Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller provides parents of multiple kids an easy way to move them around. The best models are simple to fold, carry and place in a car trunk. They also have flexible seating arrangements for kids of varying ages.
Parents of children who are close to age may find that a side-by-side or sit-and stand style is best to prevent sibling rivalries over who rides in which seat. We also like the options that allow two infant car seats like the UPPAbaby v2 double.
Comfort
It is important that your baby and toddler are comfortable in the stroller. Select one with padded seats, a wide base and swiveling front wheels to smooth bumps in the road and buckles that are easy to unfasten and fasten.
You can also look for an ample, UPF 50+ canopy that offers sun protection and plenty of coverage for both kids. Footrests that can be adjusted allow your child to stand in the rear seat when they are tired. Some double strollers provide this feature for both children, like the Safety 1st model that is the best seller.
How many seats you choose in your stroller will depend on the weights and ages of the children who are who are riding in it. For instance, a side by side stroller allows you to keep an eye on two children at the same time which is perfect for twins or siblings that are close in age. It's more spacious than other types of strollers and may be difficult to maneuver in tight or narrow areas.
Sit-and-stand strollers allow older siblings to stand while you push a smaller child in an infant car-seat. It's not the best option for infants, but it can be an ideal choice when your children are about three years old and are able to walk longer distances.
Another option is a convertible stroller, which offers multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a single or double for several years. Rebecca says that this type of stroller would be an excellent option for parents who are planning to purchase one stroller and use it with both children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem selection, but it will last for a long time, offers a high resale value and is incredibly 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 premium material. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and comes with a telescoping handlebar as well as brakes that are easy to press. double pram and pushchair comes with wheels that are filled with foam that won't flatten and a large storage bin.
Easy of Use
A double stroller isn't a cheap investment, so parents often seek a model that's easy to use. That means a broad range of features, from the ability to fold it compactly to the ability to adjust the height of the handlebar for different users, should be available. Some models have multiple storage compartments to allow families to split things up for easy access, as well as organizer bags for parents or parent consoles to keep keys, phone and other necessities within reach.
A stroller is supposed to be able to adjust to your family's needs throughout the years, too. For instance, a cost-effective option like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes an adjustable system that lets you add a seat, transform it into a triple by using a rideboard, or switch to a single-mode with the rear bench. This flexibility will let double strollers work for the time you need it to.
In terms of maneuverability, some models struggle to turn on a dime however many of our Lab testers loved the simplicity and maneuverability of the inline Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model can be used with all of our top-rated infant car seats and is suitable for twins and children of different ages. Its telescoping handlebar and simple-to-use brakes make it easier to maneuver than many of the other double strollers we've 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 fit two toddler car seats or an infant car seat along with a regular child's car seat. It can also be used by one child up to the age of three. It is a smooth ride due to its foam-filled tires that are made to not go flat.
The UPPAbaby folds in half, making it easy to store and carry. It's also extremely light at just 18 pounds. It's also simple to open and re-close with the latch and doesn't require tools for assembly. It was a top pick among our Lab experts due to its durability and shopability as well as its affordability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers need to be able to hold diaper bags as well as water bottles, snacks, toys and jackets for kids and parents' wallets, keys phones, and other items. They also need to be able to glide across different surfaces and maneuver in tight spaces. They are often required to be able to fit in the trunk of a vehicle, so they should be simple to fold and compact when not being used.
Double strollers are available in many different designs to meet the needs of parents. They can be side-by-side or tandem and can also have seats that are removable or fixed or even be outfitted with infant car seats as well as 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 beaches or on trails for hiking.
Modular designs are particularly beneficial for families who need to get bigger for their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle, for example allows parents to mix and blend seat units, cots, and car seats to make the stroller suitable for the entire family from newborn to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular, such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be modified to accommodate one child with the use of the bassinet or baby seat or for a toddler using an elevated board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a flexible stroller that can be configured 30 different ways. It's great for twins, siblings or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby also prioritizes green and sustainability initiatives. The UPPAbaby is available in many colors, and its fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. In our testing, our test participant 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 since they were packaged neatly with video instructions and instructions.
The UPPAbaby also comes with an adjustable handlebar that can be telescoping, as well as brakes that operate with your thumb. Its swiveling front wheels will allow it to make precise turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
While double strollers have received a bad rap for being bulky and difficult to maneuver, the new generation of models are sleek and provide a variety of options for customization. You might even find one that is compatible with your infant car seat, making it even easier to get out and about with two kids with you.
If you're in the market for a double stroller that can be used side-by-side or in a line, make sure that it's JPMA-certified to ensure it conforms to safety standards. It will also go through regular inspections. You'll also want to look for an adjustable suspension system that gives an easy ride and doesn't create bumps or jostling for the children in the front seat. If your stroller has a handlebar, ensure it is adjustable so that both parents can use it.
A canopy can shield your child from harsh sunlight and harsh weather. The best canopy features an reversible flap as well as a clear plastic peek-a-boo window that allows you to watch your children without disturbing them. Some canopies also come with visors to block direct sun.
Another important metric to consider is how easy the stroller folds and unfolds. Compact strollers are simpler to store in your car's trunk and take up less space. Also, strollers that have only one button to release the hand that folds the chassis more user-friendly.
When choosing a double stroller, keep in mind how far your children are and what kind of outings you are planning to take them on. For instance, if your kids are close in age, you may want to opt for an incline-to-low tandem stroller so that they can interact when outings are planned. On the other hand, if your children have a significant age difference, 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 good attachment scores. This won't have as significant 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 car seat adapters.