Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller offers parents of multiple kids a comfortable way to get them around. The best strollers are lightweight and easy to fold and carry, fit well inside a trunk of a car, and provide a variety of seating arrangements for children of varying ages.
Parents with children close in age may find that a side-by-side or sit-and-stand style works best to prevent sibling rivalries about who is allowed to ride in which seat. We also like the options that allow two infant car seats, such as the UPPAbaby v2 Double.
Comfort
It is crucial that your baby and toddler are at ease in the stroller. Pick a stroller that has padded seats and swiveling wheels on the front to smooth road bumps. Also, pick one with buckles that are easily removed and fastened.
Look for a large, UPF 50+ canopy to provide sun protection for both children and their parents. Footrests that can be adjusted allow your child to stand in the rear seat if they're tired. Some double strollers, like the top-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats you can put in your stroller will depend on the weights and ages of the children that are using it. A side-by-side baby stroller allows you to watch two children at once, making it ideal for twins or siblings of a similar age. However, it's generally wider than other types and can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces or in crowded areas.
On the other hand, a stand-and-sit stroller gives older siblings a chance to stand while you push the baby in a car seat for infants. single to double pushchair 's not the best choice for newborns but can be useful for older children who can walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is a different alternative. It offers multiple seating options and can be used for years as a double or single. Rebecca says that this kind of stroller is an excellent choice for parents who want to buy one stroller but are planning to use it with two kids. It's more expensive than the top tandem choice but it'll last for many years and has an excellent resale value, she says.
This stroller by UPPAbaby is a double stroller that converts into a single or a toddler-and-RumbleSeat configuration. It's not as compact as the other options we tested however, it comes with an elegant, modern design and top-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and has an adjustable bar that can be telescoping and press brakes. It comes with wheels that are filled with foam that won't flatten and a large storage bin.
Simple to Use
A double stroller is an expensive purchase. Parents are therefore looking for models that are simple to use. It should include a variety of features like the possibility of folding the stroller into a compact size and alter the height of the handlebar to accommodate different users. Some models have multiple storage compartments to allow families to organize their belongings to make them easy to access. They also have parent consoles and organizer bags that store keys, phones and other necessities on fingertips.
A stroller should be able to adapt to the changing needs of your family over the years, too. For example, a budget-friendly option such as the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes an adjustable system that allows you to add a second seat, convert it into a triple by using a rideboard, or switch to a single mode by using an additional bench in the rear. This flexibility allows double strollers to last for as long as you need it.
In terms of maneuverability, some side-by-side models struggle to turn at a whim, but the majority of our Lab testers loved the simplicity and maneuverability of the inline Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model can be used with all of our top-rated infant car seats and is suitable for twins or children of various age. The telescoping handles and simple-to-use brakes make it more mobile than other double strollers that we evaluated.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double, however, has a streamlined look and a large basket that can hold two toddler car seats or an infant car seat with a regular child's car seat. It can also be used by a single child up to the age of three. It is a smooth ride due to its foam-filled tires which are made to not go flat.
In addition it's light at only 18 pounds and folds in half to create a sleek and compact package that's easy to carry and put away. It's also simple to open and close using the latch and doesn't require tools for assembly. Our Lab experts selected it as their top choice for its affordability, shopability and longevity.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers must be able to hold diaper bags as well as water bottles, snacks, toys and jackets for kids as well as parents' wallets, keys, phones and other belongings. They also need to be able to slide over different surfaces and maneuver through tight spaces. They often need to be able to fit in the trunk of a car, so they should be easy to fold and compact when not when not in use.
To meet these needs Double strollers are constructed in a variety of styles. They can be tandem or side-by-side with fixed or removable seats, or be equipped with infant car seats as well as a riding board. They can be designed to accommodate one toddler or infant, or twins. Some are designed for running, while others can be used on trails for hiking and at the beach.
Modular designs can be especially beneficial for families who need to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle, for example allows parents to mix and blend seats units, cots and car seats to make the stroller serve all the family members from infant to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular, such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be modified to accommodate one child with the use of baby seats or a bassinet, or a toddler by using a standing board or jump seat (sold separately). The versatile UPPAbaby can be configured in 30 different ways, making it suitable for twins or siblings, or even growing families.
The UPPAbaby also prioritizes green and sustainability initiatives. The UPPAbaby is available in a variety of colors, and its fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. During testing, our tester Raul used this double stroller with his three-year old daughter and five-month-old son. He found it easy to remove the components and assemble them since they came in neatly-labeled boxes with video and instructions.
Another amazing characteristic of the UPPAbaby its telescoping handlebar as well as brakes that are one-handed and can be operated using only your thumb. Its swiveling wheels on the front can assist in making tighter turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are a bit of been criticized for being heavy and difficult to maneuver, the new generation of models are sleek and offer many options for customization. You can even find one that fits your infant car seat, making it even more convenient to go out and about with two children in tow.
If you're looking for a side-byside or in-line double stroller, be sure it's JPMA certified to ensure that it meets minimum safety standards and goes through regular inspections. Also, you should consider suspension systems that provide an easy ride and doesn't create bumps or jostling for the children in the front seat. If your stroller comes with an adjustable handlebar, make sure it is adjustable so that both parents can use it.
A canopy is another essential feature that can shield your babies from harsh sunlight or the harsh weather. The most effective canopies come with the option of a reversible flap, or a transparent plastic peek-a-boo windows to let you monitor your children without disturbing them. Some canopies also come with visors to block direct sun.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is an important aspect to take into consideration. Compact strollers are simpler to store in your car's trunk and take up less space. Strollers with a single button to fold the chassis are also more user-friendly.
When deciding on a double stroller, consider the age difference between your children and the type of trip you're planning to take the strollers on. For instance, if you're children are in the same age range, you may want to opt for a tandem high-low stroller so that they can be together when outings are planned. If your children are separated due to an age gap that is large you can select one that allows them to have more privacy.
If you're going to be using your stroller with baby car seats, search for a model that is compatible with top-rated car seat brands and has high attachment scores. This won't have as significant an impact on the overall rating as other indicators but is still crucial if you intend to utilize car seat adapters.