Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is an ideal option for parents to take multiple children. The best models are easy to fold and carry and fit nicely inside a trunk of a car, and offer versatile seating arrangements for children of various ages.
If your children are similar in age, you may consider a sit-and-stand or side-by-side design is the best method to avoid fights between siblings over which seat to choose. We also like options that allow two infant car seats such as the UPPAbaby v2 Double.
Comfort
A comfortable stroller is key for both your baby and toddler. Choose one that has padded seats, a wide base and swiveling front wheels to smooth bumps in the road and buckles that are easy to fasten and unfasten.
Choose a big, UPF 50+ canopy to provide sun protection for both children. Footrests that can be adjusted allow your child to stand up in the rear seat if they are tired. Some double strollers, such as the most popular model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats in your stroller will be determined by the weight and age of the children using it. Pushchairs And Prams -by-side baby stroller lets you to watch two children at a time it is ideal for twins or siblings of similar age. It's wider than other configurations and isn't easy to maneuver in crowded or narrow spaces.
Sit-and-stand strollers allow older siblings to stand up while you push a younger child in an infant car-seat. It's not the ideal choice for newborns but can be beneficial for older children that can walk for longer distances.
Another option is a convertible stroller that has multiple seating options and can be used as a single or double for several years. Rebecca says this kind of stroller would be an ideal choice for parents who intend to buy one stroller and use it with both children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem pick, but it will last for 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 some of the other strollers we've tried however, it comes with sleek, modern designs and top-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and it has an adjustable handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted and brakes that are easy to press. It also has foam-filled tires that won't go flat and large storage basket.
Easy to Use
A double stroller is not a cheap investment, so parents are often looking for a model that's easy to use. It should have a variety of features, including the ability to fold the stroller in a compact manner and alter the height of the handlebar to accommodate different types of users. Some models have multiple storage compartments to enable families to keep their belongings separate to make them easy to access. They also have parent consoles and organizer bags that store phones, keys and other essentials on hand.
A stroller should be able to adapt to the changing needs of your family over the years as well. For instance, a budget-friendly option like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes a modular system that lets you add another seat, convert it into a triple by using the rideboard, or change to a single mode by using the rear bench. This flexibility will let double strollers last as long as you want it to.
In terms of maneuverability, some side-byside models aren't able to turn at a whim however the majority of our Lab testers loved the simplicity and maneuverability of the inline Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model is compatible with our top-rated car seats for infants and can be used by twins or children of different age groups. The telescoping handlebar as well as the simple-to-use brakes make it much easier to maneuver over the other double strollers we tested.
On the other hand the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double comes with sleek design and a huge storage basket that can hold two car seats for toddlers or one infant car seat plus an ordinary child's seat. It can also be used by one child up to three years old and is a smooth ride due to its foam-filled tires that are not designed to run flat.
Furthermore it's light at only 18 pounds and folds in half to make a slim and sleek box that is easy to carry and store. It's also easy to close and open using the latch, and requires no tools to assemble. Our Lab experts chose it as their top choice for its affordability and shopability, as well as its longevity.
Simple of Storage
Double strollers need to be able to accommodate diaper bags, water bottles, snacks, toys and jackets for children and parents keys, wallets phones, and other items. They also need to be able to glide across different surfaces and maneuver in tight spaces. When not in use, they usually have to be tucked into the trunk of a vehicle.
To meet these needs Double strollers can be built in a wide range of styles. They can be side-by-side or tandem, with fixed or removable seats or a baby car seats and a rideboard. They can be designed to accommodate a single toddler or newborn, or twins. Some are made for running, while others can be used at the beach or on hiking trails.
Modular designs are especially useful for families who need to grow with their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle, for example allows parents to mix and combine seats, cots, and car seats to make the stroller fit all the family members from infant to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be adapted for a single child through the use of a baby seat or bassinet or a toddler's a jump seat or standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a flexible stroller that can be configured 30 different ways. It's perfect for twins, siblings, or an expanding family.
The UPPAbaby is also committed to green and sustainability initiatives. The UPPAbaby comes in a wide range of colors and the fabrics are made out of recycled water bottles. Our test subject Raul used this double stroller with his three-year old daughter and five-month-old son. He said it was easy to unpack the parts and assemble them because they were packaged neatly with instructions and video codes.
The UPPAbaby also comes with a telescoping handlebar, and brakes that operate with your thumb. Its swiveling front wheels allow it to make tight turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized for being heavy and difficult to maneuver. They are also heavy. However, the newest models are sleeker and provide many options for customization. You will find one that can fit an infant car seat, making it easier to travel with two children.
If you're shopping for a double stroller that can be used side-byside or in line, ensure that it's JPMA-certified to ensure it is safe to use. It will also undergo regular inspections. You'll want to ensure that the suspension system offers a smooth ride for your children when they are in the front seat. And if your stroller has a handlebar, be sure it's adjustable to accommodate parents and dads of various heights.
A canopy can protect your child from harsh sunlight and inclement weather. The best canopy features the option of a reversible flap, or a transparent plastic windows that peek-a-boo to let you monitor your children without causing any disturbance to them. Certain canopies come with visors that block direct sunlight.
Another important metric to consider is how easy the stroller folds and unfolds. Strollers that fold compactly when folded are easier to store and take up less space in the trunk of your car. Strollers that have only one button to fold the chassis are easier to use.
When shopping for a double stroller, keep in mind the distance your children are in age and what type of outings you are planning to take them on. If your children are similar in age, you could opt for a tandem high/low stroller to let them interact when outings. On the other hand, if your children have a large age gap then you may want to consider a side-by-side model that gives them more privacy.
If you plan to use your stroller to carry baby car seats, you should choose a model with a high attachment score and is compatible with top-rated brands. This will not have as much of an impact on the overall rating as other indicators but it is still crucial if you intend to use adapters for car seats.