Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is a convenient way for parents to transport multiple children. The best strollers are simple to fold and transport, fit well in the trunk of a car and have a variety of seating options for children of different age groups.
Parents with children of a similar age may find a side-by-side or sit-and-stand design is the best to avoid sibling fights over who rides in which seat. We also like options that accept two infant car seats, such as the UPPAbaby V2 Double.
Comfort
It is crucial that your baby and toddler are both comfortable in the stroller. Select a stroller with comfortable seats and swiveling tires on the front to smooth out bumps on the road. Also, select one with buckles that are easily removed and fastened.
Find a large UPF 50+ canopy to offer sun protection for both children and their parents. Another comfort feature is adjustable footrests, which allow your child to stand in the back seat when they get tired. Some double strollers, like the top-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats you can put in your stroller is contingent on the weight and ages of the children riding in it. A side-by-side baby stroller lets you to watch two children at the same time it is ideal for twins or siblings of a similar age. However, it's generally larger than other types and can be challenging to maneuver in tight spaces or in areas with a lot of people.
A sit-and-stand pram allows older siblings to stand while you push a younger child in an infant car-seat. It's not the ideal choice for newborns but can be beneficial for older children who are able to walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is a different option. It offers multiple seating options and can be used for years as a double or single. Rebecca says this type of stroller is an excellent choice for parents who want to purchase one stroller, but are planning 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 an excellent resale value, she adds.
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 however, it comes with a sleek, modern design and high-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 has foam-filled wheels that won't break and a large storage bin.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller isn't an inexpensive investment, which is why parents are usually looking for a model that's easy to use. This means a variety of features, from the ability to fold it compactly to adjusting the height of the handlebar to accommodate different users, must be readily available. Certain models have multiple storage compartments that enable families to keep their belongings separate for easy access. They also include parent consoles and organizer bags to keep keys, phones, and other essentials at the ready.
A stroller can be adjusted to your family's needs over the years also. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for example, is a budget-friendly stroller that includes a modular system. It lets you add another seat, convert the stroller into a triple using an additional board, or convert it to a single mode by adding a bench at the rear. This flexibility allows double strollers to last as long as it is needed.
In terms of maneuverability, some side-byside models struggle to turn at a whim, but the majority of our Lab testers were impressed by 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 ages. Its telescoping handlebar and simple-to-use brakes make it easier to maneuver over the other double strollers we test.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double on the other hand has a streamlined look and a large basket that can fit two toddler car seats or an infant car seat along with a regular child's seat. www.pushchairsandprams.uk can be used by one child from age three. The tires are filled with foam and designed to not go flat.
The UPPAbaby folds in half, making it easy to store and transport. It's also extremely light and weighs only 18 pounds. It's also easy to open and close with an latch, and requires no tools for assembly. 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 carry diaper bags, water bottles snacks, toys, and jackets for children and parents' wallets, keys phones and other things. They should also be able to glide over different surfaces and maneuver in tight spaces. When not in use, they are often required to fit into the trunk of a car.
Double strollers come in many different designs to meet the needs of parents. They can be side-byside or tandem with fixed or removable seats or a baby car seats and a rideboard. They can be designed to accommodate a single newborn or toddler, or twins. Some are designed 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 expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle, for example allows parents to mix and match seats units, cots and car seats to make the stroller fit the entire family from newborn to 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 the option of a jumping seat or a standing board (sold separately). The versatile UPPAbaby can be configured in a variety of ways, making it suitable for twins, siblings or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also committed to green and sustainability initiatives. The UPPAbaby comes in a wide range of colors and the fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. Raul one of our testers, utilized this double stroller while testing with his five-month-old son and three-year-old daughter. He reported that it was simple to remove the components and put them together because they were packaged neatly with video and instructions.
The UPPAbaby also comes with a telescoping handlebar, and brakes controlled by your thumb. The swiveling wheels at the front can help it make more precise turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are often accused of being cumbersome and difficult to maneuver. They are also bulky. However, the latest models are sleeker and come with a variety of customization options. You can even find one that is compatible with the car seat of your infant, 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-byside or in line, be sure it is JPMA-certified to ensure it is safe to use. It also has to pass regular inspections. You should also consider a suspension system that provides an easy ride and doesn't cause bumps or jolting for your children in the front seat. If your stroller comes with an adjustable handlebar, make sure it's adjustable to ensure both parents can use it.
A canopy can protect your child from harsh sunlight and inclement weather. The most effective canopies have an reversible window or clear plastic peek-aboo to let you observe your child without disturbing them. Some canopies also come with visors to block direct sun.
Another important metric to take into consideration is how easy the stroller folds and unfolds. Strollers that are compact when folded are more convenient 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 more user-friendly.
When deciding which double stroller, consider the age difference between your children and the kind of excursion you plan to take them on. If your children are similar in age you may choose a tandem stroller that is high/low to let them interact when outings. On the other side, if your kids have a large age gap, you might choose a side-byside model that offers them more privacy.
If you plan to use your stroller for baby car seats, select one with a good attachment score and that is compatible with top-rated brands. This won't have as significant an impact on the overall rating as other indicators but is still important if you plan to utilize car seat adapters.