Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller gives parents with multiple children an enjoyable way to take their children around. The best models are easy to fold, carry and place in a car trunk. They also provide different seating arrangements for children of varying ages.
Parents of children who are close to age may find a side-by-side or sit-and-stand design is the best to prevent sibling rivalries 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
It is important that your toddler and baby are both comfortable in the stroller. Pick a stroller that has cushioned seats and swiveling wheels at the front to smooth out road bumps. Also, pick one with buckles that can be easily removed and fastened.
Choose a big, UPF 50+ canopy to provide sun protection for both children and adults. Another comfort feature is adjustable footrests that let your child stand up in the back seat if they get tired. Some double strollers give this feature to both children, including the Safety 1st model that is the most popular.
The number of seats you select in your stroller will depend on the weight and ages of the children who are riding in it. For instance, a side by side stroller allows you to keep an eye on both children at the same time which is perfect for twins or siblings who are close in age. However, it’s generally wider than other types and can be difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces or in areas with a lot of people.
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 ideal choice for newborns but can be beneficial for older children who can walk for longer distances.
A convertible stroller is an additional option. It offers multiple seating configurations and can be used as a double or single. 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 pick, but it will last a long time, offers a high 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 but it does have an elegant design and premium material. It is compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and has an adjustable bar that can be telescoping and press brakes. It comes with foam-filled wheels that won’t sag and a huge storage bin.
Simple to Use
A double stroller isn’t a cheap investment, so parents often seek one that is simple to use. That means a broad range of features, from the ability to fold it compactly to adjusting the height of the handlebar to accommodate different users, must be readily available. Some models have more than one storage space to allow families to split up belongings for quick access, and Double Stroller organizer bags or consoles for parents to keep keys, phone and other items in reach.
A stroller is supposed to be able to adjust to your family’s needs throughout the years as well. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for example is a budget-friendly stroller with a modular system. It allows you to add another seat, convert the stroller into a triple with an additional board, or convert to a single-mode by adding a bench in the rear. This flexibility allows a double stroller to last as long as you need it.
When it comes to maneuverability, some models aren’t able to turn at a whim however 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 various ages. The telescoping handles as well as the easy-to-use brakes allow it to be more mobile than other double strollers that we evaluated.
On the other side, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double has an elegant design and a large storage basket that can accommodate two toddler car seats or one infant car seat in addition to a regular child seat. It can also be used by a single child up to three years old and is a smooth ride due to its tires filled with foam that are not designed to run flat.
Furthermore it’s light at only 18 pounds, and folds in half to make a slim and sleek box that’s easy to transport and to store. It’s also simple to open and close using a latch, and requires no tools for assembling. It was a top pick among our Lab experts for its longevity, shopability, and affordability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers need to be able to hold diaper bags, water bottles and jackets, as well as the keys, wallets and phones of parents. They should also be able glide over different surfaces, and maneuver through tight spots. When not in use, they are often required to fit into the trunk of a vehicle.
To meet these needs Double strollers are built in a wide range of styles. They can be side-by-side or tandem and can also have seats that are removable or fixed, or be equipped with infant car seats and a riding board. They can also be designed to accommodate a single toddler or newborn, or twins. Some are made for running while others are used at the beach or on hiking trails.
Modular designs are particularly useful for families who want to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle for instance allows parents to mix and blend seats, cots, and car seats to let the stroller serve all the family members from infant to toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers, like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, double stroller can be made to accommodate one child by the use of a baby seat or bassinet or a toddler’s with an elevated seat or standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby’s versatility allows it to be configured in a variety of ways, making it ideal for twins, siblings or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby also prioritizes sustainability and green initiatives. The UPPAbaby comes in many colors and its fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. In our testing, our test participant Raul used the double car seat stroller stroller with his three-year old daughter and five-month-old son. He found it easy to take the parts out and assemble them since they were neatly labeled boxes with video and instructions.
Another amazing feature of the UPPAbaby is its telescoping handlebar as well as brakes that are one-handed and can be operated by your thumb. And its swiveling front wheels can help it make tight turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
Double strollers are a bit of received a bad rap for being bulky and difficult to maneuver, the latest generation of strollers are sleek and come with a range of options for customization. You might even find one that is compatible with the car seat of your infant which makes it more convenient to go out and about with two children in the stroller.
Whether you’re looking for a side-byside or in-line double stroller, make sure it’s JPMA certified to ensure it complies with minimum safety standards and undergoes regular inspections. You’ll want to ensure that the suspension system provides a smooth ride for your children when they are 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 shield your child from harsh sunlight and harsh weather. The best canopy features an reversible flap as well as a transparent plastic windows that peek-a-boo that allows you to watch your children without disturbing them. Certain canopies come with visors that block direct sunlight.
Another important metric to take into consideration is how easily the stroller folds and unfolds. Compact strollers are easier to put in the trunk of your car and take up less space. Also, strollers with only one button to release the hand that folds the chassis more user-friendly.
When choosing a double stroller be aware of the age gap between your children as well as the type of excursion you plan to take with them. For instance, if you’re kids are close in age it is possible to consider a tandem high-low stroller to ensure that they can interact during outings. If your children are separated by an age gap that is large You can choose a model that gives them more privacy.
If you plan to use your stroller for baby car seats, select one with a good attachment score and is compatible with top-rated brands. This will not have as big an impact on the overall rating as other metrics but it is still crucial if you intend to utilize car seat adapters.