Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is a convenient option for parents to take multiple children. The best models are simple to fold and transport and fit nicely in a car trunk and offer versatile seating arrangements for children of various age groups.
Parents with children close in age may find a side-by-side or sit-and-stand design is the best to avoid sibling squabbles over who gets to ride in which car seat. We also recommend options that accept two infant car seats such as the UPPAbaby V2 double.
Comfort
It is important that your toddler and baby are comfortable in the stroller. Choose a stroller with comfortable seats and swiveling tires on the front to smooth out road bumps. Also, choose one with buckles that can be easily fastened and unfastened.
Look for a large, UPF 50+ canopy to provide sun protection for both children and their parents. Another comfort feature is adjustable footrests, which let your child stand up in the back seat if they are tired. Some double stroller s, like the best-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats you can put in your stroller depends on the weights and ages of the children who are that are using it. For instance, a side by side stroller lets you keep an eye on both children at the same time which is perfect for twins or siblings who are close in age. It's more spacious than other types of strollers and may be difficult to maneuver through crowded or narrow areas.
On the other hand, a stand-and-sit stroller allows older siblings to stand while you push the younger one in a car seat for infants. It's not ideal for newborns, but it can be an ideal choice when your children are about three years old and able to walk for longer distances.
A convertible stroller is an additional option. 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 purchase a single stroller but are planning to use it with two children. It's more expensive than the top tandem pick but it'll last for 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 some of the other strollers we've tested however, it comes with an elegant, modern design and high-quality materials. It is compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and has a telescoping bar and easy-to press brakes. It comes with foam-filled wheels that won't flatten and a large storage bin.
Ease of Use
A double stroller is an expensive investment. Parents are therefore seeking models that are simple to use. This means a variety of features, from the possibility of folding it down to the ability to adjust the height of the handlebar to accommodate different users, must be available. Some models have multiple storage compartments that enable families to keep their belongings separate to make them easy to access. They also come with parent consoles and organizer bags that store phones, keys and other necessities on the ready.
A stroller can be adjusted to the changing needs of your family over the years also. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for example, is a budget-friendly stroller that includes an adjustable system. This allows you to add a seat, transform the stroller into a triple using a board, or switch it to a single mode by adding a rear bench. This flexibility lets double strollers to last as long as is required.
In terms of maneuverability, many side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver, however our Lab testers were impressed with the ease of operation and maneuverability of the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model can be used with all of our top-rated infant car seats and is suitable for twins and kids of varying age. The telescoping handles as well as the easy-to-use brakes make it more flexible than other double strollers we have tested.
On the other side the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double comes with sleek design and a huge storage basket that can fit two toddler car seats or one infant car seat and an ordinary child's seat. It can be used by a single child from age three. Its tires that are filled with foam are made to not flatten.
The UPPAbaby folds down in half, making it easy to store and carry. It's also super lightweight, weighing only 18 pounds. It is also easy to open and close with the latch, and requires no tools to assemble. It was a top choice by our Lab experts for its durability 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 the kids as well as parents' wallets, keys, phones and other belongings. They should also be able to glide over different surfaces, and maneuver through tight spots. They often need to fit in the trunk of a vehicle, so they should be easy to fold and compact when not being used.
To meet these needs Double strollers can be constructed in a variety of designs. They can be tandem or side-by-side and can also have seats that are removable or fixed or come with infant car seats as well as a riding board. They can be designed to fit a single toddler or twins. Some are designed to be used for running while others are used on beaches or on hiking trails.
Modular designs are especially helpful for families that need to grow into their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle, for example, allows parents to mix and match seats units, cots and car seats to make the stroller suitable for all the family members from infant to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular, like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be made to accommodate one child by the use of bassinets or a baby seat or a toddler's with a jump seat or a standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a versatile stroller that can be set up in 30 different ways, making it ideal for twins or siblings, or even growing families.
The UPPAbaby is also known for its green initiatives and it is a proponent of sustainability. The UPPAbaby is available in a variety of colors, and its fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. Raul, one of our testers used the double stroller for testing with his five-month-old son as well as three-year-old daughter. He says it was easy to take apart and assemble since the components were neatly labeled boxes with instructions and a video code.
Another great aspect of the UPPAbaby is its telescoping handlebar and brakes that are one-handed and can be operated using only your thumb. Its swiveling wheels on the front can help it make more precise turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized as being heavy and difficult to maneuver. They are also bulky. However, the newest models are sleeker and come with many options for customization. You can even find one that is compatible with your car seat for infants which makes it more convenient to go out and about with two kids with you.
Whether you're looking for a side-byside or in-line double stroller, ensure that it's JPMA certified to ensure it meets minimum safety standards and undergoes regular inspections. You should also consider a suspension system that provides a smooth ride and doesn't create bumps or jostling for the toddlers in the front seat. If your stroller has a handlebar, ensure it is adjustable so that both parents can use it.
A canopy is a crucial feature that protects your children from harsh sunlight or inclement weather. The best canopies come with a reversible window or a transparent plastic peek-aboo that lets you monitor your child without causing disturbance. Some canopies also have the ability to shade direct sunlight.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is an important aspect to take into consideration. Strollers that fold compactly when folded are easier to store and take up less space in the trunk of your car. Also, strollers with a single hand-release button that folds the chassis much more convenient to use.
When shopping for a double stroller, bear in mind the distance your children are in age and what kind of outings you are planning to take them on. For instance, if your children are similar in age and you want to choose a tandem high-low stroller so that they can be together on outings. On the other the other hand, if you have a large age gap it is possible to choose a side-byside model that offers them more privacy.
If you're planning to use your stroller for baby car seats, select one with a high attachment score and is compatible with top-rated brands. This won't have as big impact on your overall rating as the other factors however it's a crucial aspect to take into consideration if you're thinking of using car seat adapters.