Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller provides parents of multiple kids an easy way to move their children around. The best models are easy to fold and carry and fit nicely in a car trunk and offer versatile seating arrangements for children of various age groups.
If your children are close in age, you may decide that a sit-and stand or side-byside style is the best way to avoid fighting between siblings over which seat to choose. We also like the options that accept two infant car seats like the UPPAbaby V2 double.
Comfort
It is essential that your baby and toddler are comfortable in the stroller. Pick one with cushioned seats, a large base and swiveling front wheels to smooth bumps on the road, and buckles that are simple to fasten and unfasten.
You can also look for an ample UPF 50+ canopy, which provides sun protection and ample coverage for both children. Another comfort feature is adjustable footrests that allow your child to stand in the back seat if they get tired. Some double strollers offer this feature for both children, like the Safety 1st model that is the top-selling model.
The number of seats you can have in your stroller will be determined by the weight and age of the children using it. For example, a side-by-side stroller allows you to keep an eye on both children simultaneously which is perfect for twins or siblings close in age. However, it's generally wider than other types and can be difficult to navigate in narrow spaces or in areas with a lot of people.
Sit-and-stand strollers allow older siblings to stand while you push a younger child in an infant car-seat. It's not ideal for newborns but it's a good fit when your children are about three years old and are able to walk longer distances.
Another option is a convertible stroller which offers multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a double or a single for a number of years. Rebecca says that this type of stroller is a good choice for parents who intend to purchase a single stroller and use it with both children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem selection however, it will last for 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's not as compact as some of the other strollers we've tried however it does have a sleek, modern design and high-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and has an adjustable handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted and easy-to-press brakes. It also comes with tires filled with foam that will not wear out and large storage basket.
Easy of Use
A double stroller isn't an investment that is cheap, and parents are usually looking for an option that is easy to use. It should have a variety of features, including the possibility of folding the stroller compactly and adjust the handlebar height to suit different users. Some models have more than one storage compartment to allow families to divide items for quick access, as well as parent consoles or organizer bags to keep phones, keys, and other essentials easily accessible.
A stroller should be able to adapt to your family's needs throughout the years, too. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance is a budget-friendly stroller with a modular system. It lets you add another seat, convert the stroller into a triple using the addition of a board, or change to a single-mode by adding a rear bench. This flexibility lets a double stroller to last for as long as it is needed.
In terms of maneuverability, some side-by-side models struggle to turn at a whim however, many of our Lab testers appreciated the ease-of-use 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 ages. The telescoping handles as well as the easy-to-use brakes allow it to be more flexible than other double strollers we have tested.
On the other side the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double comes with an elegant design and a huge storage basket that can accommodate two toddler car seats or one infant car seat in addition to an ordinary child seat. It can also be used by one child up to the age of three. It provides a smooth ride due to its tires filled with foam that are designed not to go flat.
The UPPAbaby folds down in half and is easy to store and carry. It's also very light at just 18 pounds. It's also easy to open and close using an latch, and requires no tools for assembly. check here chose it as the best choice for its value, affordability, shopability and longevity.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers must be able to hold diaper bags as well as water bottles and jackets and the keys, wallets and phones of parents. They also need to be able to glide across different surfaces and maneuver through tight spaces. They often need to fit in the trunk of a vehicle, so they must be easy to fold and compact when not in use.
Double strollers come in many different styles to meet your needs. They can be tandem or side-byside, and they can have seats that are removable or fixed, or be equipped with infant car seats and a riding board. They can be designed to accommodate one toddler or infant or twins. Some are suitable for running, while others can be used for hiking trails and at the beach.
Modular designs are especially beneficial for families who need to grow with their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S for instance is designed to permit parents to mix and match seat units, cot attachments, and car seats so that the stroller is able to serve the family from birth until toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers, like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be modified to fit one child by 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 is a flexible stroller that can be configured 30 different ways. It's ideal for twins, siblings, or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby also prioritizes sustainability and green initiatives. The UPPAbaby comes in many colors, and its materials are made from recycled water bottles. In our testing, our test participant Raul utilized the double stroller with his three year old daughter and five-month old son. He said it was easy to remove the components 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. And its swiveling front wheels allow it to make tight turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
While double strollers have a bad reputation as cumbersome and difficult to maneuver, the latest generation of models are sleek and provide a variety 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, make sure it's JPMA certified to ensure it meets minimum safety standards and goes through regular inspections. You'll need to ensure that the suspension system gives an easy ride for your children who are in the front seat. If check here has an adjustable handlebar, make sure it is adjustable so that both parents can use it.
A canopy is a crucial feature that can shield your children from the harsh sun or the harsh weather. The best canopy features a reversible flap or 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 the direct sun.
Another important factor to consider 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. Strollers with only one button to fold the chassis are also easier to use.
When choosing a double stroller be aware of the age gap between your children and the kind of excursion you plan to take with them. If your children are similar in age, you could opt for a tandem high/low stroller in order to allow them to be together during outings. On the other hand, if your children have a large age gap it is possible to choose a side-byside model that offers them more privacy.
If you intend to use your stroller to carry baby car seats, you should choose one with a good attachment score and that is compatible with top-rated brands. It won't have as much impact on your overall rating as other metrics but it's an important factor to consider if you're planning on using car seat adapters.