Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller gives parents with multiple children a comfortable way to get their children around. The best models are simple to fold, carry and fit into a trunk of a car. They also provide various seating arrangements for children of various ages.
Parents with children close in age may find that a side by side or sit-and-stand design is the best to avoid sibling squabbles over who gets to ride in which car 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 at ease in the stroller. Choose one that has padding for the seats, a wide base and swiveling front wheels to smooth out bumps in the road and buckles that are simple to fasten and unfasten.
You could also consider a generous UPF 50+ canopy, which provides sun protection as well as plenty of coverage for both kids. Adjustable footrests let your child to stand in the rear seat when they're tired. 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 depends on the weights and ages of the children that are using it. A side-by-side baby stroller allows you to keep an eye on two children at a time it is ideal for twins or siblings of the same age. However, it's generally wider than other configurations and can be challenging to navigate in narrow spaces or in crowded areas.
A sit-and-stand pram allows older siblings to stand while you push a smaller child in the infant car seat. It's not a good choice for babies but it's suitable when your kids are around three years old and able to walk longer distances.
Another option is a convertible stroller that has multiple seating options and can be used as a double or single for a long time. Rebecca says this kind of stroller is an ideal choice for parents who are planning to purchase one stroller and use it with both 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 some of the other strollers we've tested however, it comes with a sleek, modern design and high-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and has an adjustable handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted and brakes that are easy to press. It comes with wheels that are filled with foam that won't break and a large storage bin.
Easy of Use
A double stroller isn't an inexpensive investment, which is why parents are often looking for an option that is easy to use. That means a wide range of features, ranging from the ability to fold it compactly to adjusting the handlebar height to accommodate different users, must be readily available. Some models have multiple storage compartments to allow families to separate belongings to make them easy to access. They also come with parent consoles and organizer bags that store phones, keys and other essentials on fingertips.
A stroller can be adjusted to the changing needs of your family over the years, too. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for example is an affordable stroller that comes with a modular system. This allows you to add another seat, convert the stroller into a triple by adding the addition of a board, or change it into a single mode by adding a bench at the rear. This flexibility lets a double stroller to last as long as is required.
When it comes to maneuverability, some side-byside models aren't able 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 all of our top-rated car seats for infants and can be used by twins or children of various ages. The telescoping handlebar and easy-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable than other double strollers we've tried.
On the other hand, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double comes with sleek design and a large storage basket that can fit two toddler car seats or one infant car seat plus an ordinary child seat. It can be used by a single child as young as three years old. pushchairsandprams.uk that are filled with foam are designed to last and not wear out.
In addition it's light at only 18 pounds, and folds in half to create a sleek and compact package that is easy to transport and store. It's also easy to open and re-close with the latch and doesn't require tools for assembly. It was a top choice by our Lab experts for its longevity, shopability, and affordability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers must be able to hold diaper bags, water bottles and jackets, as well as the wallets, keys and phones of parents. They also need to be able to glide across different surfaces and maneuver in tight spaces. They are often required to fit into the trunk of a vehicle, so they should be easy to fold and compact when not in use.
To meet these needs Double strollers are built in a wide range of designs. They can be side-by-side or tandem with removable or fixed seats, or with an infant car seat and a ridingboard. They can also be designed to fit one toddler or infant, or twins. Some are designed for jogging, while others can be used on trails for hiking or at the beach.
Modular designs can be especially beneficial for families who need to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle for instance allows parents to mix and blend seat units, cots, and car seats to make the stroller suitable for the entire family from infant to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers with modular designs like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be adapted to one child with the use of baby seats or a bassinet or for a toddler using a standing board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby's versatility allows it to be set up in 30 different ways, making it suitable for twins or siblings, or even an expanding family.
The UPPAbaby is recognized for its green initiatives and it prioritizes sustainability. The UPPAbaby comes in various colors, and its materials are made out of 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 take the parts out and put them together because they were packaged neatly with instructions and video codes.
Another great characteristic of the UPPAbaby its telescoping handlebar and brakes that operate with one hand and can be operated using only your thumb. The swiveling wheels on its front can help it make more precise turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized as being cumbersome and difficult to maneuver. They are also heavy. However, the most recent models are sleeker and come with many options for customization. You can find one that is compatible with an infant car seat, making it easier to travel with two children.
If you're in the market for a side-by-side or in-line double stroller, make sure it's JPMA certified to ensure that it meets the minimum safety standards and passes regular inspections. You'll also want to choose suspension systems that provide a smooth ride and doesn't cause bumps or jostling for your toddlers in the front seat. If your stroller comes with a handlebar make sure it is adjustable so that both parents can use it.
A canopy can shield your baby from harsh sunlight and inclement weather. The best canopies come with an reversible window or clear plastic peek-aboo to let you watch your child's progress without causing any disturbance. Some canopies come with visors to block direct sunlight.
Another important metric to consider is how easy the stroller folds and unfolds. Compact strollers are easier to store in your car's trunk and take up less room. Also, strollers with one hand-release button that folds the chassis are much easier to use.
When deciding on a double stroller to buy be aware of the age gap between your children and the kind of trip you're planning to take with them. If your children are close in age, you can opt for a tandem high/low stroller to allow them to interact on outings. On the other hand, if your children have a significant age difference then you may want to consider a side-by-side model that gives them more privacy.
If you're planning on using your stroller with baby car seats, search for a model that is compatible with the top-rated car seat brands and has good attachment scores. This won't have as big impact on your overall rating as other metrics however it's a crucial factor to consider if you're planning on using adapters for car seats.