Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller gives parents with multiple children an enjoyable way to take them around. The best strollers are easy to fold and carry, fit well in the trunk of a car and have a variety of seating options for children of varying age groups.
If your children are close in age, you may find that a sit-and-stand or side-byside style is the best method to avoid fighting between siblings over the best seat to use. We also recommend options that allow two infant car seats like the UPPAbaby V2 double.
Comfort
A comfortable stroller is key for both your toddler and baby. Select one with cushioned seats, a large base and swiveling front wheels to smooth bumps in the road, and buckles that are simple to unfasten and fasten.
You can also look for an ample, UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection as well as plenty of coverage for both kids. Adjustable footrests let your child to stand up in the rear seat when they are exhausted. Some double strollers, like 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 who will be using it. A side-by-side baby stroller lets you to watch two children at once it is ideal for twins or siblings of the same age. However, it's generally wider than other types and may be difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces or crowded areas.
On the other hand, a sit-and-stand stroller gives older siblings the chance to stand while you push the younger one in the infant car seat. It's not ideal for newborns but it's a good fit once your kiddos are around three years old and able to walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is an additional option. It offers multiple seating configurations and can be used for years as a single or double. Rebecca says this kind of stroller is a good choice for parents who want to buy one stroller but want to use it with two children. It's more expensive than the top tandem pick but it will 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 is not as compact as other models, but it features a sleek design and high-quality material. 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 comes with foam-filled tires that will not wear out and a large storage basket.
Simple to Use
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, ranging from the possibility of folding it down to the ability to adjust the height of the handlebar for different users, should be readily available. Some models have more than one storage space to allow families to split up belongings for quick access, and organizer bags or consoles for parents to keep keys, phone and other items in reach.
A stroller is supposed to be able to adjust to your family's needs as they grow older as well. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for example, is a budget-friendly stroller that includes a modular system. It allows you to add another seat, convert the stroller into a triple with the addition of a board, or change it into a single mode by adding a bench at the rear. This flexibility can make double strollers work for as long as you need it to.
In terms of maneuverability, many side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver, however our Lab testers were impressed by the ease of operation and maneuverability of the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model can be used with all of our top-rated infant car seats and is suitable for twins and children of different age. The telescoping handles as well as the easy-to-use brakes allow it to be more flexible than other double strollers we tested.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double however, has a streamlined look and an ample basket that can accommodate two toddler car seats or an infant car seat along with a regular child's seat. It can also be used by one child up to the age of three. It provides a smooth ride due to its foam-filled tires that are not designed to run flat.
In addition to that, the UPPAbaby is lightweight at only 18 pounds, and folds in half to make a slim and sleek box that is easy to transport and to store. It's also easy to open and close with an latch, and requires no tools to put together. It was a top pick by our Lab experts for its durability and versatility, as well as its price.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers must be able to accommodate diaper bags and water bottles snacks, toys, and jackets for the kids, as well as parents keys, wallets phones and other things. They should also be able to move over different surfaces and maneuver in tight places. When not in use they usually have to be tucked into the trunk of a car.
Double strollers are available in a variety of styles to meet your needs. They can be side-by-side or tandem with removable or fixed seats or equipped with infant car seats and a riding board. They can also be designed to accommodate a single newborn or toddler or twins. Some are made for jogging while others can be used on beaches or on hiking trails.
Modular designs are particularly useful for families that have to grow into their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle for instance allows parents to mix and blend seats, cots, and car seats to let the stroller serve the entire family from newborn to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular, like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be adapted for one child with the use of bassinet or baby seat or a toddler's with the option of a jumping seat or a standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby's versatility allows it to be configured in a variety of ways, making it ideal for twins, siblings or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also known for its green initiatives and it prioritizes sustainability. The UPPAbaby is available in a variety of colors, and its fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. Our test subject Raul used this double stroller with his 3 year old daughter and 5-month-old son. He found it easy to remove the components and assemble them because they were packaged neatly with instructions and video codes.
Another amazing aspect of the UPPAbaby is its telescoping handlebar as well as brakes that are one-handed and can be operated by your thumb. The swiveling wheels on its front can aid in making more precise 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 provide a variety of options for customization. You will find one that can fit an infant car seat to make it easier to travel with two children.
Whether you're looking for a side-by-side or an in-line double stroller, be sure it's JPMA certified to ensure it meets minimum safety standards and undergoes regular inspections. You'll want to make sure that the suspension system offers a smooth ride for your children when they are in the front seat. If your stroller has an adjustable handlebar, make sure it is adjustable so that both parents can use it.
A canopy is an additional feature that protects your children from the harsh sun or the harsh weather. The most effective canopies come with an reversible flap as well as a clear plastic peek-a-boo window to let you monitor your children without disturbing them. Certain canopies come with visors that block direct sunlight.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is another important factor to consider. Compact strollers are much easier to put in the trunk of your car and take up less space. Strollers with a single button to fold the chassis are more user-friendly.
When choosing a double stroller, bear in mind how far your children are in age and what kind of outings you plan on taking them on. For instance, if your children are similar in age and you want to choose a tandem high-low stroller to ensure that they can interact during outings. On the other the other hand, if you have a large age gap then you may want to consider a side-byside model that offers them more privacy.
If you plan to use your stroller to carry baby car seats, select a model with a high attachment score and is compatible with top-rated brands. This won't have as big an impact on the overall rating as other metrics but is still crucial if you intend to use adapters for car seats.