Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is an ideal method for parents to carry multiple children. The best models are lightweight and easy to fold and carry, fit well in the trunk of a car and provide a variety of seating arrangements for children of varying age groups.
If your children are close in age, you might decide that a sit-and stand or side-by-side style is the best method to avoid fights between siblings over which seat to use. We also like options which allow two infant car seats, such as the UPPAbaby v2 double.
Comfort
A comfortable stroller is key for your toddler and baby. Pick one with cushioned seats, a large base and swiveling front wheels to smooth out bumps on the road, and buckles that are simple to fasten and unfasten.
You can also search for an ample, UPF 50+ canopy, which provides sun protection as well as plenty of coverage for both children. Adjustable footrests allow your child to sit in the rear seat if they're exhausted. Some double strollers, like the best-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
How many seats you choose in your stroller is contingent on the ages and weights of the children that are using it. A side-by-side baby stroller allows you to keep an eye on two children at once it is ideal for twins or siblings of a similar age. It's wider than other configurations, and can be difficult to maneuver through crowded or narrow areas.
Sit-and-stand strollers allow older siblings to stand up while you push a younger child in the infant car seat. It's not the best option for infants, but it can be suitable when your kids are around three years old and are able to walk longer distances.
Another option is a convertible stroller, that has multiple seating options and can be used as a single or double for a number of years. Rebecca says this kind of stroller would be a good choice for parents who plan to buy one stroller and use it with both children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem choice, but it will last a long time, offers a high potential for resales 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's not as compact as the other strollers we've tried, but it has an elegant, modern design and top-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and comes with an adjustable handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted and brakes that are easy to press. It comes with foam-filled wheels that won't break and a huge storage bin.
Easy of Use
A double stroller isn't an investment that is cheap, and parents are usually looking for one that is simple to use. That means a broad range of features, ranging from the ability to fold it up compactly to adjusting the height of the handlebar to accommodate different users, must be readily available. Some models also have more than one storage space that allow families to divide things up for easy access, and organizer bags for parents or parent consoles to keep phones, keys, and other essentials within reach.
A stroller should be able adapt to the changing requirements of your family over time. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for example is a budget-friendly stroller with an adjustable system. This allows you to add a second seat, transform the stroller into a triple with a board, or switch to a single-mode by adding a bench at the rear. This allows a double stroller to last as long as you need it.
In terms of maneuverability, some side-by-side models struggle to turn at a whim, but many of our Lab testers loved the simplicity and maneuverability of the inline Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model is compatible with 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 over the other double strollers that we tried.
On the other side the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double has sleek design and a huge storage basket that can accommodate two car seats for toddlers or one infant car seat and a regular child seat. It can be used by one child from age three. Its tires that are filled with foam are made to not flatten.
Furthermore it's lightweight at only 18 pounds and folds in half to make a slim and sleek box that is easy to carry and put away. It's also simple to open and close with an latch, and requires no tools for assembly. Our Lab experts chose it as the top pick for its affordability and long-term durability.
Easy of Storage
Double strollers should be able hold diaper bags, water bottles and jackets along with the keys, wallets and phones of parents. They also need to be able to glide over different surfaces and maneuver through tight spaces. When not in use, they usually have to be tucked into the trunk of a vehicle.
Double strollers are available in a variety of styles to meet your needs. They can be tandem or side-byside and can also have seats that are removable or fixed or come with infant car seats as well as a riding board. They can also be designed to fit a single toddler or newborn or twins. Some are suited for jogging, while others can be used on hiking trails or at the beach.
Modular designs can be especially useful for families that have to get bigger for 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 serve the family from birth through toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular, like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be made to accommodate a single child through the use of bassinets or a baby seat or a toddler's with an elevated seat or a standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a versatile stroller that can be set up in a variety of ways, making it ideal for twins and siblings, or for a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also committed to sustainability and green initiatives. The UPPAbaby comes in many colors, and its materials are made from recycled water bottles. Raul one of our testers, used the double stroller for testing with his five-month-old son as well as three-year-old daughter. He reported that it was simple to unpack the parts and put them together because they were neatly labeled boxes with video instructions and instructions.
Another great characteristic of the UPPAbaby its telescoping handlebar, as well as brakes that are one-handed and can be operated with only your thumb. The swiveling wheels at the front can aid in making tighter turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized for being cumbersome, difficult to maneuver and bulky. However, the most recent models are sleeker and provide a variety of customization options. You may even find one that fits the car seat of your infant making it more convenient to go out and about with two kids in tow.
If you're shopping for a double stroller that can be used side-by-side, or in line, ensure that it's JPMA-certified to ensure it meets safety standards. It also has to pass regular inspections. Also, you should look for an adjustable suspension system that gives an easy ride and doesn't cause bumps, or jostling for your little ones in the front seat. If your stroller comes with an adjustable handlebar, make sure it's adjustable so that both parents can use it.
A canopy is another essential feature that protects your children from the harsh sun or inclement weather. The best canopies come with an reversible window or clear plastic peek-aboo to let you monitor your child without causing disturbance. Some canopies come with visors to block the direct sun.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is an important aspect to take into consideration. Compact strollers are easier to store in your car's trunk and take up less room. Strollers with a single button to fold the chassis are also simpler to use.
When you are shopping for a double stroller, bear in mind how far your children are in age and what kind of outings you are planning to take them on. For instance, if you're children are similar in age it is possible to choose an incline-to-low tandem stroller so that they can get to know each other during outings. On the other the other hand, if you have a significant age difference, you might choose a side-by-side model that gives them more privacy.
If you plan to use your stroller for baby car seats, you should choose one with a high attachment score and compatible with top-rated brands. 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 adapters for car seats.