Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller provides parents of multiple kids an enjoyable way to take their children around. The best models are easy to fold, carry and fit into a trunk of a car. They also provide flexible seating arrangements for kids of various ages.
Parents with children of a similar age may find a side-by-side or sit-and-stand style works best to prevent sibling rivalries over who gets to ride in which car seat. We also like options that accept two infant car seats like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double.
Comfort
A comfortable stroller is key for both your baby and toddler. Choose one that has cushioned seats, a large base and swiveling front wheels to smooth out bumps in the road and buckles that are easy to secure and remove.
Choose a big, UPF 50+ canopy to provide sun protection for both children and adults. Another comfort feature is adjustable footrests that let your child sit up in the back seat when they are tired. Some double strollers provide this feature to both children, like the Safety 1st model that is the top-selling model.
How many seats you choose in your stroller is contingent on the weight and ages of the children who are riding in it. A side-by-side baby stroller allows you to keep an eye on two children at a time which is ideal for twins or siblings of similar age. It's wider than other configurations and isn't easy to maneuver in crowded or narrow spaces.
On the other hand, a sit-and-stand stroller gives older siblings the chance to stand while you push the baby in an infant car seat. It's not ideal for newborns however, it could be an ideal choice once your kiddos are around three years old and able to walk for longer distances.
Another alternative is a convertible stroller, which offers multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a double or single for a long time. Rebecca says that this type of stroller would be a good choice for parents who plan to purchase one stroller and use it with both children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem pick however, it will last for a long time, has a great return value, and is extremely 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 some of the other options we tested, but it has an elegant, modern design and top-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and comes with a telescoping handlebar and easy-to-press brakes. It comes with wheels that are filled with foam that won't sag and a large storage bin.
Easy to Use
A double stroller is not an inexpensive investment, which is why parents are often looking for one that is simple to use. That means a broad range of features, ranging from the ability to fold it compactly to adjusting the height of the handlebar to accommodate different users, must be readily available. Some models have more than one storage compartment to allow families to divide things up for easy access, and organizer bags or consoles for parents to keep keys, phone, and other essentials easily accessible.
A stroller should be able to adapt to the changing needs of your family as they grow older, too. For example, a budget-friendly option like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes an adjustable system that allows you to add another seat, convert it to a triple with a rideboard, or switch to a single mode with a rear bench. This flexibility lets double strollers to last as long as you need it.
In terms of maneuverability, some side-by-side models struggle to turn on a dime 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 is compatible with all of our top-rated car seats for infants and can be used by twins or children of different age groups. The telescoping handlebar and easy-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable over the other double strollers we tested.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double it's on the other hand, has a streamlined look and an ample basket that can fit two toddler car seats or an infant car seat along with a regular child's car seat. It can be used by a single child up to age three. The tires are filled with foam and designed to last and not wear out.
single and double stroller folds up in half and is simple to store and transport. It's also extremely light and weighs only 18 pounds. It's also easy to open and close using a latch, and requires no tools for assembling. It was a top pick by our Lab experts for its durability and versatility, as well as its price.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers must be able to accommodate diaper bags and water bottles, snacks, toys and jackets for the kids, as well as parents' wallets, keys phones, and other items. They should also be able to glide across different surfaces and maneuver in tight spaces. They are often required to be able to fit in the trunk of a car, therefore they must be easy to fold up and compact when not being used.
Double strollers are available in a variety of styles to meet your needs. They can be side-by-side or tandem, with fixed or removable seats, or with an infant car seats and a riding board. They can be designed to accommodate a single toddler or twins. single and double stroller are made for running, while others can be used at the beach or on hiking trails.
Modular designs are particularly useful for families that have to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S, for example is designed to permit parents to mix and match seat units, cot attachments, and car seats so that the stroller can be used by the family from birth through toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be adapted to one child with the use of the bassinet or baby seat or for a toddler using an elevated board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a versatile stroller that can be set up 30 different ways. It's perfect for twins, siblings, or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby also prioritizes sustainability and green initiatives. The UPPAbaby comes in a variety of colors, and its materials are made from recycled water bottles. Our test subject Raul used the double stroller with his three year old daughter and five-month old son. He said it was simple to take apart and assemble since the components were neatly labeled boxes, which had instructions and a video code included.
The UPPAbaby also features a telescoping handlebar and brakes that are operated by your thumb. The swiveling wheels on its front can assist in making more precise turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
Double strollers are a bit of a bad reputation as cumbersome and difficult to maneuver, the latest generation of strollers are sleek and offer many customization options. You may even find one that will fit your infant car seat, making it even easier to get out and about with two kids with you.
If you're looking for a side-byside or in-line double stroller, be sure it's JPMA certified to ensure that it meets minimum safety standards and goes through regular inspections. You'll need to ensure that the suspension system provides a smooth ride for your children who are in the front seat. If your stroller is equipped with a handlebar, make sure that it is adjustable to accommodate the different heights.
A canopy is an additional feature that will protect your children from harsh sunlight or the harsh weather. The best canopy features a reversible flap or transparent plastic windows that peek-a-boo that allows you to watch your children without causing any disturbance to them. Some canopies also have visors that block direct sunlight.
Another important metric to consider is how easily the stroller folds and unfolds. Strollers that are compact when folded are more convenient to store and take up less space in the trunk of your car. Strollers that come with a single button to fold the chassis are also simpler to use.
When you are shopping for a double stroller, keep in mind how far your children are and what kind of excursions you are planning to take them on. For instance, if you're children are similar in age, you may want to consider an incline-to-low tandem stroller so that they can get to know each other during outings. If your children are separated by the age gap You can choose a model that gives them more privacy.
If you're going to be using your stroller with baby car seats, search for a model that works with top-rated car seat brands and has high attachment scores. This won't have as much of an impact on the overall rating as other metrics however it is crucial if you intend to use car seat adapters.