Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is an ideal option for parents to take multiple children. The best models are lightweight and easy to fold and carry, fit well in a car trunk and offer versatile seating arrangements for children of varying age groups.
If your children are close in age, you could find that a sit-and-stand or side-byside style is the best way to avoid fighting between siblings over the best seat to use. We also recommend options that allow two infant car seats like the UPPAbaby V2 double.
Comfort
A stroller that is comfortable and safe for both your baby and toddler. Pick one with padded seats, a wide base, and swivelling front wheels to smooth bumps in the road and buckles that are simple to fasten and unfasten.
You can also look for a generous UPF 50+ canopy that offers sun protection as well as plenty of coverage for both kids. Another feature that is comfortable is the adjustable footrests, which let your child sit up in the back of the seat when they are tired. Some double pushchair with car seat strollers give this option to both children, including the Safety 1st model that is the best seller.
The number of seats you can have in your stroller will depend on the weight and age of the children who will be using it. For example, a side-by-side stroller lets you keep an eye on both kids at the same time which is perfect for twins or siblings who are close in age. It's more spacious than other types of strollers and may be difficult to maneuver in crowded 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 ideal for newborns but it's a good fit when your kids are around three years old and are able to walk for longer distances.
Another alternative is a convertible stroller which has multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a double or a single for a long time. Rebecca says this type of stroller is an excellent option for parents who wish to buy one stroller but are planning to use it with two children. It's more expensive than the top tandem pick but it'll last for a long time and has a great resale price, 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 is 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 comes with an adjustable bar that can be telescoping and press brakes. It also comes with foam-filled tires that won't go flat and an ample storage basket.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller is not an inexpensive investment, which is why parents are usually looking for an option that is easy to use. It should include a variety of features, including the capability to fold the stroller into a compact size and adjust the handlebar height to accommodate different users. Some models come with more than one storage space to allow families to divide things up for easy access, and parent consoles or organizer bags to keep phone, keys and other necessities easily accessible.
A stroller should be able to 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 a modular system that lets you add a second seat, convert it into a triple using a rideboard, or switch to a single double stroller (Www.webwiki.Pt) mode by using an additional bench in the rear. This flexibility can help a double infant strollers stroller work for as long as you want it to.
In terms of maneuverability, some models struggle to turn on a dime 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 various ages. The telescoping handles as well as the easy-to-use brakes make it more mobile than other double strollers that we have tested.
On the other hand the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double features an elegant design and a huge storage basket that can hold two toddler car seats or one infant car seat and a regular child seat. It can also be used by any single child until three years old and provides a smooth ride due to its foam-filled tires which are designed not to go flat.
Additionally it's lightweight at only 18 pounds, and folds in half for a sleek package that is 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. It was a top choice among our Lab experts for its durability and versatility, as well as its price.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers must be able to carry diaper bags as well as water bottles, snacks, toys and jackets for children and parents' wallets, keys, phones and other belongings. They should also be able glide over different surfaces, and maneuver in tight places. When not in use, they are often required to fit into the trunk of a vehicle.
To meet these requirements Double strollers can be built in a wide range of designs. They can be side-byside or tandem, with fixed or removable seats or equipped with infant car seats and a rideboard. They can also be designed to fit a single toddler or newborn, or twins. Some are designed to be used for running while others are utilized at the beach or on trails for hiking.
Modular designs can be especially beneficial for families who need to get bigger for their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S for instance is designed to permit parents to mix and match seat units, cot attachments and car seats so that the stroller is able to serve the family from birth until toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular, such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be converted to one child with the use of a bassinet or baby seat or a toddler using a standing board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a versatile stroller that can be configured in 30 different ways, making it ideal for twins, siblings or an expanding family.
The UPPAbaby is also committed to sustainability and green initiatives. The UPPAbaby is available in various colors, and its fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. Our test subject Raul utilized the double stroller with his three-year old daughter and five-month-old son. Raul says it was simple to unpack and assemble because the parts came in neatly labeled boxes, which had instructions and a video code included.
The UPPAbaby also has an adjustable handlebar that can be telescoping, as well as brakes controlled by your thumb. The swiveling wheels at 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 strollers are sleek and offer many options for customization. You can find one that fits an infant car seat, making it easier to travel with two children.
If you're shopping for a double stroller that can be used side-byside or in line, ensure that it's JPMA certified to ensure it conforms to safety standards. It also has to pass regular inspections. You should also consider an adjustable suspension system that gives an easy ride and doesn't cause bumps, or jostling for the little ones in the front seat. If your stroller comes with a handlebar, make sure it's adjustable to fit Moms and Dads of different heights.
A canopy is another essential feature that can shield your children from harsh sunlight or inclement weather. The best canopy features an reversible flap as well as a clear plastic peek-a-boo window to let you monitor your children without causing any disturbance to them. Some canopies also come with the ability to shade direct sunlight.
Another important factor to consider is how easy the stroller folds and unfolds. Strollers that are compact when folded are more convenient to store and take less space in the trunk of your car. Also, strollers that have only one button to release the hand that folds the chassis are much easier to use.
When choosing a double stroller to buy be aware of the age gap between your children as well as the type of trip you intend to take them on. For example, if your children are similar in age it is possible to opt for a tandem high-low stroller so that they can be together on outings. If your children are separated due to a large age gap You can choose a model that gives them more privacy.
If you're planning on using your stroller with baby car seats, search for a model that integrates with top-rated car seat brands and has a high attachment score. This won't have as significant impact on your overall rating as other metrics, but it's an important factor to consider if you're planning on using adapters for car seats.