Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is an ideal way for parents to transport multiple children. The best models are lightweight and easy to fold and carry and can easily fit in a car trunk and provide a variety of seating arrangements for children of different ages.
Parents with children close in age may find that a side-by-side or sit-and-stand design is the best to avoid sibling fights over who rides in which car seat. We also like options that can accommodate two infant car seats such as the UPPAbaby V2 Double.
Comfort
It is essential that your toddler and baby are both at ease in the stroller. Pick one with padded seats, a wide base and swiveling front wheels to smooth out bumps in the road, and buckles that are simple to secure and remove.
You could also consider a large UPF 50+ canopy that offers sun protection and plenty of coverage for both children. Another feature that is comfortable is the adjustable footrests that allow your child to stand in the back seat if they are tired. Some double strollers, such as the top-selling 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 using it. A side-byside baby stroller allows you to monitor two children at once which is ideal for twins or siblings of similar age. It's more spacious than other types of strollers and may be difficult to maneuver in crowded or narrow areas.
On the other hand, a stand-and-sit 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 however, it could be a good fit once your kiddos are around three years old and can walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is an additional option. It offers multiple seating options and can be used as a single or double. Rebecca says this type of stroller is an excellent choice for parents who want to buy one stroller but are planning to use it with two kids. "It's more expensive than our top tandem selection but it will last a long time, offers a high return value, 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 some of the other options we tested however it does have a sleek, modern design and top-quality materials. It is compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and comes with a telescoping bar and easy-to press brakes. It comes with foam-filled wheels that won't sag and a large storage bin.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller is not an investment that is cheap, and parents are usually looking for an option that is easy to use. That means a wide range of features, ranging from the ability to fold it compactly to the ability to adjust the height of the handlebar for different users, should be available. Some models also have more than one storage space to allow families to divide items for quick access, and organizer bags for parents or parent consoles to keep phone, keys and other items in reach.
A stroller should be able to adapt to the changing requirements of your family over time. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for example, is a budget-friendly stroller with a modular system. This allows you to add another seat, convert the stroller into a triple using the addition of a board, or change it into a single mode by adding a bench at the rear. This flexibility can help double strollers last as long as you need it to.
In terms of maneuverability and maneuverability, many side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver, but our Lab testers were pleasantly surprised by the ease of use and maneuverability of the 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. The telescoping handlebar as well as the simple-to-use brakes make it much easier to maneuver than other double strollers we've tried.
On the other hand, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double comes with sleek design and a large storage basket that can fit two car seats for toddlers or one infant car seat in addition to an ordinary child's seat. It can be used by a single child up to age three. Its foam-filled tires are made to not flatten.
In addition to that, the UPPAbaby is light at only 18 pounds and folds down in half to make a slim and sleek box that is easy to carry and to store. It is also easy to close and open using a latch, and requires no tools to put together. It was a top pick by our Lab experts for its longevity, shopability, and affordability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers should be able hold diaper bags as well as water bottles and jackets along with the wallets, keys and phones of parents. They should also be able to glide over various surfaces and maneuver into tight spaces. They usually have to fit in the trunk of a car, so they should be easy to fold up and compact when not being used.
Double strollers come 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 even be outfitted with infant car seats and a riding board. They can be designed to fit a single toddler or twins. Some are suitable for running, while others can be used for hiking trails and at the beach.
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 their seat units, cot attachments, and car seats, so that the stroller can serve the family from birth through toddlerhood.
Other double strollers with modular designs like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be adapted to one child using the bassinet or baby seat, or a toddler by using a standing board or jump seat (sold separately). The versatile UPPAbaby can be set up in 30 different ways, making it ideal for twins and siblings, or for a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also renowned for its green initiatives, and its focus is on sustainability. The UPPAbaby comes in a variety of colors, and the fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. Raul one of our testers, utilized this double stroller while testing with his five-month-old son as well as three-year-old daughter. Raul says it was simple to unpack and assemble because the components came in neatly labeled boxes, which had instructions and a video code included.
The UPPAbaby also has a telescoping handlebar and brakes that are operated by your thumb. The swiveling wheels on its front can aid in making more precise turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized for being heavy and difficult to maneuver. They're also bulky. However, the newest models are sleeker and come with many options for customization. You can find one that is compatible with an infant car seat, making it easier to travel with two children.
If you're in the market for a side-byside or in-line double stroller, be sure it's JPMA certified to ensure it complies with minimum safety standards and undergoes 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 your stroller comes with a handlebar make sure it's adjustable to ensure both parents can use it.
A canopy is an additional feature that will protect your babies from harsh sunlight or the harsh weather. The best canopy features a reversible window or a transparent plastic peek-aboo that lets you observe your child without disturbing them. Certain canopies come with visors that block the direct sun.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is a second important aspect to take into consideration. Strollers that are compact when folded are easier to store and take up less space in the trunk of your car. double pushchair that come with only one button to fold the chassis are simpler to use.
When choosing a double stroller, bear in mind how far your children are in age and what type of outings you plan on taking them on. For instance, if your children are similar in age, you may want to choose an incline-to-low tandem stroller so that they can be together when outings are planned. On the other the other hand, if you have a significant age difference then you may want to consider an option that is side-by-side, which gives them more privacy.
If you're planning on using your stroller with baby car seats, search for a model that is compatible with top-rated car seat brands and has high attachment scores. This will not have as big an impact on the overall rating as other factors but is still crucial if you intend to use car seat adapters.