes, with adapters sold separately. For two car seats, the Twin Adapter Kit uses one Maxi-Cosi/Nuna/Cybex adapter and one universal adapter; two identical adapters will not work. One seat must be a compatible Maxi-Cosi, Nuna or Cybex model. The universal adapter fits most infant car seats except Doona. Confirm your exact car seat models before ordering.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Newborn reclines & bassinet options
- Large canopies
- Great for twins
Cons:
- Poor lower footrest for older kids
- Small basket
- Cheap materials and buckles
- Awkward fold
Check out my Full Review of the Valco Trend Duo on YouTube!
Side-by-side or tandem for kids of different ages?
Side-by-side seats give both younger children a similar view, but the stroller frame is wider. A tandem double places one seat ahead of the other, which changes the length and the seating options. If you are expecting twins, start with the newborn configuration. If you have two kids of different ages, look at whether each seat will still work as they grow.
For the third child, a ride-along board makes the most sense when walking is already the default and the board is a break. On long walks, a child who still naps may need a full seat. An adjustable handlebar can help you find walking room behind a buggy board, but it cannot guarantee that you will avoid kicking it. That is the fit I would try before committing.
What to check before buying the stroller and board
- Exact compatibility: match the board, stroller model, manufacture year, and any required adapter. A “universal” buggy board still has a fit list.
- Your walking space: the standing platform sits behind the stroller and can change your stride. Check handlebar reach, foot clearance, and whether your child has a comfortable place to hold on.
- Seat recline and basket access: picture the setup with both younger children reclined, the older child on the board, and your bag underneath. The board can make the basket harder to reach.
- Folded size: find out whether the board folds up, needs to come off, or changes the stroller’s fold. Include that extra piece when checking your trunk space.
- Newborn seating: two seats do not automatically mean space for two infant car seats. Confirm the complete newborn setup, then measure its width.
- Age and weight limits: follow the limits for each stroller seat and the board separately. The older child must be ready to use the board as instructed.
These are walking setups. The Baby Jogger name does not mean the City Mini GT2 Double is a jogging stroller. If running is the goal, see my jogging stroller guide and follow the rules for the stroller and every attached accessory.
What is the best stroller for Twins and a Toddler?
The Bugaboo Donkey 6, Bumbleride Indie Twin, and Valco Trend Duo all make great options for twins and a toddler! Each has equal weight limits for its two seats and options for two infant car seats or bassinets. The Indie Twin and Trend Duo offer newborn-ready reclines; use the Donkey 6 with two bassinets for newborn twins, or compatible infant car seats and the correct adapters. Match your toddler’s board to the exact stroller model and follow its age and weight limits. The Trend Duo’s two-car-seat setup requires the mixed Twin Adapter Kit described above.
Are there any other 3-kid and 3-seat stroller options?
A rider board setup won’t work for everyone, so two other great 3-kid options I love include the Zoe Trio – Save $15 with this link (one of the only 3-seat strollers) or the Wonderfold L4 wagon (here is my review). If I need a place for all my kids to sit, these are two of my favorite options for three kids.
If you’re deciding between a third seat and a rider board, my Zoe stroller comparison explains the Twin, Trio and Tribe options.
What are the best Universal Rider Boards?
Universal rider boards are designed for a range of strollers, but they do not fit every model. Check the board manufacturer’s compatibility guidance for your exact stroller before buying. These are options to investigate, not a promise that every board below works with every stroller in this post.
- Co-rider seat (not a rider board, but a nice way to transport a 3rd child)
- Diono Hop ‘n Roll
- Larktale Ride-Along Stroller Board
- Lascal BuggyBoard (even works with Nuna strollers)
- Sk8 Board
For newborn seating options, see my newborn stroller guide.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right stroller setup for three kids can be tricky, but I hope these four options—each with a compatible rider board—help make your decision a little easier. If this post was helpful, I’d be so grateful if you used the links above to shop. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps support my channel.
