Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller gives parents of multiple kids an enjoyable way to take them around. The best strollers are easy to fold and carry, fit well in a car trunk and provide a variety of seating arrangements for children of different age groups.
If your children are similar in age, you may find that a sit-and-stand or side-byside style is the best method to avoid sibling fights over the best seat to use. We also like options that can accommodate two infant car seats such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double.
Comfort
It is crucial that your toddler and baby are comfortable in the stroller. Choose a stroller with comfortable seats and swiveling tires on the front to smooth road bumps. Also, pick one that has buckles that are easily fastened and unfastened.
Look for a large UPF 50+ canopy to offer sun protection for both children and adults. Footrests that can be adjusted allow your child to stand up in the rear seat when they're tired. Some double strollers, such as the top-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats you can put 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 allows you to keep an eye on two children at the same time and is ideal for twins or siblings close in age. It's larger than other models and may be difficult to maneuver through crowded or narrow areas.
Sit-and-stand prams allow older siblings to stand while you push a younger child in the infant car seat. It's not ideal for newborns however, it could be an ideal choice when your children are about three years old and can walk for longer distances.
A convertible stroller is a different option. It has multiple seating options and can be used for years as a double or single. Rebecca says this type of stroller is a great choice for parents who want to buy one stroller but plan to use it with two kids. It's more expensive than the top tandem pick however it will last an extended period of time and comes with an excellent resale value, she adds.
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 strollers we've tried however it does have a sleek, modern design and top-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby car seats, and features a telescoping bar as well as easy to press brakes. It also has foam-filled tires that aren't flat, and an ample storage basket.
Easy to Use
A double stroller isn't a cheap investment, so parents are usually looking for one that is simple to use. This means a variety of features, ranging from the ability to fold it compactly to the ability to adjust the height of the handlebar to accommodate different users, must be readily available. Some models have multiple storage compartments to allow families to divide items for quick access, and organizer bags for parents or parent consoles to keep phone, keys, and other essentials easily accessible.
A stroller should be able to adapt to your family's needs as they grow older also. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance, is a budget-friendly stroller with an adjustable system. It lets you add another seat, convert the stroller into a triple using a board, or switch to a single-mode by adding a bench at the rear. This flexibility allows a double stroller to last as long as you need it.
In terms of maneuverability, many side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver, but our Lab testers were pleasantly surprised by the ease of using and maneuverability of 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 maneuverable than other double strollers we have tested.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double, it's on the other hand, is sleek and stylish. It also comes with an ample basket that can hold two toddler car seats or an infant car seat along with a regular child's car seat. It can also be used by a single child up to three years old and provides a smooth ride due to its tires filled with foam that are designed not to go flat.
The UPPAbaby folds down in half, making it easy to store and transport. It's also very light, weighing only 18 pounds. double pushchair 's also easy to open and close using a latch and requires no tools for assembly. It was a top pick by our Lab experts for its longevity and shopability as well as its affordability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers should be able hold diaper bags as well as water bottles and jackets and keys, wallets and phones of parents. They also need to be able to glide across various surfaces and maneuver into tight spaces. They often need to fit in the trunk of a vehicle, so they should be easy to fold up and compact when not being used.
Double strollers are available in a variety of styles to meet your needs. They can be tandem or side-by-side with fixed or removable seats or even be outfitted with infant car seats as well as a riding board. They can be made to accommodate a single toddler or twins. Some are suited for running, while others could be used for hiking trails and at the beach.
Modular designs are particularly useful for families that have to grow into their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S, for example is designed to permit parents to mix and match their seat units, cot attachments, and car seats so that the stroller can be used by the entire family from birth to toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers, like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be made to accommodate one child by the use of bassinet or baby seat or a toddler's with a jump seat or a standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a versatile stroller that can be configured 30 different ways. It's perfect for twins, siblings, or an expanding family.
The UPPAbaby is recognized 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 said it was easy to unpack the parts and put them together because they were packaged neatly with instructions and video codes.
The UPPAbaby also has an adjustable handlebar that can be telescoping, as well as brakes that are operated by your thumb. The swiveling wheels at the front can aid in making tighter turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are a bit of received a bad rap for being bulky and difficult to maneuver, the new generation of models are sleek and provide a variety of customization options. You may even find one that is compatible with your infant car seat which makes it easier to get out and about with two children in the stroller.
If you're in the market for a side-by-side or in-line double stroller, ensure that it's JPMA certified to ensure it complies with minimum safety standards and undergoes regular inspections. You'll also want to choose suspension systems that provide an easy ride and doesn't create bumps or jostling for your toddlers in the front seat. If your stroller comes with a handlebar, be sure that it is adjustable to accommodate the different heights.
A canopy can shield your baby from harsh sunlight and inclement weather. The best canopies have an reversible flap as well as a clear plastic peek-a-boo window to allow you to monitor your children without causing any disturbance to them. Some canopies also come with the ability to shade direct sunlight.
Another important metric to consider is how easily the stroller folds and unfolds. Strollers that are compact when folded are more convenient to store and take up less space in the trunk of your car. Strollers that come with only one button to fold the chassis are also 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 intend to take the strollers on. If your children are similar in age you may choose a tandem high/low stroller to allow them to be together on outings. On the other hand, if your children have a significant age difference then you may want to consider a side-by-side model that gives them more privacy.
If you're planning on using your stroller with baby car seats, look for a model that is compatible with top-rated car seat brands and has high attachment scores. This won't have as big an impact on the overall rating as other metrics however it is important if you plan to use adapters for car seats.