Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is a great option for parents to take multiple children. The best strollers are simple to fold and transport and can easily fit in a car trunk and provide a variety of seating arrangements for children of different age groups.
If your children are close in age, you might decide that a sit-and stand or side-by-side design is the best way to avoid fighting between siblings over the best seat to use. We also recommend options that accept two infant car seats, such as the UPPAbaby v2 double.
Comfort
It is essential that your baby and toddler are both comfortable in the stroller. Pick a stroller that has cushioned seats and swiveling wheels at the front to smooth out bumps on the road. Also, pick one that has buckles that can be easily unfastened and fastened.
You could also consider a large UPF 50+ canopy, which provides sun protection and plenty of coverage for both kids. Adjustable footrests allow your child to stand in the rear seat when they are exhausted. Some double strollers provide this feature for both children, like the Safety 1st model that is the top-selling model.
The number of seats you select in your stroller will depend on the ages and weights of the children who are riding in it. A side-by-side baby stroller lets you to keep an eye on two children at a time it is ideal for twins or siblings of similar age. It's larger than other models, and can be difficult to maneuver through crowded or narrow spaces.
Sit-and-stand strollers allow older siblings to stand while you push a smaller child in a car seat for infants. It's not the best option for babies, but it is useful for older children that can walk longer distances.
Another option is a convertible stroller, which offers multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a double or a single for a number of years. Rebecca says that this type of stroller is a good choice for parents who intend to buy one stroller and use it with both children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem choice however, it will last a long time, has a great resale value and is incredibly 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 other models however it has an elegant design and premium material. It is compatible with UPPAbaby car seats, and features an adjustable bar that can be telescoping and press brakes. It also has foam-filled tires that won't go flat and an ample storage basket.
Easy to Use
A double stroller can be an expensive investment. Parents are therefore seeking models that are simple to use. That means a broad range of features, ranging from the ability to fold it compactly to adjusting the handlebar height to accommodate different users, must be available. Some models come with multiple storage compartments that enable families to keep their belongings separate for easy access. They also include parent consoles and organizer bags to keep phones, keys and other essentials on fingertips.
A stroller should be able to adapt to the changing needs of your family as they grow older as well. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for example is an affordable stroller that comes with a modular system. It lets you add another seat, convert the stroller into a triple with an additional board, or convert it into 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.
In terms of maneuverability and maneuverability, many side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver. However, our Lab testers were pleasantly surprised by the ease of operation and maneuverability of the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model can be used with all of our top-rated infant car seats and is suitable for twins and kids of varying age. The telescoping handles and simple-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable than other double strollers that we evaluated.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double on the other hand has a sleek design and a large basket that can hold two toddler car seats or an infant car seat along with a standard child's seat. It can also be used by a single child up to three years old and offers a smooth ride thanks to its foam-filled tires which are made to not go flat.
The UPPAbaby folds down in half and is easy to store and carry. It's also very light at just 18 pounds. It's also simple to open and close using a latch, and requires no tools for assembling. Our Lab experts picked it as the best choice for its affordability and long-term durability.
Simple of Storage
Double strollers should be able hold diaper bags, water bottles and jackets, as well as keys, wallets and phones of parents. They also need to be able to glide across different surfaces and maneuver through tight spaces. When not in use they are often required to fit into the trunk of a car.
To meet the needs of parents Double strollers are built in a wide range of designs. They can be tandem or side-by-side with fixed or removable seats or come with infant car seats and a riding board. They can be designed to fit one toddler or infant or twins. Some are suitable for running, while others can be used on trails for hiking or at the beach.
Modular designs are particularly useful for families who want to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle for instance allows parents to mix and combine seats units, cots and car seats to make the stroller suitable for the entire family from newborn 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 an elevated seat or standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a flexible stroller that can be configured 30 different ways. It's great for twins, siblings or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also known for its green initiatives and its focus is on sustainability. The UPPAbaby comes with various colors and its fabrics are made out of recycled water bottles. Raul, one of our testers, used this double stroller during testing with his five-month-old son as well as three-year-old daughter. He said it was simple to take apart and assemble since the components were neatly labeled boxes, with instructions and a video code included.
The UPPAbaby also comes with a telescoping handlebar and brakes that operate with your thumb. Its swiveling wheels on the front can aid in making tighter turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
While double strollers have been criticized for being heavy and difficult to maneuver, the new generation of models are sleek and come with a range of options for customization. You can even find one that is compatible with your car seat for infants, making it even easier to get out and about with two kids with you.
If you're looking for a side-by-side or in-line double stroller, be sure it's JPMA certified to ensure it meets the minimum safety standards and passes regular inspections. Also, you should choose a suspension system that provides a smooth ride and doesn't cause bumps, or jostling for your children in the front seat. And if your stroller has a handlebar, be sure it's adjustable to fit the different heights.
A canopy can shield your child from the harsh sun and inclement weather. The best canopies have a reversible flap or clear plastic peek-a-boo window that allows you to watch your children without causing disturbance. Certain canopies come with visors that block the direct sun.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is an important factor to consider. Compact strollers are easier to store in the trunk of your car and take up less space. Strollers that have only one button to fold the chassis are easier to use.
When choosing tandem double stroller , keep in mind how far your children are in age and what kind of outings you're planning to take them on. If your children are similar in age, you can opt for a tandem high/low stroller in order to allow them to interact when outings. On the other hand, if your children have a significant age difference, you might choose a side-by-side model that gives them more privacy.
If you're planning to use your stroller to carry baby car seats, choose a model with a high attachment score and is compatible with top-rated brands. This won't have as big of an impact on your overall rating as other factors but it's an important aspect to take into consideration if you're thinking of using car seat adapters.