Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is a great option for parents to take multiple children. The best models are easy to fold, carry and place into a trunk of a car. They also have various seating arrangements for children of different ages.
Parents with children close in age may find a side-by-side or sit-and stand style is best to avoid sibling squabbles over who gets to ride in which seat. We also like options which accept two infant car seat, such as the UPPAbaby V2 double.
Comfort
It is important that your toddler and baby are at ease in the stroller. 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 unfasten and fasten.
Choose a big, UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection for both children. Another comfort feature is adjustable footrests that allow your child to stand in the back of the seat when they get tired. Some double strollers provide this option to both children, like the Safety 1st model that is the best seller.
The number of seats in your stroller will depend on the weight and age of the children who will be using it. A side-by-side baby stroller allows you to watch two children at the same time which is ideal for twins or siblings of the same age. However, it's generally wider than other models and may be difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces or in areas with a lot of people.
On the other hand, a sit-and stand stroller allows older siblings to stand while you push the younger one in a car seat for infants. It's not the ideal choice for newborns but can be beneficial for older children who are able to walk longer distances.
Another option 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 an excellent option for parents who plan to buy one stroller and use it with both children. It's more expensive than the top tandem pick but it will last for many years and has an excellent resale value, 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, but it has sleek, modern designs and top-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and has a telescoping handlebar as well as easy-to-press brakes. It comes with foam-filled wheels that won't sag and a large storage bin.
Easy to Use
A double stroller is not an investment that is cheap double buggy, and parents are often looking for a model that's easy to use. That means a wide range of features, from the possibility of folding it down to the ability to adjust the height of the handlebar to accommodate different users, must be readily available. Some models come with more than one storage compartment to allow families to divide items for quick access, and parent consoles or organizer bags to keep keys, phone and other items easily accessible.
A stroller must be able adapt to the changing needs of your family as time goes by. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for example is a budget-friendly stroller that includes an adjustable system. It allows you to add a second seat, transform the stroller into a triple using the addition of a board, or change it to a single mode by adding a bench in the rear. This flexibility lets double strollers to last as long as you need it.
When it comes to maneuverability, some side-by-side models aren't able to turn on a dime however the majority of our Lab testers loved the simplicity and maneuverability of the inline Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model can be used with all of our top-rated infant car seats and is suitable for twins or kids of varying age. Its telescoping handles and easy-to-use brakes make it more mobile than other double strollers that we tested.
On the other hand, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double features sleek design and a large storage basket that can accommodate 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 it's lightweight at only 18 pounds and folds down 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 with the latch, and requires no tools for assembling. Our Lab experts picked it as the top pick for its affordability and shopability, as well as its longevity.
Easy of Storage
Double strollers must be able to accommodate diaper bags and water bottles snacks, toys, and jackets for kids, as well as parents' wallets, keys phones and other things. They should also be able to glide over different surfaces and maneuver through tight spaces. They are often required to be able to fit in the trunk of a car, so they should be easy to fold up and compact when not in use.
To meet the needs of parents Double strollers are constructed in a variety of styles. They can be side-by-side or tandem, with fixed or removable seats or a baby car seat and a ridingboard. They can be designed to accommodate a single infant or toddler or twins. Some are designed for jogging, while others can be used on trails for hiking or at the beach.
Modular designs are especially beneficial for families who need to get bigger for their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle for instance, allows parents to mix and match seat units, cots, and car seats to let the stroller serve all the family members from infant to toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers, like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be modified to fit one child with the use of a baby seat or bassinet or a toddler's with a jump seat or a standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a versatile stroller that can be configured in a variety of ways. It's great for twins, siblings, or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also renowned for its green initiatives, and it is a proponent of sustainability. The UPPAbaby is available in many colors, and its materials are made from recycled water bottles. In our testing, our test participant Raul used the double stroller with his 3 year old daughter and 5-month-old son. He says it was easy to disassemble and unpack because the parts came in neatly labeled boxes with instructions and a video code included.
The UPPAbaby also features an adjustable handlebar that can be telescoping, as well as brakes controlled by your thumb. And Pushchair Twin its swiveling front wheels can help it make tight turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are often accused of being heavy, difficult to maneuver and bulky. However, the latest models are sleeker and provide a variety of customization options. You can even find one that is compatible with the car seat of your infant, making it even easier to get out and about with two children with you.
If you're in the market for a double stroller with car seat stroller that can be used side-by-side or in a line, make sure it is JPMA-certified to ensure it conforms to safety standards. It will also go through regular inspections. Also, you should look for a suspension system that provides a smooth ride and doesn't cause bumps, or jostling for your little ones in the front seat. If your stroller comes with a handlebar, make sure it's adjustable to accommodate the different heights.
A canopy is a crucial feature that can shield your babies from harsh sunlight or the harsh weather. The best canopy features a reversible flap or transparent plastic peek-a-boo windows to let you monitor your children without causing disturbance. Some canopies have visors that block direct sunlight.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is an important factor to consider. Compact strollers are simpler to put in the trunk of your car and take up less space. Also, strollers with only one button to release the hand that folds the chassis are more user-friendly.
When deciding on a double stroller to buy take into consideration the age gap between your children and the kind of trip you intend to take the strollers on. If your children are close in age, you could opt for a tandem high/low stroller to allow them to be together during outings. On the other side, if your kids have a significant age gap then you may want to consider a side-by-side model that gives them more privacy.
If you're going to be using your stroller with baby car seats, look for a model that is compatible with the top-rated car seat brands and has a high attachment score. This will not have as significant an impact on the overall rating as other factors but is still important if you plan to use car seat adapters.