Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is an ideal option for parents to take multiple children. The best models are easy to fold, carry and store into a trunk of a car. They also have different seating arrangements for children of varying ages.
Parents with children of a similar age may find that a side by side or sit-and-stand design is the 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 stroller that is comfortable is essential for both your toddler and baby. Pick one with padded seats, a wide base and swiveling front wheels to smooth out bumps in the road, and buckles that are easy to unfasten and fasten.
Find a large, UPF 50+ canopy to provide sun protection for both children and adults. Footrests that can be adjusted allow your child to sit in the back seat when they are exhausted. Some double strollers offer this option to both children, including the Safety 1st model that is the top-selling model.
The number of seats you select in your stroller will depend on the weight and ages of the children who are who are riding in it. A side-byside baby stroller allows you to monitor two children at a time which is ideal for twins or siblings of a similar age. It's wider than other configurations, and can be difficult to maneuver in tight or narrow areas.
On the other hand, a sit-and stand stroller gives older siblings the chance to stand while you push your younger child in a car seat for infants. It's not a good choice for babies but it's an ideal choice when your kids are around three years old and able to walk longer distances.
Another option is a convertible stroller, which has multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a double or single for several years. Rebecca says this kind of stroller is a great choice for parents who want to purchase one stroller, but want to use it with two children. It's more expensive than the top tandem model 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 some of the other strollers we've tried however, it comes with sleek, modern designs and high-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and comes with 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.
Simple to Use
A double stroller can be a costly investment. Parents are looking for models that are simple to use. That means a broad range of features, from the possibility of folding it down to adjusting the handlebar height for different users, should be readily available. Certain models have multiple storage compartments to allow families to organize their belongings to make it easier to access. They also include parent consoles and organizer bags that store keys, phones, and other essentials at hand.
A stroller should be able to adapt to the changing requirements of your family as time goes by. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for example is a budget-friendly stroller that includes an adjustable system. It allows you to add another seat, convert the stroller into a triple using a board, or switch it into a single mode by adding a rear bench. This allows a double stroller to last for as long as you need it.
In terms of maneuverability, a lot of side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver. However, our Lab testers were impressed with the ease of use and maneuverability of the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model is compatible with all of our top-rated car seats for infants and can be used by twins or children of different age groups. Its telescoping handles and easy-to-use brakes allow it to be more maneuverable than other double strollers that we have tested.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double however, is sleek and stylish. It also comes with an ample basket that can hold two toddler car seats or an infant car seat with a regular child's seat. It can also be used by one child up to three years old and provides a smooth ride due to its foam-filled tires which are designed not to go flat.
The UPPAbaby folds in half and is easy to store and carry. It's also super lightweight and weighs only 18 pounds. It's also easy to open and close with an latch, and requires no tools for assembly. Our Lab experts picked it as the best choice for its price and long-term durability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers should be able hold diaper bags, water bottles and jackets and the keys, wallets and phones of parents. Get Source need to be able to glide over different surfaces and maneuver through tight spaces. They usually have to fit in the trunk of a car, so they must be easy to fold up and compact when not in use.
Double strollers are available in a variety of designs to meet the needs of parents. They can be tandem or side-byside with seats that are removable or fixed or even be outfitted with infant car seats and a riding board. They can be made to accommodate a single infant or toddler or twins. Some are made for running while others are used at the beach or on hiking trails.
Modular designs are especially beneficial for families that need to grow with their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle for instance, allows parents to mix and match seat units, cots, and car seats to let the stroller serve the entire family from infant to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular such as 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 a jump seat or a standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a flexible stroller that can be configured 30 different ways. It's perfect for twins, siblings or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also committed to sustainability and green initiatives. The UPPAbaby comes in many colors and the fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. Raul, one of our testers utilized this double stroller while testing with his five-month-old son as well as three-year-old daughter. Raul says it was simple to unpack and assemble because the parts came in neatly labeled boxes with instructions and a video code.
The UPPAbaby also features an adjustable handlebar that can be telescoping, as well as brakes that are operated by your thumb. And its swiveling front wheels allow it to make tight turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
While double strollers have a bad reputation as cumbersome and difficult to maneuver, the latest generation of models are sleek and offer many customization options. You can find one that fits an infant car seat to make it easier to travel with two children.
If you're looking for a side-by-side or in-line double stroller, ensure that it's JPMA certified to ensure it meets minimum safety standards and goes through regular inspections. You'll want to make sure that the suspension system provides an easy ride for your children who are in the front seat. If your stroller is equipped with an armrest, make sure it's adjustable to fit Moms and Dads of different heights.
A canopy can shield your child from harsh sunlight and harsh weather. The best canopies have the option of a reversible flap, or a transparent plastic windows that peek-a-boo to allow you to monitor your children without causing any disturbance to them. Certain canopies come with visors that block direct sunlight.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is a second important aspect to think about. Strollers that are compact when folded are easier to store and take less space in the trunk of your car. Strollers that have one button to fold the chassis are more user-friendly.
When choosing a double stroller to buy take into consideration the age gap between your children as well as the type of trip you're planning to take them on. If your children are close in age, you can opt for a tandem high/low stroller in order to allow them to interact on outings. If your children are separated by a large age gap, you may choose a model that allows them to have more privacy.
If you intend to use your stroller to carry baby car seats, you should choose a model with a high attachment score and is compatible with top-rated brands. This won't have as big of an impact on your overall rating as the other metrics, but it's an important aspect to take into consideration if you're thinking of using adapters for car seats.