Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller gives parents with multiple children an easy way to move them around. The best strollers are easy to fold and carry and can easily fit in the trunk of a car and have a variety of seating options for children of various ages.
Parents with children of a similar age may find a side-by-side or sit-and stand style is best to avoid sibling fights over who gets to ride in which seat. We also like options which accept two infant car seats, such as the UPPAbaby v2 double.
Comfort
It is important that your toddler and baby are comfortable in the stroller. Select one with padding for the seats, a wide base and swiveling front wheels to smooth out bumps on the road, and buckles that are easy to secure and remove.
Find a large UPF 50+ canopy to provide sun protection for both children and adults. Adjustable footrests allow your child to stand 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 who will be using it. For instance, a side by side stroller allows you to keep an eye on two children at the same time, so it's perfect for twins or siblings close in age. However, it's typically wider than other configurations and can be difficult to navigate in narrow spaces or crowded areas.
Sit-and-stand strollers allow older siblings to stand while you push a younger child in a car seat for infants. It's not the best option for infants but it's suitable when your children are about three years old and able to walk for longer distances.
A convertible stroller is another option. It has multiple seating configurations and can be used for years as a double or single. Rebecca says this kind of stroller is a great choice for parents who want to purchase one stroller, but want to use it with two children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem pick however, it will last for a long time, offers a high potential for resales 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 other options but it does have an elegant design and top-quality material. double pram pushchair with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and comes with an adjustable handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted and easy-to-press brakes. It comes with wheels that are filled with foam that won't flatten and a large storage bin.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller is not a cheap investment, so parents often seek an option that is easy to use. It should come with a range of features like the capability to fold the stroller in a compact manner and alter the height of the handlebar to accommodate different types of users. Some models come with multiple storage compartments that allow families to organize their belongings for easy access. They also come with parent consoles and organizer bags that store phones, keys, and other essentials at hand.
A stroller is supposed to be able to adjust to the changing needs of your family as they grow older, too. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance, is a budget-friendly stroller with a modular system. It lets you add a second seat, transform the stroller into a triple by adding the addition of a board, or change to a single-mode by adding a rear bench. This flexibility allows a double stroller to last for as long as you need it.
When it comes to maneuverability, some side-by-side models aren't able to turn at a whim however, the majority of our Lab testers appreciated 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 various ages. Its telescoping handles and easy-to-use brakes allow it to be more mobile than other double strollers that we tested.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double on the other hand has a sleek design and an ample basket that can fit two toddler car seats or an infant car seat with a standard child's seat. It can also be used by one child up to the age of three. It is a smooth ride due to its tires filled with foam that are made to not go flat.
Additionally to that, the UPPAbaby is lightweight at only 18 pounds and folds in half for a sleek package that is easy to transport and put away. It is also easy to close and open using an latch, and needs no tools for assembling. It was a top pick by our Lab experts for its longevity and versatility, as well as its price.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers should be able hold diaper bags jackets, water bottles, and other items along with the wallets, keys and phones of parents. They should also be able slide across different surfaces and maneuver in tight places. When not in use, they are often required to fit into the trunk of a car.
Double strollers come in a variety of styles to meet your needs. They can be side-by-side or tandem, with fixed or removable seats or a baby car seats and a riding board. They can be designed to accommodate a single newborn or toddler, or twins. Some are suitable for running, while others could be used on trails for hiking or at the beach.
Modular designs can be especially helpful for families that need to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle for instance, allows parents to mix and match seat units, cots, and car seats to make the stroller serve all the family members from infant to toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be converted to a single child by using a bassinet or baby seat or a toddler using an elevated board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a versatile stroller that can be configured in a variety of ways. It's ideal for twins, siblings or an expanding family.
The UPPAbaby is also renowned for its green initiatives and its focus is on sustainability. The UPPAbaby is available in many colors, and the fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. Raul, one of our testers used the double stroller for testing with his five-month-old son and three-year-old daughter. Raul says it was simple to disassemble and unpack because the parts came in neatly labeled boxes with instructions and a video code included.
The UPPAbaby also has an adjustable handlebar that can be telescoping, as well as brakes that are operated by your thumb. The swiveling wheels at 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 provide a variety of options for customization. You can find one that fits an infant car seat to make it easier to travel with two children.
Whether you're looking for a side-by-side or in-line double stroller, make sure it's JPMA certified to ensure it meets the minimum safety standards and passes regular inspections. You'll also want to consider suspension systems that provide an easy ride and doesn't cause bumps, or jolting for your little ones in the front seat. If your stroller comes with a handlebar, ensure it is adjustable so that both parents can use it.
A canopy can shield your child from harsh sunlight and 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 disturbance. Some canopies have visors that block direct sunlight.
Another important factor to consider is how easy the stroller folds and unfolds. Compact strollers are much easier to store in your car's trunk and take up less space. Also, strollers that have a single hand-release button that folds the chassis much more convenient to use.
When deciding on a double stroller take into consideration the age gap between your children and the kind of trip you're 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 be together on outings. On the other the other hand, if you have a significant age difference then you may want to consider a side-byside model that offers them more privacy.
If you're going to be using your stroller with baby car seats, look for a model that integrates with top-rated car seat brands and has a high attachment score. This won't have as significant of an impact on your overall rating as other metrics but it's an important consideration if you're planning on using adapters for car seats.