Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller provides parents with multiple children a comfortable way to get their children around. The best models are simple to fold, carry and store into a trunk of a car. They also offer various seating arrangements for children of different ages.
Parents with children of a similar age may find that a side by side or sit-and-stand design is the best to prevent sibling rivalries over who rides in which seat. We also recommend options that accept two infant car seats like the UPPAbaby v2 double.
Comfort
It is crucial that your baby and toddler are comfortable in the stroller. Pick a stroller that has padded seats and swiveling wheels on the front to smooth out bumps on the road. Also, pick one that has buckles that can be easily fastened and unfastened.
You can also look for a generous, UPF 50+ canopy that offers sun protection and plenty of coverage for both kids. Another comfort feature is adjustable footrests, which allow your child to stand in the back seat when they get tired. Some double strollers give this feature to both children, including the Safety 1st model that is the best seller.
The number of seats you can put in your stroller depends on the weights and ages of the children riding in it. For example, a side-by-side stroller allows you to keep an eye on two children simultaneously and is ideal for twins or siblings who are close in age. However, it's generally wider than other types and may be difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces or in crowded areas.
On the other hand, a sit-and-stand stroller allows older siblings to stand while you push the baby in a car seat for infants. It's not the ideal choice for babies, but it is useful for older children that can walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is an additional option. It comes with a variety of seating options and can be used for years as a double or single. Rebecca says that this type of stroller would be a good choice for parents who intend to purchase a single stroller and use it with both children. It's more expensive than the top tandem pick however it will last a long time and has the best 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 some of the other options we tested, but it has a sleek, modern design and high-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and has a telescoping bar as well as easy to press brakes. It also comes with tires filled with foam that won't go flat and a large storage basket.
Simple to Use
A double stroller is not an inexpensive investment, which is why parents often seek an option that is easy to use. That means a broad range of features, from the ability to fold it compactly to the ability to adjust the height of the handlebar for different users, should be readily available. Some models come with more than one storage compartment to allow families to split up belongings for quick access, as well as organizer bags or consoles for parents to keep keys, phone and other necessities easily accessible.
A stroller should be able to adapt to the needs of your family throughout the years also. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance is a budget-friendly stroller with a modular system. It allows you to add a seat, transform the stroller into a triple using a board, or switch it into a single mode by adding a bench at the rear. This flexibility can help a double stroller work for as long as you need it to.
In terms of maneuverability, some side-byside models struggle to turn at a whim however, many of our Lab testers appreciated the ease-of-use and maneuverability of the inline 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 maneuverable than other double strollers that we evaluated.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double, on the other hand has a streamlined look and an ample basket that can accommodate two toddler car seats or an infant car seat along with a standard child's seat. It can be used by one child up to age three. Its foam-filled tires are designed to last and not wear out.
The UPPAbaby folds up in half, making it easy to store and transport. It's also very light, weighing only 18 pounds. It is also easy to close and open using a latch, and requires no tools for assembling. Our Lab experts chose it as the best choice for its affordability and shopability, as well as its longevity.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers should be able hold diaper bags jackets, water bottles, and other items along with the keys, wallets and phones of parents. They must also be able to move over different surfaces and maneuver in tight places. When not in use, they often have to fit into the trunk of a car.
Double strollers come in many different designs to meet the needs of parents. They can be tandem or side-by-side with removable or fixed seats, or with an infant car seat and a ridingboard. They can also be designed to fit a single toddler or newborn, or twins. Some are made for running, while others can be used on beaches or on hiking trails.
Modular designs are particularly beneficial for families who need to grow into their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle for instance allows parents to mix and blend seat units, cots, and car seats to let the stroller fit all the family members from infant to toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be adapted to a single child by using a bassinet or baby seat, or a toddler by using an elevated board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby's versatility allows it to be configured in a variety of ways, making it ideal for twins or siblings, or even growing families.
The UPPAbaby also prioritizes green and sustainability initiatives. The UPPAbaby is available in a wide range of colors, and its materials are made out of recycled water bottles. In our testing, our test participant Raul utilized the double stroller with his three year old daughter and 5-month-old son. He says it was easy to disassemble and unpack because the components were neatly labeled boxes, which had instructions and a video code.
The UPPAbaby also has an adjustable handlebar that can be telescoping, as well as brakes that are operated by your thumb. Its swiveling wheels on the front can aid in making more precise turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized for being cumbersome and difficult to maneuver. They are also heavy. However, the most recent models are sleeker and provide many options for customization. You might even find one that will fit the car seat of your infant, making it even more convenient to go out and about with two children in tow.
If you're in the market for a double stroller that can be used side-byside or in line, be sure it is JPMA-certified to ensure it conforms to safety standards. It will also undergo regular inspections. Also, you should choose an adjustable suspension system that gives smooth riding and doesn't cause bumps or jolting for your toddlers in the front seat. If your stroller is equipped with a handlebar, be sure it's adjustable to fit parents and dads of various heights.
A canopy can shield your baby from harsh sunlight and inclement weather. The most effective canopies come with 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. explanation come with visors that block the direct sun.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is a second important aspect to think about. Strollers that fold compactly when folded are more convenient to store and take less space in the trunk of your car. Also, strollers that have a single hand-release button that folds the chassis more user-friendly.
When shopping for a double stroller, bear in mind how far apart your children are in age and what kind of outings you are planning to take them on. For example, if your kids are close in age it is possible to choose a tandem high-low stroller so that they can interact during outings. On the other side, if your kids have a significant age gap then you may want to consider a side-by-side model that gives them more privacy.
If you intend to use your stroller for baby car seats, choose a model with a high attachment score and is compatible with top-rated brands. This won't have as big an impact on the overall rating as other factors but is still important if you plan to use car seat adapters.