Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller offers parents of multiple kids an enjoyable way to take their children around. The best compact double stroller models are simple to fold, carry and fit into the trunk of a car. They also have different seating arrangements for children of various ages.
If your children are similar in age, you could decide that a sit-and stand or side-by-side design is the best way to avoid sibling fights over which seat to use. We also like options that can accommodate two infant car seats like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 double jogging stroller.
Comfort
A stroller that is comfortable is essential for both your baby and toddler. Pick one with cushioned seats, a large base, and swivelling front wheels to smooth bumps in the road and buckles that are easy to secure and remove.
You could also consider an ample, UPF 50+ canopy, which provides sun protection and ample coverage for both children. Another comfort feature is adjustable footrests, which let your child stand up in the back of the seat when they are tired. Some double strollers double strollers give this option to both children, including the Safety 1st model that is the best seller.
How many seats you choose in your stroller depends on the ages and weights of the kids who are riding in it. A side-by-side baby stroller lets you to keep an eye on two children at a time, making it ideal for twins or siblings of similar age. However, it's typically wider than other models and can be difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces or in areas with a lot of people.
Sit-and-stand prams allow older siblings to stand while you push a younger child in a car seat for infants. It's not the best option for infants but it's a good fit when your children are about three years old and are able to walk for longer distances.
Another option is a convertible stroller, which offers multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a single or double for a number of years. Rebecca says this type of stroller is a good choice for parents who want to purchase a single stroller but are planning to use it with two kids. "It's more expensive than our top tandem choice however, it will last a long time, offers a high resale value and is incredibly versatile," she says.
This stroller by UPPAbaby is a double pushchair with car seat 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 tested however it does have sleek, modern designs and top-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and comes with an adjustable handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted and easy-to-press brakes. It also comes with foam-filled tires that won't go flat and large storage basket.
Easy of Use
A double stroller can be an expensive investment. Parents are looking for models that are simple to use. This means a variety of features, ranging from the ability to fold it up compactly to adjusting the handlebar height to accommodate different users, must be available. Some models have multiple storage compartments that allow families to organize their belongings for easy access. They also come with parent consoles and organizer bags that store keys, phones, and other essentials at fingertips.
A stroller can be adjusted to the needs of your family as they grow older, too. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for example, is a budget-friendly stroller with an adjustable system. It allows you to add a seat, transform the stroller into a triple by adding an additional board, or convert it to a single mode by adding a rear bench. This flexibility will let a double stroller work for the time you need it to.
In terms of maneuverability and maneuverability, many side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver, but our Lab testers were impressed by the ease of using and maneuverability of Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model accepts all of our top-rated infant car seats and is suitable for twins or children of various ages. Its telescoping handles and easy-to-use brakes allow it to be more flexible than other double strollers that we have tested.
On the other side, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double comes with a streamlined design and a large storage basket that can hold two toddler car seats or one infant car seat in addition to an ordinary child seat. It can be used by one child up to age three. Its tires that are filled with foam are designed to not go flat.
Furthermore, the UPPAbaby is super lightweight at only 18 pounds and folds in half to create a sleek and compact package that's easy to carry and store. It's also easy to open and re-close with the latch and doesn't require tools to put together. Our Lab experts selected it as the top pick for its affordability and shopability, as well as its longevity.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers should be able hold diaper bags as well as water bottles and jackets, as well as keys, wallets and phones of parents. They should also be able move over different surfaces and maneuver through tight spots. They often need 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.
Double strollers are available in a variety of styles to meet these needs. They can be side-by-side or tandem, with fixed or removable seats or a baby car seat and a ridingboard. They can be made to fit one toddler or infant or twins. Some are designed for jogging, while others can be used on trails for hiking or at the beach.
Modular designs are particularly useful for families that need to grow with their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S, for example, is designed to allow parents to mix and match 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 that are modular, such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be adapted to a single child by using baby seats or a bassinet or for a toddler using an elevated board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is an adaptable stroller that can be set up 30 different ways. It's perfect for twins, siblings, or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also known for its green initiatives and it prioritizes sustainability. The UPPAbaby comes in a wide range of colors, and its materials are made from recycled water bottles. Raul one of our testers, used the double stroller for testing with his five-month-old son as well as three-year-old daughter. Raul says it was simple to take apart and assemble since the parts came in neatly labeled boxes, with instructions and a video code.
The UPPAbaby also comes with a telescoping handlebar, and brakes that are operated by your thumb. Its swiveling wheels on the front can aid in making more precise turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
While double strollers have received a bad rap for being bulky and difficult to maneuver, the latest generation of models are sleek and offer many options for customization. You can find one that fits an infant car seat to make it easier to travel with two children.
If you're in the market for a double stroller that can be used side-by-side or in line, ensure it is JPMA-certified to ensure it conforms to safety standards. It will also undergo regular inspections. You'll want to make sure that the suspension system provides an easy ride for your children in the front seat. And if your stroller has an armrest, make sure it's adjustable to fit parents and dads of various heights.
A canopy is another essential feature that can shield your children from harsh sunlight or inclement weather. The most effective canopies have windows that can be reversible or a transparent plastic peek-aboo that lets you watch your child's progress without disturbing them. Some canopies come with visors to block the direct sun.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is another important aspect to take into consideration. Strollers that are compact when folded are more convenient to store and take less space in the trunk of your car. Strollers that come with a single button to fold the chassis are more user-friendly.
When deciding which double stroller to buy, consider the age difference between your children and the type of trip you intend to take them on. If your children are similar in age you may choose a tandem high/low stroller in order to allow them to interact during outings. If your children are separated due to the age gap you can select a model which allows them to enjoy more privacy.
If you're planning to use your stroller for baby car seats, select a model with a high attachment score and is compatible with top-rated brands. This will not have as significant an impact on the overall rating as other factors but is still crucial if you intend to utilize car seat adapters.