Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller gives parents with multiple children an easy way to move them around. The best models are easy to fold, carry and store in a car trunk. They also have flexible seating arrangements for kids of various ages.
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 sibling fights over which seat to use. We also recommend options that accept two infant car seats, such as the UPPAbaby V2 Double.
Comfort
It is crucial that your baby and toddler are both at ease in the stroller. Choose one that has padding for the 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, which provides sun protection as well as plenty of coverage for both kids. Adjustable footrests allow your child to stand up in the rear seat when they are exhausted. Some double strollers give this feature for both children, including the Safety 1st model that is the most popular.
How many seats you choose in your stroller will depend on the weight and ages of the kids riding in it. For instance, a side-by-side twin stroller lets you keep an eye on both kids at the same time, so it's perfect for twins or siblings that are close in age. It's more spacious than other types of strollers and isn't easy to maneuver through crowded or narrow spaces.
A sit-and-stand pram allows older siblings to stand while you push a younger child in the infant car seat. It's not the best choice for infants, but it can be beneficial for older children that can walk for longer distances.
Another alternative is a convertible stroller, which has multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a double or single for a number of years. Rebecca says this kind of stroller is a good choice for parents who plan to purchase a single stroller and use it with both children. It's more expensive than the top tandem choice but it'll last for an extended period of time and comes with a great resale price, she adds.
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, but it has an elegant, modern design and high-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and it has a telescoping handlebar and easy-to-press brakes. It also comes with tires filled with foam that aren't flat, and an ample storage basket.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller is not a cheap investment, so parents often seek an option that is easy to use. That means a wide range of features, ranging from the possibility of folding it down to the ability to adjust the height of the handlebar to accommodate different users, must be available. Some models also have multiple storage compartments that allow families to divide up belongings for quick access, as well as parent consoles or organizer bags to keep phones, keys and other items easily accessible.
A stroller should be able adapt to the changing requirements of your family as time goes by. For instance, a cost-effective option such as the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes an adjustable system that allows you to add a seat, transform it into a triple by using the rideboard, or change to a single and double stroller mode with a rear bench. This flexibility lets double strollers to last for as long as is required.
In terms of 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 our top-rated car seats for infants and can be used by twins or children of various ages. The telescoping handles and simple-to-use brakes allow it to be more flexible than other double strollers we tested.
On the other hand, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double has sleek design and a large storage basket that can fit two toddler car seats or one infant car seat plus an ordinary child's seat. It can be used by one child up to age three. Its foam-filled tires are made to not flatten.
Additionally to that, the UPPAbaby is light at just 18 pounds and folds in half to make a slim and sleek box that is easy to carry and to store. It's also simple to open and re-close with a latch and requires no tools for assembly. Our Lab experts selected it as the best choice for its affordability, shopability and longevity.
Easy of Storage
stokke double stroller strollers must be able to accommodate diaper bags and water bottles, snacks, toys and jackets for the kids as well as parents keys, wallets phones, and other items. They should also be able slide across different surfaces and maneuver in tight places. When not in use, they usually have to be tucked into the trunk of a car.
To meet the needs of parents, double strollers can be constructed in a variety of designs. They can be side-by-side or tandem with seats that can be removed or fixed, or be equipped with infant car seats as well as a riding board. They can be made to accommodate a single toddler or twins. Some are designed for jogging while others can be used on beaches or on trails for hiking.
Modular designs are particularly beneficial for families who need to grow into their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle, for example allows parents to mix and match seats, cots, and car seats to let the stroller serve the entire family from infant to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular, such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be adapted to one child with the use of a 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 a variety of ways, making it 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 comes in various colors, and its materials 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 says it was easy to unpack and assemble because the components came in neatly labeled boxes with instructions and a video code included.
Another great characteristic of the UPPAbaby its telescoping handlebar and one-handed brakes that can be operated using only your thumb. Its swiveling wheels on the front can aid in making tighter turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized for being cumbersome and difficult to maneuver. They are also heavy. However, the latest models are sleeker and offer a variety of customization options. You might even find one that fits your infant car seat making it more convenient to go out and about with two kids in tow.
If you're in the market for a side-by-side or an in-line Double To Single Buggy stroller, be sure it's JPMA certified to ensure it meets the minimum safety standards and passes regular inspections. You'll need to ensure that the suspension system offers a smooth ride for your children in the front seat. If your stroller comes with a handlebar, make sure it's adjustable to accommodate the different heights.
A canopy can protect your child from the harsh sun and inclement weather. The best canopy features a reversible flap or transparent plastic windows that peek-a-boo to allow you to 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 easy the stroller folds and unfolds. Compact strollers are easier to store in your car's trunk and take up less room. Strollers that come with only one button to fold the chassis are also more user-friendly.
When choosing a double stroller, bear in mind the distance your children are and what kind of outings you plan on taking them on. For example, if your children are in the same age range and you want to opt for a tandem high-low stroller so that they can interact on outings. If your children are separated due to a large age gap you can select a model which allows them to enjoy more privacy.
If you plan to use your stroller to carry baby car seats, 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 factors however it's a crucial factor to consider if you're planning on using car seat adapters.