Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller gives parents with multiple children an easy way to move their children around. The best models are simple to fold, carry and place in a car trunk. They also offer different seating arrangements for children of varying ages.
If your children are close in age, you could find that a sit-and-stand or side-by-side design is the best method to avoid fighting between siblings over which seat to choose. We also like the options that can accommodate two infant car seats, such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double.
Comfort
It is important that your toddler and baby are both comfortable in the stroller. Choose one that has cushioned seats, a large base and swiveling front wheels to smooth bumps on the road, and buckles that are easy to secure and remove.
Find a large, UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection for both children and adults. Another feature that is comfortable is the adjustable footrests that allow your child to stand in the back seat when 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 your stroller will depend on the weight and age of the children who will be using it. For example, a side-by-side stroller lets you keep an eye on both kids at the same time, so it's perfect for twins or siblings that are close in age. It's wider than other configurations and isn't easy to maneuver through crowded or narrow areas.
A sit-and-stand pram allows older siblings to stand while you push a younger child in a car seat for infants. It's not ideal for newborns but it's suitable when your kids are around three years old and able to walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is a different alternative. It offers multiple seating configurations and can be used as a double or single. Rebecca says this kind of stroller would be an excellent option for parents who are planning to purchase one stroller and use it with both children. " double buggy 's more expensive than our top tandem choice, but it will last a long time, offers a high resale value and is incredibly versatile," 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 options, but it features an elegant design and premium material. It is compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and has 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 looking for models that are easy to use. That means a wide range of features, from the possibility of folding it down to adjusting the handlebar height for different users, should be readily available. Certain models have multiple storage compartments that allow families to separate belongings to make them easy to access. They also have parent consoles and organizer bags that store phones, keys and other necessities on fingertips.
A stroller must 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 a modular system that allows you to add a second seat, convert it into a triple by using the rideboard, or change to a single mode with the rear bench. This flexibility lets double strollers to last as long as it is needed.
When it comes to maneuverability, some side-by-side models struggle to turn at a whim however many 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 car seats for infants and can be used by twins or children of different ages. Its telescoping handles and easy-to-use brakes allow it to be more mobile than other double strollers that we have tested.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double, however, has a streamlined look and an ample basket that can fit two toddler car seats or an infant car seat with a regular child's car seat. It can be used by one child up to age three. Its foam-filled tires are designed to not go flat.
In addition it's 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 simple to open and close with a latch, and requires no tools for assembling. It was a top choice among our Lab experts due to its durability and shopability as well as its affordability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers must be able to accommodate diaper bags, water bottles snacks, toys, and jackets for kids as well as parents' wallets, keys phones and other things. They also need to be able to glide across various surfaces and maneuver into tight spaces. When not in use they are often required to fit into the trunk of a vehicle.
Double strollers are available in a variety of designs to meet the needs of parents. They can be side-by-side or tandem, with fixed or removable seats or equipped with infant car seat and a ridingboard. They can be designed to fit a single infant or toddler or twins. Some are designed for jogging while others can be utilized at the beach or on trails for hiking.
Modular designs are particularly useful for families that have to get bigger for their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S for instance 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 double strollers that are modular, such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be modified to accommodate a single child by using baby seats or a bassinet or for a toddler using a standing board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby's versatility allows it to be configured in a variety of ways, making it suitable for twins and siblings, or for an expanding family.
The UPPAbaby also prioritizes green and sustainability initiatives. The UPPAbaby is available in a wide range of colors and its fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. Raul, one of our testers used this double stroller during testing with his five-month-old son and three-year-old daughter. Raul says it was simple to unpack and assemble because the parts came in neatly labeled boxes with instructions and a video code included.
The UPPAbaby also features an adjustable handlebar that can be telescoping, as well as brakes controlled by your thumb. The swiveling wheels on its front can aid in making tighter turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers have been criticized for being heavy and difficult to maneuver, the new generation of strollers are sleek and provide a variety of options for customization. You might even find one that will fit your infant car seat which makes it more convenient to go out and about with two children with you.
If you're in the market for a double stroller that can be used side-byside 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'll want to ensure that the suspension system gives a smooth ride for your children when they are in the front seat. If your stroller comes with a handlebar, ensure it's adjustable to ensure both parents can use it.
A canopy is another essential feature that protects your babies from harsh sunlight or the harsh weather. The best canopy features an reversible flap as well as a transparent plastic windows that peek-a-boo to let you monitor your children without disturbing them. Some canopies come with visors to block the direct sun.
Another important metric to consider is how easily the stroller folds and unfolds. Strollers that are compact when folded are more convenient to store and take less space in the trunk of your car. Also, strollers with only one button to release the hand that folds the chassis are much more convenient to use.
When deciding on a double stroller to buy, consider the age difference between your children and the type of excursion you plan to take them on. For example, if your kids are close in age, you may want to choose a tandem high-low stroller so that they can interact during outings. If your children are separated due to the age gap you can select one which allows them to enjoy more privacy.
If you're planning on using your stroller with baby car seats, look for a model that is compatible with top-rated car seat brands and has good attachment scores. This won't have as significant an impact on the overall rating as other metrics however it is important if you plan to use adapters for car seats.