Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is a convenient way for parents to transport multiple children. The best models are easy to fold, carry and store in a car trunk. They also provide different seating arrangements for children of varying ages.
If your children are close in age, you might find that a sit-and-stand or side-byside style is the best way to avoid fights between siblings over which seat to use. We also like options which accept two infant car seat such as the UPPAbaby V2 double.
Comfort
A stroller that is comfortable and safe for both your baby and toddler. Pick one with padded seats, a wide base, and swivelling front wheels to smooth out bumps in the road and buckles that are easy to secure and remove.
You can also search for a generous, UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection and plenty of coverage for both children. Another comfort feature is adjustable footrests that let your child stand up in the back seat if they are tired. Some double strollers, such as the best-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats in the stroller will be contingent on the weight and age of the children using it. A side-byside baby stroller allows you to monitor two children at once which is ideal for twins or siblings of the same age. However, it's typically wider than other models and can be challenging to maneuver through narrow spaces or in crowded areas.
On the other hand, a sit-and-stand stroller gives older siblings a chance to stand while you push the younger one in an infant car seat. It's not the best option for infants, but it can be suitable when your kids are around three years old and able to walk for longer distances.
A convertible stroller is another alternative. It comes with a variety of seating configurations and can be used for years as a single or double. Rebecca says this kind of stroller is a good option for parents who wish to buy one stroller but want 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 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 the other strollers we've tried however, it comes with an elegant, modern design and top-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and has a telescoping bar and easy-to press brakes. It comes with foam-filled wheels that won't sag and a huge storage bin.
Ease of Use
A double stroller is a costly investment. Parents are looking for models that are simple to use. That means a broad range 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 allow families to separate belongings to make them easy to access. They also come with parent consoles and organizer bags that store keys, phones and other necessities on the ready.
A stroller can be adjusted to the needs of your family over the years also. For example, a budget-friendly model like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes an adjustable system that allows you to add a seat, transform it into a triple using the rideboard, or change to a single-mode with the rear bench. This flexibility allows double strollers to last as long as it is needed.
When it comes to maneuverability, some side-by-side models aren't able to turn on a dime however, the majority of our Lab testers were impressed by the ease of use and maneuverability of the inline Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model is compatible with all of our top-rated infant car seats and is suitable for twins or children of different ages. The telescoping handles as well as the easy-to-use brakes allow it to be more maneuverable than other double strollers we have tested.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double, it's on the other hand, is sleek and stylish. It also comes with an ample basket that can accommodate two toddler car seats or an infant car seat along with a regular child's seat. It can be used by one child up to age three. The tires are filled with foam and designed to not go flat.
The UPPAbaby folds down in half, making it simple to store and transport. great post to read 's also super lightweight at just 18 pounds. It's also easy to open and close with an latch, and requires no tools for assembly. Our Lab experts picked it as their top choice for its affordability and shopability, as well as its longevity.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers should be able to carry diaper bags, water bottles snacks, toys, and jackets for kids, as well as parents keys, wallets, phones and other belongings. They must also be able to move over different surfaces and maneuver in tight places. When not in use, they are often required to fit into the trunk of a car.
Double strollers come in a variety of designs to meet the needs of parents. They can be side-byside or tandem, with fixed or removable seats or a baby car seats and a riding board. They can be designed to fit one toddler or infant or twins. Some are made for jogging while others can be used on beaches or on trails for hiking.
Modular designs are particularly useful for families who want to grow with their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle for instance allows parents to mix and combine seats, cots, and car seats to make the stroller fit the entire family from newborn to toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be modified to fit one child with the use of a baby seat or bassinet, or a toddler with an elevated seat or a standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a versatile stroller that can be configured in a variety of ways, making it ideal for twins or siblings, or even an expanding family.
The UPPAbaby also prioritizes green and sustainability initiatives. The UPPAbaby comes in many colors, and its fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. In our testing, our test participant Raul used the double stroller with his 3 year old daughter and five-month-old son. Raul says it was simple to disassemble and unpack because the components were neatly labeled boxes, with instructions and a video code.
The UPPAbaby also features an adjustable handlebar that can be telescoping, as well as brakes controlled by your thumb. Its swiveling wheels on the front can aid in making tighter turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized as being cumbersome and difficult to maneuver. They're also bulky. However, the newest models are sleeker and offer various options for customization. You may even find one that fits your infant car seat which makes it more convenient to go out and about with two kids in tow.
If you're in the market for a double stroller that can be used side-by-side or in line, be sure that it's JPMA-certified to ensure it is safe to use. It also has to pass regular inspections. Also, you should look for suspension systems that provide a smooth ride and doesn't cause bumps, or jostling for the children in the front seat. If your stroller is equipped with an armrest, make sure it's adjustable to accommodate Moms and Dads of different heights.
A canopy can shield your baby from harsh sunlight and harsh weather. The best canopies have the option of a reversible flap, or a clear plastic peek-a-boo window to allow you to monitor your children without causing any disturbance to them. Some canopies also come with visors to block direct sun.
Another important metric to consider is how easily the stroller folds and unfolds. Strollers that fold compactly when folded are more convenient to store and take up less space in the trunk of your car. Strollers that have only one button to fold the chassis are also more user-friendly.
When you are shopping for a double stroller, bear in mind the distance your children are and what kind of excursions you're planning to take them on. For instance, if your kids are close in age it is possible to consider an incline-to-low tandem stroller so that they can be together when outings are planned. On the other hand, if your children have a large age gap it is possible to choose a side-byside model that offers them more privacy.
If you're planning on using your stroller with baby car seats, search for a model that integrates with top-rated car seats and has a high attachment score. This won't have as significant an impact on the overall rating as other factors but it is still crucial if you intend to utilize car seat adapters.