Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller provides parents with multiple children a comfortable way to get their children around. The best models are simple to fold, carry and place in a car trunk. They also offer different seating arrangements for children of different ages.
Parents of children who are close to age may find that a side-by-side or sit-and-stand style works best to avoid sibling fights over who rides in which seat. We also like the options that allow two infant car seats, such as the UPPAbaby V2 Double.
Comfort
A comfortable stroller is key for both your toddler and baby. Pick one with padding for the seats, a wide base and swiveling front wheels to smooth bumps in the road, and buckles that are easy to unfasten and fasten.
Choose a big, UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection for both children and adults. Another comfort feature is adjustable footrests, which let your child stand up in the back seat when they are tired. Some double strollers, such as the top-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats in your stroller will be determined by the weight and age of the children who will be using it. A side-byside baby stroller allows you to monitor two children at once which is ideal for twins or siblings of a similar age. It's wider than other configurations and may be difficult to maneuver through crowded or narrow areas.
Sit-and-stand prams allow older siblings to stand while you push a smaller child in the infant car seat. It's not ideal for newborns however, it could be a good fit when your children are about three years old and are able to walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is a different option. It comes with a variety of seating options and can be used as a single or double. Rebecca says this kind of stroller is an ideal choice for parents who are planning to buy one stroller and use it with both children. It's more expensive than the top tandem choice however it will last a long time and has a great resale price, 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 other options but it does have an elegant design and top-quality material. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and has an adjustable handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted and brakes that are easy to press. It also has foam-filled tires that won't go flat and a large storage basket.
Easy to Use
A double stroller is not a cheap investment, so parents are usually looking for an option that is easy to use. This means a variety of features, ranging from the possibility of folding it down to adjusting the handlebar height to accommodate different users, must be readily available. Some models come with more than one storage space that allow families to divide items for quick access, and parent consoles or organizer bags to keep phone, keys, and other essentials within reach.
A stroller should be able adapt to the changing needs of your family over time. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance, is an affordable stroller that comes with a modular system. It allows you to add another seat, convert the stroller into a triple using the addition of a board, or change to a single-mode by adding a rear bench. This flexibility can make double strollers last as long as you want it to.
In terms of maneuverability, a lot of side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver, however our Lab testers were impressed by the ease of using and maneuverability of Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model is compatible with our top-rated car seats for infants and can be used by twins or children of various age groups. Its telescoping handlebar and simple-to-use brakes make it much easier to maneuver over the other double strollers we've tested.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double, it's on the other hand, has a streamlined look and a large basket that can accommodate two toddler car seats or an infant car seat along with a regular child's car seat. It can be used by a single child up to age three. Its foam-filled tires are designed to not go flat.
Additionally to that, the UPPAbaby is lightweight at only 18 pounds and folds in half to make a slim and sleek box that's easy to transport and put away. It's also simple to open and close using a latch, and requires no tools for assembling. It was a top choice among our Lab experts for its durability and shopability as well as its affordability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers must be able to carry diaper bags as well as water bottles snacks, toys, and jackets for kids, as well as parents keys, wallets phones, and other items. They should also be able to glide across different surfaces and maneuver in tight spaces. They are often required to fit into the trunk of a car, therefore they should be easy to fold up and compact when not being used.
Double strollers are available in many different designs to meet the needs of parents. They can be tandem or side-by-side with fixed or removable seats or equipped with infant car seats and a riding board. They can also be designed to accommodate one toddler or infant, or twins. Some are suited for running, while others could be used on trails for hiking and at the beach.
Modular designs are especially beneficial for families who need to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle, for example, allows parents to mix and match seats units, cots and car seats to make the stroller fit the entire family from infant to toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers, like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be made to accommodate one child by the use of a baby seat or bassinet, or a toddler with an elevated seat or standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is an adaptable stroller that can be set up in a variety of ways. It's great for twins, siblings, or an expanding family.
The UPPAbaby also prioritizes sustainability and green initiatives. The UPPAbaby is available in various 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 5-month-old son. He said it was easy to take the parts out and assemble them since they were neatly labeled boxes with video instructions and instructions.
Another excellent feature of the UPPAbaby is its telescoping handlebar, as well as brakes that are one-handed and can be operated by your thumb. The swiveling wheels at the front can aid in making more precise turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized for being heavy and difficult to maneuver. They're also heavy. However, the most recent models are sleeker and offer various options for customization. You can even find one that will fit your car seat for infants which makes it easier to get out and about with two kids in tow.
If you're looking for a side-byside or in-line double stroller, be sure it's JPMA certified to ensure that it meets minimum safety standards and goes through regular inspections. You'll want to make sure that the suspension system provides a smooth ride for your children when they are in the front seat. And if your stroller has a handlebar, be sure it's adjustable to fit the different heights.
A canopy can protect your baby from harsh sunlight and harsh weather. The best canopies have an reversible flap as well as a transparent plastic peek-a-boo windows to let you monitor your children without causing disturbance. Some canopies also come with visors that block direct sunlight.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is another important factor to consider. Compact strollers are simpler to put in the trunk of your car and take up less room. Also, strollers that have one hand-release button that folds the chassis are much more convenient to use.
When deciding on a double stroller to buy take into consideration the age gap between your children as well as the type of excursion you plan to take the strollers on. If your children are similar in age, you could opt for a tandem high/low stroller to allow them to interact during outings. On best twin stroller , if your children have a large age gap, you might choose a side-byside model that offers them more privacy.
If you're going to be using your stroller with baby car seats, search for a model that is compatible with the top-rated car seat brands and has high attachment scores. This will not have as much of an impact on the overall rating as other metrics however it is important if you plan to use adapters for car seats.