Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller offers parents with multiple children a comfortable way to get their children around. The best strollers are simple to fold and transport and fit nicely in the trunk of a car and provide a variety of seating arrangements for children of various ages.
Parents of children who are close to age may find a side-by-side or sit-and-stand style works best to avoid sibling squabbles over who rides in which seat. We also recommend options that allow two infant car seats, such as the UPPAbaby V2 double.
Comfort
It is crucial that your toddler and baby are both comfortable in the stroller. Select one with padded seats, a wide base, and swivelling front wheels to smooth out bumps in the road and buckles that are easy to unfasten and fasten.
Look for a large, UPF 50+ canopy to provide sun protection for both children. Adjustable footrests let your child to stand in the back seat when they are exhausted. Some double strollers, like the best-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats you can put in your stroller depends on the ages and weights of the children 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 who are close in age. double pram and pushchair than other models and may be difficult to maneuver through crowded or narrow areas.
Sit-and-stand strollers allow older siblings to stand up while you push a smaller child in a car seat for infants. It's not the ideal choice for newborns but can be useful for older children who can walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is a different alternative. It comes with a variety of seating options and can be used as a single or double. Rebecca says that this type of stroller is a good choice for parents who are planning to purchase a single stroller and use it with both children. It's more expensive than the top tandem model but it'll last for 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 does have a sleek, modern design and high-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and has a telescoping handlebar as well as brakes that are easy to press. It comes with foam-filled wheels that won't sag and a huge storage bin.
Simple to Use
A double stroller can be an expensive investment. Parents are therefore looking for models that are easy to use. This means a variety of features, from the ability to fold it up compactly to adjusting the height of the handlebar for different users, should be readily available. Some models have more than one storage space to allow families to split items for quick access, and parent consoles or organizer bags to keep phones, keys, and other essentials easily accessible.
A stroller should be able adapt to the changing needs of your family over time. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for example, is an affordable stroller that comes with a modular system. It lets you add a seat, transform the stroller into a triple by adding the addition of a board, or change it into a single mode by adding a rear bench. This flexibility can help double strollers last the time you need it to.
When it comes to maneuverability, some side-byside models struggle to turn on a dime, but the majority of our Lab testers appreciated the ease-of-use and maneuverability of the inline 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 ages. The telescoping handles as well as the easy-to-use brakes allow it to be more maneuverable than other double strollers that we tested.
On the other side the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double comes with sleek design and a large storage basket that can hold two car seats for toddlers or one infant car seat plus an ordinary child seat. It can also be used by a single child up to the age of three and offers a smooth ride thanks to its tires filled with foam that are made to not go flat.
Additionally to that, the UPPAbaby is light at only 18 pounds, and folds in half to create a sleek and compact package that is easy to carry and put away. It's also simple to open and re-close with the latch and doesn't require tools to put together. Our Lab experts selected it as their top choice for its value, affordability and shopability, as well as its longevity.
Simple of Storage
Double strollers need to be able to hold diaper bags, water bottles and jackets, as well as the wallets, keys and phones of parents. They should also be able to glide over different surfaces, and maneuver through tight spots. They usually have to fit in the trunk of a vehicle, so they must be easy to fold and compact when not being used.
To meet these needs Double strollers are built in a wide range of styles. They can be tandem or side-byside, and they can have seats that can be removed or fixed or come with infant car seats and a riding board. They can be designed to accommodate one toddler or infant, or twins. Some are designed for running, while others can be used at the beach or on trails for hiking.
Modular designs are especially beneficial for families who need to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S, for example, is designed to allow 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 modified to fit one child with the use of bassinet or baby seat, or a toddler with a jump seat or a standing board (sold separately). The versatile UPPAbaby can be configured in 30 different ways, making it ideal for twins and siblings, or for a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also renowned for its green initiatives, and its focus is on sustainability. The UPPAbaby is available in various colors, and its materials are made from recycled water bottles. Our test subject Raul utilized the double stroller with his three year old daughter and five-month-old son. Raul says it was simple to disassemble and unpack because the components were neatly labeled boxes, with instructions and a video code.
Another excellent aspect of the UPPAbaby is its telescoping handlebar, as well as one-handed brakes that can be operated with only your thumb. The swiveling wheels on its front can aid in making tighter turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized as being cumbersome, difficult to maneuver and bulky. However, the latest models are sleeker and come with many options for customization. You can find one that is compatible with an infant car seat, making it easier to travel with two children.
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. Also, you should consider suspension systems that provide an easy ride and doesn't create bumps or jostling for the children in the front seat. If your stroller comes with a handlebar make sure it's adjustable to ensure both parents can use it.
A canopy can protect your child from the harsh sun and inclement weather. The best canopy features a reversible window or a clear plastic peek-aboo to let you observe your child without causing disturbance. Some canopies have visors to block direct sun.
Another important factor to consider is how easily 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. Also, strollers that have only one button to release the hand that folds the chassis are much more convenient to use.
When choosing a double stroller, bear in mind the distance your children are and what kind of outings you're planning to take them on. For example, if your children are similar in age and you want to opt for a tandem high-low stroller to ensure that they can interact when outings are planned. If your children are separated due to the age gap you can select a model that allows them to have more privacy.
If you're going to be using your stroller with baby car seats, look for a model that is compatible with top-rated car seats and has good attachment scores. It won't have as much of an impact on your overall rating as the other factors but it's an important aspect to take into consideration if you're thinking of using car seat adapters.