Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is an ideal method for parents to carry multiple children. The best models are easy to fold, carry and store in a car trunk. They also have various seating arrangements for children of various ages.
If your children are close in age, you might consider a sit-and-stand or side-by-side design is the best method to avoid fights between siblings over which seat to choose. We also like the options that allow two infant car seats like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double.
Comfort
It is crucial that your toddler and baby are both comfortable in the stroller. Select one with cushioned seats, a large base and swiveling front wheels to smooth out bumps in the road and buckles that are easy to fasten and unfasten.
You can also look for an ample, UPF 50+ canopy, which provides sun protection as well as plenty of coverage for both kids. Adjustable footrests allow your child to stand up in the rear seat when they're exhausted. Some double strollers, like the best-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
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-by-side baby stroller lets you to monitor two children at once which is ideal for twins or siblings of a similar age. It's larger than other models and may be difficult to maneuver in tight or narrow spaces.
Sit-and-stand prams allow older siblings to stand while you push a smaller child in a car seat for infants. It's not the best option for infants, but it can be suitable once your kiddos are around three years old and can walk for longer distances.
A convertible stroller is another alternative. It comes with a variety of seating options and can be used for years as a single or double. Rebecca says this kind of stroller is an excellent option for parents who are planning to buy one stroller and use it with both children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem choice, but it will last for a long time, has great return value, and is extremely versatile," she says.
This stroller by UPPAbaby is a double stroller that converts into a single or a toddler-and-RumbleSeat configuration. It is 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 comes with a telescoping handlebar and brakes that are easy to press. It comes with wheels that are filled with foam that won't flatten and a huge storage bin.
Simple to Use
A double stroller isn't a cheap investment, so parents are usually looking for a model that's easy to use. That means a broad range of features, from the possibility of folding it down to the ability to adjust the height of the handlebar to accommodate different users, must be readily available. Some models come with multiple storage compartments to allow families to separate belongings to make them easy to access. They also include parent consoles and organizer bags that store keys, phones and other essentials on the ready.
A stroller must be able adapt to the changing requirements of your family over time. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for example, is a budget-friendly stroller that includes a modular system. This allows you to add another seat, convert the stroller into a triple using an additional board, or convert it into 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, many 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 can be used with all of our top-rated infant car seats and is suitable for twins and kids of varying age. The telescoping handlebar and easy-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable than other double strollers that we tried.
On the other side the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double comes with an elegant design and a large storage basket that can accommodate two toddler car seats or one infant car seat and an ordinary child seat. It can be used by a single child as young as three years old. Its tires that are filled with foam are made to not flatten.
Additionally, the UPPAbaby is super light at only 18 pounds and folds down in half to make a slim and sleek box that's easy to transport and put away. It's also easy to open and close using a latch, and requires no tools to assemble. Our Lab experts selected it as the top pick for its affordability and shopability, as well as its longevity.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers must be able to hold diaper bags, water bottles and jackets and the wallets, keys and phones of parents. They must also be able to move over different surfaces and maneuver in tight places. They often need to fit in the trunk of a car, so they must be simple to fold and compact when not being used.
To meet double infant strollers are constructed in a variety of designs. They can be tandem or side-by-side with fixed or removable seats or a baby car seats and a rideboard. They can be designed to fit one toddler or infant or twins. Some are made for running, while others can be used on beaches or on hiking trails.
Modular designs are especially beneficial for families who want to expand 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 through toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be modified to accommodate one child with the use of baby seats or a bassinet or a toddler using an elevated board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is an adaptable stroller that can be set up 30 different ways. It's perfect for twins, siblings or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also known for its green initiatives, and it is a proponent of sustainability. The UPPAbaby is available in a wide range of colors, and its materials are made from recycled water bottles. During testing, our tester Raul used this double stroller with his three-year old daughter and five-month old son. Raul says it was simple to take apart and assemble since the components were neatly labeled boxes, which had instructions and a video code.
compact double buggy comes with an adjustable handlebar that can be telescoping, as well as brakes that are operated by your thumb. The swiveling front wheel allow it to make tight turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are a bit of received a bad rap for being bulky and difficult to maneuver, the new generation of strollers are sleek and come with a range of customization options. You might even find one that fits your infant car seat, making it even more convenient to go out and about with two children in the stroller.
If you're shopping 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 also has to pass regular inspections. You'll also want to consider a suspension system that provides a smooth ride and doesn't cause bumps or jostling for the little ones in the front seat. If your stroller comes with an adjustable handlebar, make sure it is adjustable so that both parents can use it.
A canopy is another essential feature that will protect your children from harsh sunlight or inclement weather. The best canopies have an reversible flap as well as a clear plastic peek-a-boo window to allow you to monitor your children without causing disturbance. Some canopies come with visors to block the direct sun.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is an important factor to consider. Strollers that are compact when folded are easier to store and take less space in the trunk of your car. Also, strollers that have a single hand-release button that folds the chassis are much easier to use.
When you are shopping for a double stroller, bear in mind the distance your children are and what type of outings you are planning to take them on. For instance, if your children are in the same age range it is possible to opt for a tandem high-low stroller so that they can get to know each other during outings. If your children are separated by an age gap that is large You can choose a model that allows them to have more privacy.
If you're planning on using your stroller with baby car seats, search for a model that works with top-rated car seats and has good attachment scores. This won't have as significant an impact on the overall rating as other indicators however it is important if you plan to utilize car seat adapters.