Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller offers parents with multiple children an easy way to move their children around. The best models are reasonably lightweight and easy to fold and carry and fit nicely inside a trunk of a car, and provide a variety of seating arrangements for children of various ages.
If your children are close in age, you might consider a sit-and-stand or side-by-side style is the best method to avoid fighting between siblings over the best seat to use. We also like options which allow two infant car seats like the UPPAbaby v2 double.
Comfort
A stroller that is comfortable is essential for both your toddler and baby. Choose one that has cushioned seats, a large base and swiveling front wheels to smooth bumps in the off road double buggy, and buckles that are easy to fasten and unfasten.
You can also look for a generous, UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection and ample coverage for both children. Adjustable footrests let your child to sit in the rear seat when they are tired. Some double strollers, such as the best-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats you can have in your stroller will be determined by the weight and age of the children who will be using it. For instance, a side by side stroller lets you keep an eye on both children simultaneously which is perfect for twins or siblings close in age. It's larger than other models and isn't easy to maneuver in tight or narrow areas.
On the other hand, a sit-and stand stroller allows older siblings to stand while you push your younger child in a car seat for infants. It's not the best option for babies, but it is useful for older children who are able to walk for longer distances.
Another option is a convertible stroller that has multiple seating options and can be used as a single or double for several years. Rebecca says this kind of stroller is a good choice for parents who plan to buy one stroller and use it with both children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem pick but it will last a long time, has great potential for resales and is extremely versatile," she says.
This stroller by UPPAbaby is a double stroller that converts into a single to double pushchair or a toddler-and-RumbleSeat configuration. It's not as compact as other options but it does have a sleek design and high-quality material. It's compatible with UPPAbaby car seats, and features an adjustable bar that can be telescoping and press brakes. It also comes with foam-filled tires that won't go flat and a large storage basket.
Easy to Use
A double stroller is an expensive investment. Parents are therefore looking for models that are easy to use. It should include a variety of features including the possibility of folding the stroller compactly and to adjust the handlebar's height to accommodate different types of users. Some models have multiple storage compartments to allow families to organize their belongings for easy access. They also have parent consoles and organizer bags that store keys, phones, and other essentials at the ready.
A stroller should be able adapt to the changing needs of your family as time goes by. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance, is a budget-friendly stroller that includes an adjustable system. This allows you to add a second seat, transform the stroller into a triple using the addition of a board, or change to 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, some models struggle to turn at a whim however, many of our Lab testers were impressed by the ease of use and maneuverability of the inline Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model is compatible with all of our top-rated infant car seats and is suitable for twins and 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 that we tested.
On the other side, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double features sleek design and a large storage basket that can accommodate two car seats for toddlers 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 and offers a smooth ride thanks to its tires filled with foam that are designed not to go flat.
Furthermore, the UPPAbaby is super light at only 18 pounds and folds in half to make a slim and sleek box that's easy to transport and store. It's also easy to open and re-close with the latch and doesn't require tools to put together. It was a top pick by our Lab experts for its longevity and versatility, as well as its price.
Easy of Storage
Double strollers need to be able to accommodate diaper bags as well as water bottles snacks, toys, and jackets for the kids, as well as parents' wallets, keys phones and other things. They also need to be able to glide across different surfaces and maneuver through tight spaces. They usually have to be able to fit in the trunk of a vehicle, so they must be simple to fold and compact when not being used.
Double strollers are available in many different styles to meet these needs. They can be side-by-side or tandem with fixed or removable seats, or with an infant car seats and a riding board. They can be made to accommodate one toddler or infant or twins. Some are designed to be used for running while others are used on beaches or on trails for hiking.
Modular designs are especially useful for families that have to expand 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 is able to serve the entire family from birth to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers with modular designs, like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be adapted for one child by the use of bassinets or a baby seat or a toddler's with a jump seat or standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is an adaptable stroller that can be set up in a variety of ways. It's perfect for twins, siblings or an expanding family.
The UPPAbaby also prioritizes sustainability and green initiatives. The UPPAbaby is available in a variety of colors, and its 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. He found it easy to remove the components and assemble them since they came in neatly-labeled boxes with video and instructions.
The UPPAbaby also features a telescoping handlebar, and brakes that are operated by your thumb. And its swiveling front wheels allow it to make tight turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are often accused of being cumbersome and difficult to maneuver. They're also bulky. However, the most recent models are sleeker and provide many options for customization. You may even find one that fits your infant car seat, making it even more convenient to go out and about with two kids in the stroller.
If you're looking for a side-by-side or in-line double stroller, ensure that 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 provides an easy ride for your children who are in the front seat. If your stroller has a handlebar make sure it is adjustable so that both parents can use it.
A canopy can shield your child from harsh sunlight and inclement weather. The best canopies come with a reversible window or a transparent plastic peek-aboo which lets you watch your child's progress without disturbing them. Some canopies come with visors to block direct sunlight.
Another important factor to consider is how easy the stroller folds and unfolds. Strollers that fold compactly 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 easier to use.
When shopping for a double stroller, bear in mind the distance your children are and what kind of outings you are planning to take them on. For instance, if your children are in the same age range and you want to consider an incline-to-low tandem stroller so that they can get to know each other on outings. If your children are separated due to an age gap that is large you can select a model that gives them more privacy.
If you intend to use your stroller for baby car seats, select a model with a high attachment score and is compatible with top-rated brands. This won't have as big 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.