Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is a great method for parents to carry multiple children. The best models are simple to fold, carry and place into a trunk of a car. They also provide flexible seating arrangements for kids of different ages.
Parents of children who are close to age may find that a side-by-side or sit-and-stand design is the best to avoid sibling fights about who is allowed to ride in which car seat. We also recommend options that allow two infant car seats, such as the UPPAbaby v2 double.
Comfort
It is crucial that your baby and toddler are both comfortable in the stroller. Select a stroller with cushioned seats and swiveling wheels at the front to smooth out bumps on the road. Also, pick one with buckles that are easily fastened and unfastened.
You can also look for an ample, UPF 50+ canopy that offers sun protection and ample coverage for both children. Footrests that can be adjusted allow your child to sit in the rear seat when they are tired. most compact double stroller provide this feature for both children, such as the Safety 1st model that is the top-selling model.
The number of seats you can put in your stroller depends on the weight and ages of the kids who are riding in it. A side-by-side baby stroller lets you to monitor two children at a time which is ideal for twins or siblings of the same age. It's wider than other configurations, and can be difficult to maneuver in tight or narrow spaces.
On the other hand, a stand-and-sit stroller allows older siblings to stand while you push your younger child in the infant car seat. It's not the best option for infants, but it can be useful for older children that can walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is an additional option. It comes with a variety of seating configurations and can be used as a double or single. Rebecca says that this kind of stroller is a good choice for parents who want to buy one stroller but are planning to use it with two kids. "It's more expensive than our top tandem choice however, it will last a long time, has a great return value, and is extremely versatile," 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, but it has an elegant, modern design and top-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and comes with a telescoping bar as well as easy to press brakes. It also comes with foam-filled tires that will not wear out and a large storage basket.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller is not an inexpensive investment, which is why parents are often looking for a model that's easy to use. That means a broad range of features, from the ability to fold it up compactly to the ability to adjust the height of the handlebar to accommodate different users, must be readily available. Some models come with multiple storage compartments to allow families to split up belongings for quick access, and organizer bags for parents or parent consoles to keep phone, keys and other items easily accessible.
A stroller should be able adapt to the changing requirements of your family over time. For instance, a budget-friendly option like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes an adjustable system that allows you to add a second seat, convert it into a triple using a rideboard, or switch to a single-mode with a rear bench. This flexibility allows double strollers to last for as long as it is needed.
When it comes to maneuverability, some models aren't able to turn at a whim 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 age groups. The telescoping handles and simple-to-use brakes make it more flexible than other double strollers we tested.
On the other side the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double has a streamlined design and a huge storage basket that can hold two car seats for toddlers or one infant car seat in addition to an ordinary child seat. It can also be used by a single child up to the age of three and provides a smooth ride due to its tires filled with foam that are not designed to run flat.
The UPPAbaby folds down in half and is easy to store and transport. It's also very light at just 18 pounds. It is also easy to close and open using the latch, and requires no tools to assemble. It was a top pick among our Lab experts for its durability and shopability as well as its affordability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers should be able hold diaper bags as well as water bottles and jackets and the keys, wallets and phones of parents. They should also be able to glide across different surfaces and maneuver through tight spaces. They are often required to fit in the trunk of a vehicle, so they should be easy to fold and compact when not in use.
Double strollers are available in a variety of styles to meet these needs. They can be tandem or side-by-side with fixed or removable seats, or with an infant car seat and a ridingboard. They can be designed to accommodate a single infant or toddler or twins. Some are designed for jogging, while others can be used on hiking trails or at the beach.
Modular designs are particularly useful for families who need to grow with 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 be used by the entire family from birth to toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers, like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be adapted for one child by the use of a baby seat or bassinet, or a toddler with an elevated seat or a standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is an adaptable stroller that can be set up in a variety of ways. It's ideal for twins, siblings or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also known for its green initiatives, and it prioritizes sustainability. The UPPAbaby comes with a wide range of colors, and its materials are made from recycled water bottles. Raul, one of our testers utilized this double stroller while testing with his five-month-old son as well as three-year-old daughter. He found it easy to remove the components and put them together because they were packaged neatly with instructions and video codes.
The UPPAbaby also comes with an adjustable handlebar that can be telescoping, as well as brakes that operate with your thumb. And its swiveling front wheels will allow it to make precise turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized for being cumbersome and difficult to maneuver. They are also heavy. However, the newest models are sleeker and provide various options for customization. You may even find one that is compatible with your car seat for infants which makes it easier to get out and about with two kids in the stroller.
If you're looking for a side-by-side or in-line double stroller, make sure it's JPMA certified to ensure it complies with minimum safety standards and goes through regular inspections. You'll want to ensure that the suspension system provides an easy ride for your children who are 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 shield your child from the harsh sun and inclement weather. The most effective canopies come with the option of a reversible flap, or a transparent plastic windows that peek-a-boo to allow you to monitor your children without causing disturbance. Certain canopies come with visors that block direct sunlight.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is a second important factor to consider. Strollers that are compact 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 are much easier to use.
When deciding which double stroller, consider the age difference between your children and the kind of trip you intend to take the strollers on. For instance, if your children are similar in age it is possible to consider a tandem high-low stroller to ensure that they can interact during outings. On the other the other hand, if you have a significant age difference then you may want to consider a side-by-side model that gives them more privacy.
If you're planning to use your stroller to carry baby car seats, select one with a high attachment score and that is compatible with top-rated brands. This won't have as big impact on your overall rating as the other metrics but it's an important aspect to take into consideration if you're thinking of using adapters for car seats.