Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is a convenient way for parents to transport multiple children. The most effective models are easy to fold, carry and fit in a car trunk. They also offer flexible seating arrangements for kids of different ages.
If your children are close in age, you might consider a sit-and-stand or side-byside style is the best way to avoid sibling fights over which seat to use. We also like options which accept two infant car seats, such as the UPPAbaby V2 double.
Comfort
It is essential that your baby and toddler are comfortable in the stroller. Choose one that has padding for the seats, a wide base, and swivelling front wheels to smooth out bumps in the road, and buckles that are easy to fasten and unfasten.
You can also look for a large, UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection and ample coverage for both children. Footrests that can be adjusted allow your child to stand up in the rear seat when they are exhausted. Some double strollers, such as the top-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
How many seats you choose in your stroller will depend on the weights and ages of the kids riding in it. A side-by-side baby stroller allows you to keep an eye on two children at a time it is ideal for twins or siblings of a similar age. However, it's typically wider than other types and can be challenging to maneuver in tight spaces or in crowded areas.
A sit-and-stand pram allows older siblings to stand up while you push a younger child in a car seat for infants. It's not the best option for babies, but it is useful for older children who can walk for longer distances.
Another option is a convertible stroller, which has multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a double or a single for a number of years. Rebecca says this kind of stroller is an ideal choice for parents who plan to buy one stroller and use it with both children. It's more expensive than the top tandem pick however it will last an extended period of time and comes with a great resale price, 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 sleek, modern designs and high-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and has an adjustable handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted and brakes that are easy to press. It comes with foam-filled wheels that won't break and a huge storage bin.
Simple to Use
A double stroller can be an expensive investment. Parents are therefore looking for models that are easy to use. It should come with a range of features like the capability to fold the stroller into a compact size and alter the height of the handlebar to accommodate different users. Certain models have multiple storage compartments to allow families to separate belongings to make it easier to access. They also include parent consoles and organizer bags to keep phones, keys, and other essentials at fingertips.
A stroller can be adjusted to the changing needs of your family as they grow older as well. For instance, a budget-friendly option such as the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes a modular system that allows you to add a second seat, convert it into a triple by using the rideboard, or change to a single mode with a rear bench. This flexibility can make double strollers work for the time you need it to.
In terms of maneuverability, a lot of side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver, but our Lab testers were impressed with the ease of use and maneuverability of the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model is compatible with all of our top-rated car seats for infants and can be used by twins or children of different ages. The telescoping handles and simple-to-use brakes allow it to be more mobile than other double strollers we have tested.
On the other hand, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double has a streamlined design and a huge storage basket that can accommodate two car seats for toddlers or one infant car seat and an ordinary child's seat. It can also be used by any single child until three years old and offers a smooth ride thanks to its foam-filled tires that are designed not to go flat.
The UPPAbaby folds in half and is simple to store and transport. It's also very light, weighing only 18 pounds. It's also easy to open and close using a latch and requires no tools for assembly. It was a top pick by our Lab experts for its longevity and versatility, as well as its price.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers must be able to carry diaper bags as well as water bottles snacks, toys, and jackets for kids as well as parents keys, wallets phones, and other items. They should also be able to glide over different surfaces, and maneuver through tight spots. They are often required to be able to fit in the trunk of a car, therefore they should be easy to fold up and compact when not being used.
To meet these requirements Double strollers can be constructed in a variety of styles. They can be tandem or side-byside and can also have seats that are removable or fixed or even be outfitted with infant car seats as well as a riding board. They can be made to fit one toddler or infant or twins. double pushchair are suited for running, while others can be used on hiking trails or at the beach.
Modular designs can be especially helpful for families that need to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S, for example is designed to permit parents to mix and match seat units, cot attachments, and car seats, so that the stroller can serve the entire family from birth to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular, such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be converted to a single child by using a bassinet or baby seat or for a toddler using a standing board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby's versatility allows it to be set up in a variety of ways, making it ideal for twins and siblings, or for an expanding family.
The UPPAbaby is also renowned for its green initiatives, and it prioritizes sustainability. The UPPAbaby is available in various colors, and the fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. Raul one of our testers, utilized this double stroller while testing with his five-month-old son and three-year-old daughter. He found it easy to remove the components and assemble them because they were neatly labeled boxes with video and instructions.
Another amazing aspect of the UPPAbaby is its telescoping handlebar, as well as brakes that operate with one hand and can be operated using only your thumb. The swiveling wheels at the front can aid in making more precise turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
Double strollers are a bit of received a bad rap for being bulky and difficult to maneuver, the new generation of strollers are sleek and offer many customization options. You can find one that fits an infant car seat, making it easier to travel with two children.
If you're looking for a double stroller that can be used side-byside or in line, be sure that it's JPMA-certified to ensure it meets safety standards. It will also go through regular inspections. You should also consider an adjustable suspension system that gives smooth riding and doesn't cause bumps, or jostling for your children in the front seat. If your stroller comes with an adjustable handlebar, make sure it's adjustable so that both parents can use it.
A canopy can protect your child from harsh sunlight and inclement weather. The best canopy features an reversible flap as well as a transparent plastic windows that peek-a-boo that allows you to watch your children without causing any disturbance to them. Some canopies come with visors to block direct sunlight.
Another important metric to consider is how easily the stroller folds and unfolds. Strollers that fold compactly when folded are easier to store and take up less space in the trunk of your car. Also, strollers that have only one button to release the hand that folds the chassis are more user-friendly.
When you are shopping for a double stroller, bear in mind how far apart your children are and what kind of outings you plan on taking them on. If your children are close in age, you could opt for a tandem high/low stroller in order to allow them to interact during outings. If your children are separated by the age gap you can select one that gives them more privacy.
If you plan to use your stroller for baby car seats, you should choose a model with a high attachment score and compatible with top-rated brands. This won't have as big an impact on the overall rating as other metrics but it is still important if you plan to use car seat adapters.