Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller offers parents with multiple children an easy way to move their children around. The best models are simple to fold, carry and fit into the trunk of a car. They also have various seating arrangements for children of various ages.
If your children are close in age, you might decide that a sit-and stand or side-byside style is the best way to avoid sibling fights over which seat to choose. We also recommend options that accept two infant car seats like the UPPAbaby v2 double.
Comfort
It is important that your baby and toddler are at ease in the stroller. Choose a stroller with comfortable seats and swiveling tires on the front to smooth bumps on the road. Also, pick one that has buckles that can be easily unfastened and fastened.
Choose a big, UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection for both children and their parents. Adjustable footrests let your child to stand up in the back seat when they're exhausted. Some double strollers, like the top-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats you select in your stroller is contingent on the weights and ages of the kids who are riding in it. A side-by-side baby stroller allows you to keep an eye on two children at the same time, making it ideal for twins or siblings of a similar age. It's more spacious than other types of strollers and isn't easy to maneuver through crowded or narrow areas.
A sit-and-stand pram allows older siblings to stand up while you push a smaller child in the infant car seat. It's not the best option for infants however, it could be suitable once your kiddos are around three years old and are able to walk for longer distances.
Another alternative is a convertible stroller that has multiple seating options and can be used as a double or single for several years. Rebecca says this kind of stroller is an excellent option for parents who wish to purchase a single stroller but plan to use it with two kids. "It's more expensive than our top tandem selection, but it will last for a long time, has a great resale value and is incredibly versatile," she says.
This stroller by UPPAbaby is a double stroller that converts into a single or a toddler-and-RumbleSeat configuration. It is not as compact as other models however it has an elegant design and top-quality material. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and has a telescoping handlebar as well as brakes that are easy to press. It also has foam-filled tires that will not wear out and large storage basket.
Easy to Use
A double stroller isn't a cheap investment, so parents are usually looking for an option that is easy to use. It should come with a range of features, including the ability to fold the stroller in a compact manner and adjust the handlebar height to accommodate different types of users. Some models also have multiple storage compartments that allow families to divide items for quick access, as well as organizer bags for parents or parent consoles to keep keys, phone, and other essentials within reach.
A stroller can be adjusted to your family's needs over the years also. For instance, a budget-friendly model like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes an adjustable system that allows you to add another seat, convert it into a triple by using a rideboard, or switch to a single-mode with the rear bench. This allows a double stroller to last for as long as you need it.
When it comes to maneuverability, some models aren't able to turn on a dime however many of our Lab testers loved the simplicity 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 make it more flexible than other double strollers we tested.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double, it's on the other hand, is sleek and stylish. It also comes with a large basket that can hold two toddler car seats or an infant car seat with a regular child's seat. It can be used by one child from age three. Its tires that are filled with foam are made to not flatten.
In addition it's light at just 18 pounds and folds in half to create a sleek and compact package that is easy to carry and to store. It's also simple to open and re-close with a latch and requires no tools to put together. Our Lab experts picked it as the top pick for its affordability, shopability and longevity.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers should be able hold diaper bags jackets, water bottles, and other items and the wallets, keys and phones of parents. They should also be able to slide across different surfaces and maneuver in tight spaces. They are often required to be able to fit in the trunk of a car, so they must be easy to fold and compact when not in use.
Double strollers come in many different styles to meet these needs. They can be side-by-side or tandem with fixed or removable seats or a baby car seats and a riding board. They can also be designed to fit one toddler or infant or twins. Some are designed to be used for running, while others can be used at the beach or on trails for hiking.
Modular designs are particularly beneficial for families who need to grow into their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S for instance, is designed to allow parents to mix and match their seat units, cot attachments and car seats, so that the stroller is able to serve the entire family from birth to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers with modular designs like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be modified to accommodate a single child by using the bassinet or baby seat or a toddler using a standing board or jump seat (sold separately). The versatile UPPAbaby can 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 its focus is on sustainability. The UPPAbaby comes with many colors and its fabrics are made out of 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 take the parts out and assemble them since they were neatly labeled boxes with video and instructions.
The UPPAbaby also comes with a telescoping handlebar and brakes controlled by your thumb. Its swiveling front wheels allow it to make tight turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
While double strollers have a bad reputation as cumbersome and difficult to maneuver, the latest generation of strollers are sleek and come with a range of customization options. You can find one that is compatible with 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-by-side, or in a line, make sure that it's JPMA-certified to ensure it conforms to safety standards. It will also go through regular inspections. You'll need to ensure that the suspension system provides an easy ride for your children who are in the front seat. And if your stroller has a handlebar, be sure it's adjustable to fit the different heights.
A canopy is a crucial feature that protects your babies from harsh sunlight or the harsh weather. The best canopies come with windows that can be reversible or a transparent plastic peek-aboo that lets you watch your child's progress without disturbing them. Some canopies have visors that block the 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 room. Strollers that have only one button to fold the chassis are simpler to use.
When deciding which double stroller be aware of the age gap between your children and the type of trip you intend to take with them. If your children are similar in age you may choose a tandem high/low stroller to let them interact during outings. On the other side, if your kids have a significant age gap it is possible to choose an option that is side-by-side, which gives them more privacy.
If you're going to be using your stroller with baby car seats, look for a model that works with top-rated car seat brands and has high attachment scores. This will not have as significant an impact on the overall rating as other metrics but it is still important if you plan to use car seat adapters.