Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is a convenient way for parents to transport multiple children. The best models are easy to fold, carry and store into a trunk of a car. They also offer various seating arrangements for children of various ages.
Parents with children of a similar age may find that a side by side or sit-and stand style is best to avoid sibling squabbles over who rides in which seat. We also like the options that allow two infant car seats, such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double.
Comfort
A comfortable stroller is key for both your toddler and baby. Choose one that has padding for the seats, a wide base, and swivelling front wheels to smooth bumps in the road and buckles that are simple to secure and remove.
Find a large UPF 50+ canopy to offer sun protection for both children and their parents. Another feature that is comfortable is the adjustable footrests that let your child sit up in the back of the seat when they are tired. Some double strollers give this option for both children, such as the Safety 1st model that is the top-selling model.
The number of seats in your stroller will be determined by the weight and age of the children using it. For instance, a side by side stroller allows you to keep an eye on two children at the same time and is ideal for twins or siblings close in age. It's more spacious than other types of strollers and may be difficult to maneuver in tight or narrow areas.
Sit-and-stand prams allow older siblings to stand while you push a younger child in a car seat for infants. double pram and pushchair 's not a good choice for babies however, it could be suitable once your kiddos are around three years old and able to walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is another alternative. It comes with a variety of seating configurations and can be used as a single or double. Rebecca says this kind of stroller is an excellent option for parents who only want to purchase one stroller, but are planning to use it with two kids. "It's more expensive than our top tandem selection 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 the other strollers we've tested however it does have an elegant, modern design and high-quality materials. It is compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and comes with a telescoping bar and easy-to press brakes. It also comes with foam-filled tires that aren't flat, and large storage basket.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller isn't an inexpensive investment, which is why parents often seek a model that's easy to use. That means a wide range of features, ranging from the ability to fold it compactly to adjusting the handlebar height to accommodate different users, must be available. Some models have more than one storage space that allow families to divide up belongings for quick access, as well as parent consoles or organizer bags to keep phone, keys and other items in reach.
A stroller is supposed to be able to adjust to the needs of your family as they grow older, too. For example, a budget-friendly option such as the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes an adjustable system that lets you add another seat, convert it to a triple with an incline board, or change to a single mode with the rear bench. This flexibility can help a double stroller work for the time you need it to.
In terms of maneuverability, many side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver, but our Lab testers were impressed with the ease of using and maneuverability of 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 age groups. The telescoping handlebar and easy-to-use brakes make it much easier to maneuver than many of the other double strollers that we tested.
On the other hand, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double has an elegant design and a huge 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 also be used by any single child until three years old and offers a smooth ride thanks to its tires filled with foam that are made to not go flat.
Additionally to that, the UPPAbaby is light at only 18 pounds, and folds in half to create a sleek and compact package that's easy to carry and to store. It's also easy to open and close using the latch and doesn't require tools to put together. Our Lab experts selected it as their top choice for its price and long-term durability.
Simple of Storage
Double strollers should be able to hold diaper bags as well as water bottles, snacks, toys and jackets for children and parents keys, wallets, phones and other belongings. They should also be able to slide over various surfaces and maneuver into tight spaces. They often need to fit in the trunk of a car, so they must be easy to fold up and compact when not in use.
Double strollers are available in many different designs to meet the needs of parents. They can be tandem or side-by-side and can also have fixed or removable seats, or be equipped with infant car seats and a riding board. They can be made to accommodate one toddler or infant or twins. Some are designed for running while others are utilized at the beach or on trails for hiking.
Modular designs are especially useful for families that have to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle, for example, allows parents to mix and match seats, cots, and car seats to make the stroller suitable for all the family members from infant to toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be modified to fit one child with the use of bassinet or baby seat or a toddler's 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 great for twins, siblings, or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also committed to green and sustainability initiatives. The UPPAbaby is available in many colors and its fabrics are made out of 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 unpack the parts and assemble them because they came in neatly-labeled boxes with video and instructions.
Another amazing aspect of the UPPAbaby is its telescoping handlebar as well as brakes that operate with one hand and can be operated by your thumb. The swiveling wheels at the front can aid in making more precise turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
While double strollers have received a bad rap for being bulky and difficult to maneuver, the new generation of models are sleek and come with a range of options for customization. You may even find one that fits the car seat of your infant, making it even easier to get out and about with two children in the stroller.
If you're looking for a side-byside 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 want to make sure that the suspension system gives a smooth ride for your children when they are in the front seat. If your stroller comes with an armrest, make sure it's adjustable to accommodate parents and dads of various heights.
A canopy is a crucial feature that can shield your children from the harsh sun or inclement weather. The most effective canopies have windows that can be reversible or a transparent plastic peek-aboo that lets you observe your child without causing disturbance. Some canopies also come with visors that block direct sunlight.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is an 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. Strollers that have only one button to fold the chassis are also easier to use.
When choosing a double stroller, bear in mind how far your children are in age and what kind of outings you plan on taking them on. For instance, if your children are similar in age it is possible to consider a tandem high-low stroller to ensure that they can 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 planning on using your stroller with baby car seats, search for a model that is compatible with top-rated car seats and has a high attachment score. This won't have as significant impact on your overall rating as the other metrics, but it's an important consideration if you're planning on using adapters for car seats.