Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is a convenient way for parents to transport multiple children. The best models are reasonably simple to fold and transport, fit well in the trunk of a car and have a variety of seating options for children of varying ages.
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 car seat. We also like options that accept two infant car seats, such as the UPPAbaby V2 Double.
Comfort
It is important that your baby and toddler are at ease in the stroller. Select one with cushioned seats, a large base and swiveling front wheels to smooth out bumps in the road, and buckles that are simple to secure and remove.
Find a large, UPF 50+ canopy to provide sun protection for both children. Adjustable footrests let your child to stand in the back seat when 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 depends on the ages and weights of the kids riding in it. A side-byside baby stroller allows you to monitor two children at the same time it is ideal for twins or siblings of a similar age. However, it's typically wider than other configurations and can be challenging to maneuver through narrow spaces or crowded areas.
On the other hand, a sit-and stand stroller gives older siblings the chance to stand while you push your younger child in the infant car seat. It's not a good choice for babies however, it could be suitable when your children are about three years old and able to walk for longer distances.
A convertible stroller is a different option. It has multiple seating configurations and can be used as a double or single. Rebecca says this kind 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 model but it will last for an extended period of time and comes with an excellent resale value, 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 some other options however it has an elegant design and top-quality material. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and has a telescoping handlebar as well as brakes that are easy to press. It also comes with tires filled with foam that aren't flat, and large storage basket.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller is a costly investment. Parents are looking for models that are simple to use. This means a variety of features, ranging from the possibility of folding it down to the ability to adjust the height of the handlebar to accommodate different users, must be readily available. Some models come with multiple storage compartments that enable families to keep their belongings separate to make them easy to access. They also have parent consoles and organizer bags that store phones, keys and other essentials on fingertips.
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. It allows you to add a second seat, transform the stroller into a triple using a board, or switch to a single-mode by adding a bench in the rear. This allows double strollers to last for as long as you need it.
In terms of maneuverability, a lot of side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver, but our Lab testers were pleasantly surprised by the ease of operation and maneuverability of the 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. The telescoping handlebar and easy-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable over the other double strollers we test.
On the other side, 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 in addition to a regular child seat. It can also be used by a single child up to the age of three and offers a smooth ride thanks to its foam-filled tires that are made to not go flat.
The UPPAbaby folds in half and is easy to store and carry. It's also super lightweight, weighing only 18 pounds. It's also simple to open and close with an latch, and requires no tools to put together. Our Lab experts selected it as the best choice for its value, affordability and long-term durability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers need to be able to carry diaper bags, water bottles, snacks, toys and jackets for children as well as parents' wallets, keys phones, and other items. They should also be able to slide over various surfaces and maneuver into tight spaces. They are often required to be able to fit in the trunk of a vehicle, so they should be easy to fold and compact when not when not in use.
Double strollers come in many different styles to meet your needs. They can be tandem or side-by-side, and they can have seats that are removable or fixed or come with infant car seats as well as a riding board. They can be designed to accommodate a single infant or toddler or twins. Some are designed to be used for running while others are used on beaches or on hiking trails.
Modular designs are particularly useful for families that need to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle, for example, allows parents to mix and blend seat units, cots, and car seats to make the stroller serve all the family members from infant to toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be adapted for one child with the use of bassinet or baby seat, or a toddler with the option of a jumping seat or standing board (sold separately). The versatile UPPAbaby can 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 its focus is on sustainability. The UPPAbaby comes in a variety of colors, and its materials are made from recycled water bottles. Raul one of our testers utilized this double stroller while 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 assemble them since they were packaged neatly with video and instructions.
Another excellent aspect of the UPPAbaby is its telescoping handlebar as well as one-handed brakes that can be operated by your thumb. The swiveling wheels on its front can assist in making tighter turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are a bit of been criticized for being heavy and difficult to maneuver, the latest generation of models are sleek and offer many customization options. You can even find one that fits the car seat of your infant which makes it easier to get out and about with two children in tow.
If you're shopping for a double stroller that can be used side-byside or in line, be sure that it's JPMA certified to ensure it is safe to use. It will also undergo regular inspections. Also, you should consider a suspension system that provides smooth riding and doesn't cause bumps or jostling for the little ones in the front seat. If your stroller comes with a handlebar, be sure it's adjustable to fit Moms and Dads of different heights.
A canopy is an additional feature that protects your children from harsh sunlight or the harsh weather. The most effective canopies have windows that can be reversible or a transparent plastic peek-aboo that lets you watch your child's progress without disturbing them. Some canopies come with visors to block the direct sun.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is another important factor to consider. Compact strollers are easier to put in the trunk of your car and take up less space. Also, strollers with a single hand-release button that folds the chassis much easier to use.
When you are shopping for a double stroller, keep in mind how far your children are in age and what type of outings you're planning to take them on. For instance, if your children are similar in age it is possible to choose an incline-to-low tandem stroller so that they can interact on outings. If your children are separated due to an age gap that is large, you may choose a model that allows them to have more privacy.
If you're going to be using your stroller with baby car seats, look for a model that works with top-rated car seat brands and has high attachment scores. This won't have as significant impact on your overall rating as the other metrics, but it's an important consideration if you're planning on using car seat adapters.