Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller provides parents of multiple kids an easy way to move their children around. The best strollers are lightweight and easy to fold and carry, fit well inside a trunk of a car, and have a variety of seating options for children of varying ages.
If your children are close in age, you could consider a sit-and-stand or side-by-side design is the best method to avoid fights between siblings over which seat to use. We also recommend options that allow two infant car seats such as the UPPAbaby v2 double.
Comfort
A stroller that is comfortable is essential for both your toddler and baby. Choose a stroller with comfortable seats and swiveling tires on the front to smooth road bumps. Also, pick double buggy that has buckles that can be easily removed and fastened.
Look for a large UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection for both children and their parents. Another feature that is comfortable is the adjustable footrests that allow your child to stand in the back seat if they get tired. Some double strollers offer this feature for both children, such as the Safety 1st model that is the most popular.
The number of seats in the stroller will be contingent on the weight and age of the children who will be using it. A side-byside baby stroller allows you to keep an eye on two children at the same time, making it ideal for twins or siblings of the same age. It's more spacious than other types of strollers and may be difficult to maneuver in crowded or narrow areas.
On the other hand, a sit-and-stand stroller gives older siblings a chance to stand while you push your younger child in a car seat for infants. It's not the best option for infants, but it can be beneficial for older children who can walk for longer distances.
Another alternative is a convertible stroller which has multiple seating arrangements 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 plan to purchase a single stroller and use it with both children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem selection but it will last for a long time, offers a high 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 is not as compact as other models however it has a sleek design and high-quality material. It is compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and comes with a telescoping bar as well as easy to press brakes. It comes with wheels that are filled with foam that won't flatten and a large storage bin.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller is an expensive purchase. Parents are looking for models that are easy to use. It should include a variety of features, including the capability to fold the stroller into a compact size and to adjust the handlebar's height to suit different users. Some models come with multiple storage compartments that allow families to divide things up for easy access, as well as organizer bags for parents or parent consoles to keep phone, keys and other items in reach.
A stroller should be able to adapt to the changing needs of your family as time goes by. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for example is a budget-friendly stroller that includes an adjustable system. It allows you to add another seat, convert the stroller into a triple with a board, or switch to a single-mode by adding a bench in the rear. This flexibility can make double strollers work for as long as you need it to.
In terms of maneuverability, some side-byside models struggle to turn on a dime however, many of our Lab testers appreciated the ease-of-use and maneuverability of the inline Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model is compatible with our top-rated car seats for infants and can be used by twins or children of different age groups. The telescoping handlebar as well as the simple-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable than other double strollers that we tested.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double, it's on the other hand, is sleek and stylish. It also comes with a large basket that can accommodate two toddler car seats or an infant car seat along with a regular child's car seat. It can be used by one child as young as three years old. Its foam-filled tires are designed to last and not wear out.
The UPPAbaby folds down in half and is easy to store and carry. It's also very light, weighing only 18 pounds. It's also easy to open and close using an latch, and requires no tools to put together. Our Lab experts selected it as their top choice for its affordability and long-term durability.
Easy of Storage
Double strollers should be able to hold diaper bags as well as water bottles snacks, toys, and jackets for the kids as well as parents keys, wallets phones and other things. They must also be able to slide across different surfaces and maneuver in tight spaces. They usually have to fit in the trunk of a vehicle, so they should be simple to fold and compact when not when not in use.
To meet the needs of parents Double strollers can be constructed in a variety of designs. They can be side-byside or tandem with removable or fixed seats or equipped with infant car seats and a rideboard. They can be designed to accommodate a single toddler or twins. Some are suitable for running, while others could be used for hiking trails or at the beach.
Modular designs are especially beneficial for families who want to grow with their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle for instance, allows parents to mix and match seat units, cots, and car seats to let the stroller serve the entire family from infant to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be made to accommodate a single child through the use of bassinet or baby seat, or a toddler with the option of a jumping seat or a standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a versatile stroller that can be set up in a variety of ways. It's ideal for twins, siblings, or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also committed to sustainability and green initiatives. The UPPAbaby comes with many colors and the 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 and three-year-old daughter. He says it was easy to disassemble and unpack because the components came in neatly labeled boxes, with instructions and a video code.
Another amazing characteristic of the UPPAbaby its telescoping handlebar and brakes that are one-handed and can be operated with only your thumb. The swiveling wheels at the front can aid in making tighter turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized as being heavy and difficult to maneuver. They are also bulky. However, the most recent models are sleeker and provide a variety of customization options. You may even find one that is compatible with your car seat for infants which makes it more convenient to go out and about with two children in tow.
If you're looking for a side-by-side or in-line double stroller, be sure it's JPMA certified to ensure it complies with minimum safety standards and goes through regular inspections. You'll want to make sure that the suspension system gives a smooth ride for your children who are in the front seat. If your stroller comes with an adjustable handlebar, make sure it is adjustable so that both parents can use it.
A canopy can protect your baby from harsh sunlight and inclement weather. The best canopies have a reversible flap or clear plastic peek-a-boo window to allow you to monitor your children without causing disturbance. Some canopies also come with visors to block direct sun.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is a second important factor to consider. Strollers that are compact when folded are easier to store and take less space in the trunk of your car. Also, strollers that have a single hand-release button that folds the chassis much more convenient to use.
When choosing a double stroller to buy take into consideration the age gap between your children and the kind of trip you intend to take them on. If your children are similar in age, you could opt for a tandem high/low stroller in order to let them interact when outings. On the other hand, if your children have a large age gap then you may want to consider an option that is side-by-side, which gives them more privacy.
If you're planning on using your stroller with baby car seats, search for a model that integrates with top-rated car seats and has high attachment scores. This will not have as big an impact on the overall rating as other indicators but it is still important if you plan to utilize car seat adapters.