Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is a convenient way for parents to transport multiple children. The best models are easy to fold and carry, fit well inside a trunk of a car, and offer versatile seating arrangements for children of varying age groups.
Parents of children who are close to age may find that a side-by-side or sit-and stand style is best to avoid sibling fights about who is allowed to ride in which seat. We also like the options that allow two infant car seats like the UPPAbaby V2 double.
Comfort
A stroller that is comfortable is essential for your toddler and baby. Select a stroller with cushioned seats and swiveling wheels at the front to smooth road bumps. Also, select one that has buckles that can be easily removed and fastened.
Choose a big, UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection for both children and adults. Footrests that can be adjusted allow your child to sit in the rear seat when they are exhausted. Some double strollers, like the top-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats in the stroller will be contingent on the weight and age of the children who will be using it. For example, a side-by-side stroller lets you keep an eye on both kids at the same time, so it's perfect for twins or siblings who are close in age. It's more spacious than other types of strollers and isn't easy to maneuver in tight or narrow spaces.
On the other hand, a sit-and-stand stroller allows older siblings to stand while you push the younger one in an infant car seat. It's not the best option for babies, but it is beneficial for older children who can walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is an additional option. It has multiple seating configurations and can be used as a single or double. Rebecca says this type of stroller is a good option for parents who wish to purchase a single stroller but want to use it with two children. It's more expensive than the top tandem pick but it will last for an extended period of time and comes with a great resale price, 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, but it features a sleek design and high-quality material. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and has an adjustable handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted and easy-to-press brakes. It also comes with foam-filled tires that aren't flat, and a large storage basket.
User-Friendliness
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 up compactly to adjusting the height of the handlebar for different users, should be readily available. Some models come with multiple storage compartments that allow families to organize their belongings to make them easy to access. They also have parent consoles and organizer bags that keep phones, keys and other essentials on the ready.
double seat stroller must be able adapt to the changing needs of your family as time goes by. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for example, is a budget-friendly stroller that includes a modular system. It allows you to add another seat, convert the stroller into a triple by adding a board, or switch to a single-mode by adding a bench in the rear. This allows a double stroller to last as long as it is needed.
When it comes to maneuverability, some side-byside models aren't able to turn at a whim however many of our Lab testers appreciated the ease-of-use and maneuverability of the inline Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model accepts all of our top-rated infant car seats and is suitable for twins or children of various age. Its telescoping handlebar and simple-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable than other double strollers we tested.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double it's on the other hand, has a streamlined look and an ample basket that can accommodate two toddler car seats or an infant car seat with a regular child's seat. It can also be used by any single child until the age of three. It is a smooth ride due to its foam-filled tires that are not designed to run flat.
Furthermore it's light at just 18 pounds and folds down in half to make a slim and sleek box that's easy to transport and store. It's also easy to open and re-close with a latch and requires no tools to put together. It was a top pick among our Lab experts for its longevity and shopability as well as its affordability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers must be able to hold diaper bags, water bottles snacks, toys, and jackets for kids as well as parents keys, wallets phones, and other items. They should also be able slide across different surfaces and maneuver in tight places. They often need to fit into the trunk of a car, so they should be easy to fold up and compact when not when not in use.
To meet these requirements, double strollers can be built in a wide range of designs. They can be tandem or side-by-side with removable or fixed seats or equipped with infant car seat and a ridingboard. They can be made to fit a single infant or toddler or twins. Some are suitable for running, while others could be used on hiking trails and at the beach.
Modular designs are especially beneficial for families that need to grow with 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 serve the family from birth through toddlerhood.
Other double strollers with modular designs like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be made to accommodate one child with the use of bassinets or a baby seat or a toddler's with an elevated seat or a standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby's versatility allows it to be configured in 30 different ways, making it ideal for twins, siblings or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also renowned for its green initiatives, and its focus is on sustainability. The UPPAbaby is available in a wide range of colors, and its materials are made from recycled water bottles. Raul, one of our testers used this double stroller during testing with his five-month-old son and three-year-old daughter. He found it easy to remove the components and assemble them since they were packaged neatly with video and instructions.
The UPPAbaby also features an adjustable handlebar that can be telescoping, as well as brakes controlled by your thumb. Its swiveling wheels on the front can aid in making more precise turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are a bit of received a bad rap for being bulky and difficult to maneuver, the latest generation of models are sleek and come with a range of customization options. You can find one that is compatible with an infant car seat to make it easier to travel with two children.
If you're in the market for a side-byside or in-line double stroller, be sure it's JPMA certified to ensure it complies with minimum safety standards and undergoes regular inspections. You'll also want to choose an adjustable suspension system that gives a smooth ride and doesn't create bumps or jolting for your toddlers in the front seat. If your stroller comes with a handlebar make sure it's adjustable so that both parents can use it.
A canopy is another essential feature that can shield your babies from harsh sunlight or the harsh weather. The most effective canopies have an reversible window or transparent plastic peek-aboo which lets you observe your child without causing disturbance. Some canopies also have visors to block direct sun.
Another important metric to take into consideration 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. Strollers that come with only one button to fold the chassis are also easier to use.
When deciding on a double stroller take into consideration the age gap between your children and the kind of trip you intend to take with them. If your children are close in age, you can opt for a tandem high/low stroller in order to allow them to interact when outings. If your children are separated by a large age gap, you may choose one that allows them to have more privacy.
If you plan to use your stroller for baby car seats, select a model with a high attachment score and that is compatible with top-rated brands. It won't have as much impact on your overall rating as the other metrics, but it's an important factor to consider if you're planning on using adapters for car seats.