Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is a convenient method for parents to carry multiple children. The best models are reasonably easy to fold and carry, fit well inside a trunk of a car, and provide a variety of seating arrangements for children of various age groups.
Parents with children of a similar age may find that a side by side or sit-and-stand design is the best double strollers to avoid sibling squabbles over who gets to ride in which seat. We also like the options that allow two infant car seats like the UPPAbaby V2 double.
Comfort
It is important that your toddler and baby are both at ease in the stroller. Select one with cushioned seats, a large base and swiveling front wheels to smooth bumps on the road, and buckles that are simple to fasten and unfasten.
You can also look for an ample UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection and ample coverage for both children. Another comfort feature is adjustable footrests, which let your child stand up in the back seat when they are tired. Some double strollers offer this feature to both children, such as the Safety 1st model that is the best seller.
The number of seats in your stroller will be determined by the weight and age of the children using it. A side-by-side baby stroller allows you to watch two children at once it is ideal for twins or siblings of similar age. It's wider than other configurations, and can be difficult to maneuver in tight or narrow areas.
Sit-and-stand strollers allow older siblings to stand while you push a smaller child in an infant car-seat. It's not ideal for newborns but it's suitable once your kiddos are around three years old and able to walk longer distances.
Another option is a convertible stroller, which offers multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a lightest double stroller or single for a number of years. Rebecca says this kind of stroller would be an ideal choice for parents who are planning to buy one stroller and use it with both children. It's more expensive than the top tandem choice but it will last for many years and has 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 double buggy as the other strollers we've tested however, it comes with an elegant, modern design and high-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and comes with a telescoping handlebar as well as easy-to-press brakes. It also comes with tires filled with foam that won't go flat and an ample storage basket.
Simple to Use
A double stroller can be an expensive investment. Parents are therefore seeking models that are easy to use. That means a broad range of features, from the possibility of folding it down to the ability to adjust the height of the handlebar for different users, should be available. Certain models have multiple storage compartments that enable families to keep their belongings separate for easy access. They also come with parent consoles and organizer bags that store phones, keys and other necessities on the ready.
A stroller must be able adapt to the changing needs of your family as time goes by. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for example is an affordable stroller that comes with an adjustable system. It lets you add a seat, transform the stroller into a triple by adding a board, or switch it to a single mode by adding a bench at the rear. This flexibility can help a double stroller work for as long as you need it to.
When it comes to maneuverability, some side-by-side models aren't able to turn at a whim however many 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 and children of various age. The telescoping handlebar as well as the simple-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable than many of 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 fit two car seats for toddlers or one infant car seat plus an ordinary child's seat. It can be used by a single child as young as three years old. Its foam-filled tires are made to not flatten.
The UPPAbaby folds up in half, making it easy to store and carry. It's also super lightweight and weighs only 18 pounds. It is also easy to open and close with a latch, and requires no tools to assemble. It was a top choice by our Lab experts for its durability and shopability as well as its affordability.
Easy of Storage
Double strollers should be able hold diaper bags as well as water bottles and jackets and keys, wallets and phones of parents. They should also be able to slide across different surfaces and maneuver through tight spots. When not in use they often have to fit into the trunk of a vehicle.
Double strollers are available in many different styles to meet these needs. They can be side-by-side or tandem with removable or fixed seats, or with an infant car seats and a riding board. They can be made to fit a single infant or toddler or twins. Some are designed to be used for running while others are used at the beach or on hiking trails.
Modular designs are particularly useful for families who need to grow with their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle, for example allows parents to mix and blend seat units, cots, and car seats to make the stroller serve the entire family from newborn to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular, like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be made to accommodate one child with the use of bassinet or baby seat or a toddler's with the option of a jumping seat or standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a flexible stroller that can be configured 30 different ways. It's ideal for twins, siblings or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also a proponent of green and sustainability initiatives. The UPPAbaby comes in many colors, and the fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. Raul one of our testers utilized this double Buggy converts To single stroller while testing with his five-month-old son as well as three-year-old daughter. He said it was simple to disassemble and unpack because the components were neatly labeled boxes, which had instructions and a video code.
The UPPAbaby also features a telescoping handlebar, and brakes controlled by your thumb. The swiveling front wheel allow it to make tight turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
Double strollers are a bit of a bad reputation as cumbersome and difficult to maneuver, the new generation of models are sleek and offer many options for customization. You will find one that can fit an infant car seat, making it easier to travel with two children.
If you're shopping for a double stroller that can be used side-by-side, or in a line, make sure that it's JPMA certified to ensure it meets safety standards. It also has to pass regular inspections. Also, you should consider a suspension system that provides smooth riding and doesn't cause bumps, or jostling for the children in the front seat. If your stroller is equipped with an armrest, make sure it's adjustable to accommodate the different heights.
A canopy is a crucial feature that can shield your children from the harsh sun or the harsh weather. The best canopy features the option of a reversible flap, or a transparent plastic peek-a-boo windows to let you monitor your children without causing any disturbance to them. Some canopies have visors that block direct sunlight.
Another important metric to take into consideration is how easy the stroller folds and unfolds. Strollers that fold compactly when folded are easier to store and take less space in the trunk of your car. Strollers that have a single button to fold the chassis are also simpler to use.
When choosing a double stroller, bear in mind the distance your children are in age and what kind of excursions you're planning to take them on. If your children are similar in age you may choose a tandem high/low stroller to allow them to be together when outings. On the other the other hand, if you have a significant age difference it is possible to choose a side-by-side model that gives them more privacy.
If you're planning to use your stroller for baby car seats, choose one with a good attachment score and compatible with top-rated brands. This won't have as big impact on your overall rating as other factors but it's an important consideration if you're planning on using adapters for car seats.