Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller gives parents of multiple kids an enjoyable way to take them around. The best models are easy to fold, carry and store into a trunk of a car. They also offer flexible seating arrangements for kids of various ages.
Parents of children who are close to age may find that a side by side or sit-and stand style is best to avoid sibling fights over who gets to ride in which car seat. We also like the options that accept two infant car seats, such as the UPPAbaby v2 double.
Comfort
A comfortable stroller is key for your toddler and baby. Pick one with padding for the seats, a wide base, and swivelling front wheels to smooth bumps in the road and buckles that are easy to secure and remove.
You can also search for a large, UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection and ample coverage for both kids. Another feature that is comfortable is the adjustable footrests, which let your child stand up in the back of the seat when they get tired. Some double strollers offer this feature for both children, including the Safety 1st model that is the best seller.
The number of seats you select in your stroller is contingent on the weights and ages of the children who are riding in it. For example, a side-by-side stroller lets you keep an eye on both children at the same time, so it's perfect for twins or siblings who are close in age. However, it's typically wider than other configurations and may be difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces or in crowded areas.
Sit-and-stand strollers allow older siblings to stand up while you push a younger child in the infant car seat. It's not a good choice for babies, but it can be a good fit once your kiddos are around three years old and can walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is a different option. It offers multiple seating options and can be used for years as a single or double. Rebecca says that this type of stroller is a good choice for parents who plan to purchase one stroller and use it with both children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem pick, but it will last for a long time, has great potential for resales and is extremely versatile," 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 other options however it has an elegant design and top-quality material. It is compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and comes with an adjustable bar that can be telescoping and press brakes. small double buggy comes with foam-filled wheels that won't flatten and a huge storage bin.
Easy of Use
A double stroller isn't an investment that is cheap, and parents are often looking for 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 come with multiple storage compartments to allow families to organize their belongings to make it easier to access. They also come with parent consoles and organizer bags that keep phones, keys and other essentials on hand.
A stroller should be able to adapt to your family's needs as they grow older as well. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for example is an affordable stroller that comes with an adjustable system. It lets you add another seat, convert the stroller into a triple by adding an additional board, or convert to a single-mode by adding a bench in the rear. This flexibility can help 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 with the ease of operation and maneuverability of the 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 ages. The telescoping handles as well as the easy-to-use brakes allow it to be more mobile than other double strollers that we have tested.
On the other side the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double comes with a streamlined design and a huge storage basket that can accommodate two toddler car seats or one infant car seat plus a regular child seat. It can be used by a single child as young as three years old. Its foam-filled tires are made to not flatten.
Furthermore to that, the UPPAbaby is light at only 18 pounds and folds in half to make a slim and sleek box that's easy to carry and put away. It's also simple to open and close using the latch, and requires no tools for assembling. It was a top pick from our Lab experts for its durability, shopability, and affordability.
Simple of Storage
Double strollers should be able hold diaper bags jackets, water bottles, and other items and the keys, wallets and phones of parents. They also need to be able to glide across various surfaces and maneuver into tight spaces. When not in use, they often have to fit into the trunk of a vehicle.
To meet these needs Double strollers are built in a wide range of designs. They can be tandem or side-by-side, with fixed or removable seats or a baby car seats and a riding board. They can be designed to accommodate one toddler or infant or twins. Some are designed for jogging, while others can be used on trails for hiking and at the beach.
Modular designs are particularly useful for families that have to get bigger for their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S, for example is designed to permit parents to mix and match seat units, cot attachments, and car seats so that the stroller can serve the family from birth through toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular, like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be made to accommodate a single child through the use of bassinet or baby seat or a toddler's an elevated seat or standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is an adaptable stroller that can be set up 30 different ways. It's great for twins, siblings or a growing 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 used the double stroller with his three-year old daughter and five-month old son. He reported that it was simple to unpack the parts and assemble them because they were packaged neatly with instructions and video codes.
Another amazing characteristic of the UPPAbaby its telescoping handlebar, as well as one-handed brakes that can be operated with only your thumb. Its swiveling front wheels will allow it to make precise turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are often accused of being heavy, difficult to maneuver and heavy. However, the newest models are sleeker and come with various options for customization. You may even find one that will fit your car seat for infants, making it even easier to get out and about with two kids in the stroller.
Whether you're looking for a side-by-side or an in-line double stroller, make sure it's JPMA certified to ensure it meets minimum safety standards and undergoes regular inspections. You should also choose a suspension system that provides an easy ride and doesn't cause bumps, or jostling for your toddlers in the front seat. If your stroller has an adjustable handlebar, make sure it's adjustable to ensure both parents can use it.
A canopy can protect your child from harsh sunlight and harsh weather. The most effective canopies come with an reversible flap as well as a clear plastic peek-a-boo window that allows you to watch your children without causing any disturbance to them. Some canopies also come with visors to block direct sun.
Another important metric to consider is how easy the stroller folds and unfolds. Strollers that are compact when folded are easier to store and take up 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 on a double stroller take into consideration the age gap between your children as well as the type of trip you're planning to take with them. For instance, if you're children are in the same age range, you may want to choose a tandem high-low stroller to ensure that they can be together on outings. If your children are separated due to an age gap that is large you can select a model which allows them to enjoy more privacy.
If you intend to use your stroller for baby car seats, select a model with a high attachment score and compatible with top-rated brands. This won't have as big of an impact on your overall rating as the other metrics however it's a crucial factor to consider if you're planning on using car seat adapters.