Buying a double infant strollers (Techdirt wrote) Infant Stroller
A double stroller offers parents of multiple kids an enjoyable way to take them around. The best strollers are lightweight and easy to fold and carry and fit nicely in a car trunk and offer versatile seating arrangements for children of varying ages.
Parents of children who are close to age may find a side-by-side or sit-and-stand design is the best to avoid sibling squabbles over who gets to ride in which car seat. We also like options which allow two infant car seats like the UPPAbaby v2 double.
Comfort
It is crucial 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 unfasten and fasten.
You can also search for an ample UPF 50+ canopy, which provides sun protection and plenty of coverage for both kids. Footrests that can be adjusted allow your child to stand in the rear seat if they are exhausted. Some double strollers, such as the best-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats you select in your stroller depends on the weight and ages of the kids who are riding in it. A side-by-side baby stroller lets you to watch two children at the same time, making it ideal for twins or siblings of a similar age. It's more spacious than other types of strollers, and can be difficult to maneuver in crowded or narrow spaces.
Sit-and-stand prams allow older siblings to stand up while you push a younger child in an infant car-seat. It's not the best option for babies, but it is beneficial for older children who can walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is another alternative. It offers multiple seating options and can be used for years as a single or double. Rebecca says this type of stroller is an excellent option for parents who only want to purchase a single stroller but want to use it with two kids. It's more expensive than the top tandem pick however it will last a long time and has the best resale value she adds.
This stroller by UPPAbaby is a double pushchair 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 however, it comes with an elegant, modern design and top-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and comes with a telescoping handlebar and easy-to-press brakes. It has foam-filled wheels that won't sag and a huge storage bin.
Easy to Use
A double stroller is not an inexpensive investment, which is why parents are usually looking for a model that's easy to use. It should have a variety of features like the possibility of folding the stroller into a compact size and to adjust the handlebar's height to suit different users. Certain models have multiple storage compartments that allow families to separate belongings for easy access. They also include parent consoles and organizer bags to keep keys, phones and other necessities on hand.
A stroller can be adjusted to the changing needs of your family as they grow older, too. For instance, a budget-friendly model like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes a modular system that lets you add a second seat, convert it to a triple with the rideboard, or change to a single mode by using a rear bench. This allows a double stroller to last for as long as is required.
In terms of maneuverability, a lot of side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver, however our Lab testers were pleasantly surprised by the ease of operation 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 various age groups. The telescoping handlebar and easy-to-use brakes make it easier to maneuver than other double strollers we've test.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double, on the other hand has a sleek design and a large basket that can fit two toddler car seats or an infant car seat with a regular child's seat. It can also be used by any single child until three years old and is a smooth ride due to its tires filled with foam that are made to not go flat.
In addition to that, the UPPAbaby is light at just 18 pounds, and folds in half for a sleek package that is easy to carry and to store. It's also easy to open and close using an latch, and needs no tools for assembling. Our Lab experts picked it as the best double strollers choice for its affordability, shopability and longevity.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers need to be able to hold diaper bags as well as water bottles and jackets and keys, wallets and phones of parents. They also need to be able to slide over different surfaces and maneuver through tight spaces. They often need to be able to fit in the trunk of a car, so they must be easy to fold and compact double buggy when not being used.
Double strollers are available in many different designs to meet the needs of parents. They can be tandem or side-by-side, with fixed or removable seats or a baby car seats and a riding board. They can also be designed to accommodate a single toddler or newborn or twins. Some are designed to be used for running, while others can be used at the beach or on hiking trails.
Modular designs are especially beneficial for families who need to grow into their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle for instance, allows parents to mix and match seats units, cots and car seats to make the stroller suitable for all the family members from infant to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers with modular designs like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be adapted to one child with the use of the bassinet or baby seat or a toddler using an elevated board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a flexible stroller that can be set up 30 different ways. It's great for twins, siblings, or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also known 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. During testing, our tester Raul used this double stroller with his three year old daughter and five-month-old son. He reported that it was simple to take the parts out and assemble them since they came in neatly-labeled boxes with instructions and video codes.
Another amazing aspect of the UPPAbaby is its telescoping handlebar and one-handed brakes that can be operated with only your thumb. The swiveling front wheel can help it make tight turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized as being cumbersome, difficult to maneuver and heavy. However, the most recent models are sleeker and provide a variety of customization options. You can even find one that will fit the car seat of your infant which makes it more convenient to go out and about with two children in the stroller.
If you're in the market for a double stroller that can be used side-by-side, or in a line, make sure that it's JPMA-certified to ensure it meets safety standards. It will also go through regular inspections. You should also choose a suspension system that provides a smooth ride and doesn't cause bumps, or jolting for your children in the front seat. If your stroller comes with an adjustable handlebar, make sure it's adjustable so that both parents can use it.
A canopy is another essential feature that will protect your children from the harsh sun or the harsh weather. The best canopies have a reversible flap or transparent plastic peek-a-boo windows to let you monitor your children without disturbing them. Some canopies also come with visors to block direct sun.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is another important aspect to take into consideration. Strollers that fold compactly when folded are more convenient to store and take less space in the trunk of your car. Also, strollers that have one hand-release button that folds the chassis are more user-friendly.
When you are shopping for a double stroller, keep in mind how far apart your children are in age and what kind of excursions you're planning to take them on. For instance, if your children are in the same age range and you want to consider a tandem high-low stroller so that they can interact when outings are planned. If your children are separated by a large age gap you can select one that gives them more privacy.
If you plan to use your stroller to carry baby car seats, select a model with a high attachment score and is compatible with top-rated brands. This won't have as significant an impact on the overall rating as other factors but it is still crucial if you intend to utilize car seat adapters.