Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller offers parents of multiple kids a comfortable way to get them around. The best models are reasonably simple to fold and transport and fit nicely in a car trunk and offer versatile seating arrangements for children of different ages.
Parents of children who are close to age may find that a side by side or sit-and-stand design is the best to avoid sibling squabbles over who rides in which car seat. We also like the options that accept two infant car seats, such as the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double.
Comfort
It is essential that your toddler and baby are at ease in the stroller. Choose a stroller with comfortable seats and swiveling tires on the front to smooth out bumps on the road. Also, choose one with buckles that can be easily unfastened and fastened.
You can also look for a large UPF 50+ canopy that offers sun protection as well as plenty of coverage for both kids. Another comfort feature is adjustable footrests, which let your child stand up in the back seat when they are tired. Some double strollers, like the most popular model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats you can have in the stroller will be contingent on the weight and age of the children using it. A side-by-side baby stroller allows you to watch two children at a time, making it 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.
A sit-and-stand pram allows older siblings to stand up while you push a younger child in an infant car-seat. It's not the ideal choice for infants, but it can be beneficial for older children who are able to walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is a different option. It comes with a variety of seating options and can be used for years as a double or single. Rebecca says this kind of stroller is an excellent option for parents who only want to purchase a single stroller but plan to use it with two kids. It's more expensive than the top tandem model but it will last for many years and has the best resale value she adds.
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 high-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby car seats, and features a telescoping bar as well as easy to press brakes. It also has foam-filled tires that aren't flat, and a large storage basket.
Simple to Use
A double stroller is not an investment that is cheap, and parents often seek one that is simple to use. It should come with a range of features including the possibility of folding the stroller into a compact size and adjust the handlebar height to accommodate different users. Some models come with multiple storage compartments to allow families to separate belongings for easy access. They also come with parent consoles and organizer bags that store keys, phones and other necessities on the ready.
A stroller should be able adapt to the changing requirements of your family as time goes by. For example, a budget-friendly model like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes an adjustable system that allows you to add another seat, convert it into a triple using an incline board, or change to a single mode by using a rear bench. This flexibility can help a double stroller work for as long as you need it to.
In terms of maneuverability and maneuverability, many side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver. However, our Lab testers were impressed by the ease of using and maneuverability of 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 various ages. The telescoping handles and simple-to-use brakes allow it to be more mobile than other double strollers that we evaluated.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double it's on the other hand, has a streamlined look and an ample basket that can hold two toddler car seats or an infant car seat along with a regular child's seat. It can also be used by a single child up to the age of three and provides a smooth ride due to its tires filled with foam that are not designed to run flat.
Additionally to that, the UPPAbaby is lightweight at only 18 pounds and folds in half for a sleek package that's easy to carry and put away. It's also simple to open and re-close with the latch and doesn't require tools to put together. Our Lab experts selected it as their top choice for its affordability and long-term durability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers should be able hold diaper bags jackets, water bottles, and other items along with the keys, wallets and phones of parents. They should also be able to slide across different surfaces and maneuver in tight places. When not in use they are often required to fit into the trunk of a vehicle.
To meet these needs, double strollers can be constructed in a variety of styles. They can be side-by-side or tandem, and they can have seats that can be removed or fixed, or be equipped with infant car seats as well as a riding board. They can be designed to accommodate 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 especially useful for families who want to grow with 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 family from birth until toddlerhood.
Other double strollers with modular designs like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be modified to fit one child by the use of a baby seat or bassinet or a toddler's with an elevated seat or standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a flexible stroller that can be configured in a variety of ways. It's perfect for twins, siblings, or an expanding family.
The UPPAbaby is recognized for its green initiatives, and its focus is on sustainability. The UPPAbaby comes in many 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. He said it was easy to take the parts out and put them together because they came in neatly-labeled boxes with video and instructions.
Another great characteristic of the UPPAbaby its telescoping handlebar and one-handed brakes that can be operated with only your thumb. Its swiveling wheels on the front can assist in making tighter turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are a bit of a bad reputation as cumbersome and difficult to maneuver, the new generation of models 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 looking for a side-by-side or in-line double stroller, ensure that it's JPMA certified to ensure that it meets minimum safety standards and undergoes regular inspections. You'll also want to choose suspension systems that provide smooth riding and doesn't cause bumps or jostling for your little ones in the front seat. If your stroller comes with a handlebar, be sure that it is adjustable to accommodate the different heights.
double travel stroller can protect your child from the harsh sun and harsh weather. The best canopies have an reversible flap as well as a clear plastic peek-a-boo window that allows you to watch your children without disturbing them. Some canopies have the ability to shade direct sunlight.
Another important metric to take into consideration is how easily the stroller folds and unfolds. Strollers that are compact when folded are easier to store and take less space in the trunk of your car. Also, strollers with one hand-release button that folds the chassis are much more convenient to use.
When shopping for a double stroller, bear in mind the distance your children are in age and what kind of outings you are planning to take them on. If your children are similar in age, you can opt for a tandem stroller that is high/low to allow them to interact on outings. On the other the other hand, if you have a significant age gap, you might choose a side-by-side model that gives them more privacy.
If you're going to be using your stroller with baby car seats, search for a model that works with top-rated car seats and has high attachment scores. This will not have as big an impact on the overall rating as other metrics but is still crucial if you intend to utilize car seat adapters.