Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is an ideal way for parents to transport multiple children. The best strollers are easy to fold and carry, fit well inside a trunk of a car, and offer versatile seating arrangements for children of various age groups.
Parents with children close in age may find that a side-by-side or sit-and-stand design is the best to avoid sibling squabbles over who gets to ride in which car seat. We also like options which accept two infant car seats like the UPPAbaby V2 double.
Comfort
small double buggy that is comfortable and safe for both your toddler and baby. Select one with cushioned seats, a large base, and swivelling front wheels to smooth bumps in the road and buckles that are simple to unfasten and fasten.
You can also look for a generous UPF 50+ canopy that offers sun protection and plenty of coverage for both children. Adjustable footrests let your child to stand up in the rear seat when they're tired. Some double strollers provide this feature for both children, including the Safety 1st model that is the best seller.
The number of seats you can have in your stroller will be determined by the weight and age of the children using it. A side-byside baby stroller allows you to keep an eye on two children at the same time which is ideal for twins or siblings of similar age. However, it's generally larger than other types and may be difficult to navigate in narrow spaces or crowded areas.
Sit-and-stand strollers allow older siblings to stand while you push a smaller child in an infant car-seat. It's not ideal for newborns, but it can be an ideal choice when your children are about three years old and can walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is an additional option. It comes with a variety of seating configurations and can be used for years as a double or single. Rebecca says this kind 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 a long time and has an excellent resale value, 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 a sleek design and high-quality material. 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 break and a huge storage bin.
Easy to Use
A double stroller can be a costly investment. Parents are therefore seeking models that are easy to use. It should include a variety of features, including the capability to fold the stroller in a compact manner and alter the height of the handlebar to accommodate different types of users. Some models have multiple storage compartments that allow families to organize their belongings for easy access. They also have parent consoles and organizer bags that keep phones, keys, and other essentials at fingertips.
A stroller should be able to adapt to your family's needs as they grow older as well. For instance, a budget-friendly option such as the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes a modular system that allows you to add a seat, transform it into a triple by using the rideboard, or change to a single mode with an additional bench in the rear. This flexibility lets double strollers to last as long as it is needed.
In terms of maneuverability, a lot of side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver. However, our Lab testers were pleasantly surprised by 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 ages. Its telescoping handlebar and simple-to-use brakes make it easier to maneuver than many of the other double strollers we tried.
On the other hand the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double comes with sleek design and a large storage basket that can accommodate two toddler car seats or one infant car seat plus a regular child seat. It can also be used by one 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.
Furthermore, the UPPAbaby is super light at only 18 pounds, and folds in half to create a sleek and compact package that is easy to carry and store. It is also easy to open and close with the latch, and requires no tools to assemble. It was a top pick from our Lab experts for its longevity and versatility, as well as its price.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers should be able to accommodate diaper bags as well as water bottles snacks, toys, and jackets for the kids as well as parents' wallets, keys phones and other things. They must also be able to slide across different surfaces and maneuver through tight spots. When not in use, they are often required to fit into the trunk of a car.
To meet the needs of parents Double strollers are constructed in a variety of designs. They can be side-byside or tandem with removable or fixed seats or a baby car seat and a ridingboard. They can be made to fit a single toddler or twins. Some are designed to be used for jogging while others can be used at the beach or on trails for hiking.
Modular designs can be especially beneficial for families who need to grow into their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S, for example, is designed to allow parents to mix and match seat units, cot attachments, and car seats so that the stroller can be used by the family from birth until toddlerhood.
Other double strollers with modular designs like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be made to accommodate a single child through the use of bassinet or baby seat, or a toddler with the option of a jumping 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 growing families.
The UPPAbaby is also renowned for its green initiatives, and it prioritizes sustainability. The UPPAbaby comes in a variety of colors, and its materials are made from recycled water bottles. In our testing, our test participant Raul utilized the double stroller with his 3 year old daughter and five-month old son. He says it was easy to unpack and assemble because the components came in neatly labeled boxes with instructions and a video code included.
The UPPAbaby also comes with a telescoping handlebar, and brakes controlled by your thumb. Its swiveling front wheels can help it make tight turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
While double strollers have a bad reputation as cumbersome and difficult to maneuver, the new generation of models are sleek and provide a variety of customization options. You can even find one that will fit your infant car seat making it more convenient to go out and about with two kids in the stroller.
If you're in the market for a double stroller that can be used side-by-side, or in line, be sure that it's JPMA certified to ensure it is safe to use. It also has to pass regular inspections. You'll want to ensure that the suspension system gives a smooth ride for your children who are in the front seat. If your stroller comes with a handlebar make sure it is adjustable so that both parents can use it.
A canopy can shield your baby from harsh sunlight and harsh weather. The best canopy features the option of a reversible flap, or a clear plastic peek-a-boo window that allows you to watch your children without disturbing them. Some canopies come with visors to block the direct sun.
Another important factor to consider is how easily the stroller folds and unfolds. Compact strollers are much easier to store in your car's trunk and take up less space. Also, strollers with a single hand-release button that folds the chassis much more convenient to use.
When deciding which 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 the strollers on. For instance, if you're children are similar in age, you may want to consider a tandem high-low stroller so that they can interact when outings are planned. If your children are separated by an age gap that is large 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, search for a model that is compatible with the top-rated car seat brands and has a high attachment score. It won't have as much impact on your overall rating as the other metrics, but it's an important consideration if you're planning on using car seat adapters.