Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is a great way for parents to transport multiple children. The best models are simple to fold, carry and fit into the trunk of a car. They also have different seating arrangements for children of various ages.
If your children are similar in age, you might consider a sit-and-stand or side-by-side design is the best way to avoid fights between siblings over which seat to choose. We also recommend options that accept two infant car seats like the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double.
Comfort
It is important that your baby and toddler are both comfortable in the stroller. Pick a stroller that has cushioned seats and swiveling wheels on the front to smooth bumps on the road. Also, select one that has buckles that can be easily unfastened and fastened.
Find a large, UPF 50+ canopy to provide sun protection for both children. Footrests that can be adjusted allow your child to stand in the rear seat if they are exhausted. Some double strollers give this feature to both children, including the Safety 1st model that is the most popular.
The number of seats you can have in the stroller will be contingent on the weight and age of the children who will be using it. For instance, a side by side stroller lets you keep an eye on both kids simultaneously which is perfect for twins or siblings who are close in age. However, it's generally larger than other configurations and may be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces or in areas with a lot of people.
On the other hand, a sit-and-stand stroller allows older siblings to stand while you push your younger child in a car seat for infants. It's not ideal for newborns but it's suitable once your kiddos are around three years old and can walk longer distances.
Another alternative is a convertible stroller, which offers multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a double or a single for a long time. Rebecca says this kind of stroller is a good option for parents who wish to purchase one stroller, but plan to use it with two children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem choice, but 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 strollers we've tried, but it has an elegant, modern design and top-quality materials. It is compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and comes with a telescoping bar as well as easy to press brakes. It has foam-filled wheels that won't flatten and a huge storage bin.
Easy of Use
A double stroller is an expensive investment. Parents are therefore seeking models that are simple to use. That means a wide range of features, ranging from the possibility of folding it down to adjusting the handlebar height to accommodate different users, must be readily available. Some models have multiple storage compartments to allow families to organize their belongings to make it easier to access. They also include parent consoles and organizer bags that store phones, keys and other essentials on fingertips.
A stroller should be able to adapt to the changing needs of your family throughout the years also. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance is an affordable stroller that comes with a modular system. It lets you add a seat, transform the stroller into a triple by adding an additional board, or convert it to a single mode by adding a bench in the rear. This flexibility can help a double stroller work for as long as you need it to.
In terms of maneuverability, many side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver, but our Lab testers were pleasantly surprised by the ease of using and maneuverability of 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 various ages. The telescoping handlebar as well as the simple-to-use brakes make it much easier to maneuver than many of the other double strollers we've test.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double on the other hand has a sleek design and a large basket that can fit two toddler car seats or an infant car seat with a regular child's seat. It can also be used by one child up to three years old and provides a smooth ride due to its tires filled with foam that are made to not go flat.
Furthermore to that, the UPPAbaby is light at only 18 pounds, and folds in half to create a sleek and compact package that is easy to transport and put away. It's also easy to open and close using the latch, and requires no tools to assemble. It was a top pick from our Lab experts for its longevity, shopability, and affordability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers must be able to accommodate diaper bags, water bottles snacks, toys, and jackets for children and parents' wallets, keys phones, and other items. They must also be able to move over different surfaces and maneuver in tight spaces. They often need to fit into the trunk of a vehicle, so they must be easy to fold and compact when not in use.
Double strollers are available in many different styles to meet your needs. They can be side-byside or tandem with removable or fixed seats or equipped with infant car seats and a rideboard. They can be designed to fit a single infant or toddler or twins. Some are designed to be used for running, while others can be utilized at the beach or on hiking trails.
Modular designs are particularly beneficial for families who need to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S, for example, is designed to allow parents to mix and match seat units, cot attachments and car seats so that the stroller can serve the entire family from birth to toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be adapted to one child using the bassinet or baby seat, or a toddler by using an elevated board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is an adaptable stroller that can be set up in a variety of ways. It's great for twins, siblings, or an expanding family.
The UPPAbaby also prioritizes green and sustainability initiatives. The UPPAbaby comes in 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. Raul says it was simple to unpack and assemble because the components were neatly labeled boxes with instructions and a video code included.
Another great characteristic of the UPPAbaby its telescoping handlebar and brakes that operate with one hand and can be operated with only your thumb. Its swiveling front wheels will allow it to make precise turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are a bit of received a bad rap for being bulky and difficult to maneuver, the new 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 to make it easier to travel with two children.
If you're in the market 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 is safe to use. It also has to pass regular inspections. You should also consider suspension systems that provide smooth riding and doesn't create bumps or jolting for your little ones in the front seat. If your stroller comes with an adjustable handlebar, make sure it's adjustable to ensure both parents can use it.
A canopy can protect your child from the harsh sun and inclement weather. The best canopy features windows that can be reversible or a transparent plastic peek-aboo that lets you monitor your child without causing disturbance. Some canopies have visors that block the direct sun.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is another important factor to consider. Strollers that fold compactly when folded are more convenient to store and take up less space in the trunk of your car. Also, strollers that have a single hand-release button that folds the chassis are more user-friendly.
When deciding on a double stroller take into consideration the age gap between your children and the kind of trip you intend to take with them. For example, if your children are in the same age range and you want to choose an incline-to-low tandem stroller so that they can get to know each other when outings are planned. On double umbrella stroller Pushchairs And Prams , if you have a significant age difference then you may want to consider 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, search for a model that integrates with the top-rated car seat brands and has a high attachment score. This won't have as big of an impact on your overall rating as the other metrics however it's a crucial factor to consider if you're planning on using car seat adapters.