Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller provides parents with multiple children a comfortable way to get them around. The best models are easy to fold, carry and store into a trunk of a car. They also offer different seating arrangements for children of varying ages.
If your children are similar in age, you may decide that a sit-and stand or side-byside style is the best way to avoid fights between siblings over which seat to choose. We also like the options that allow two infant car seats like the UPPAbaby V2 double.
Comfort
A stroller that is comfortable and safe for both your baby and toddler. Select one with padding for the seats, a wide base and swiveling front wheels to smooth bumps in the road, and buckles that are easy to secure and remove.
You could also consider a generous, UPF 50+ canopy that offers sun protection and plenty of coverage for both children. Adjustable footrests let your child to stand in the rear seat when they're exhausted. Some double strollers offer this option for both children, like the Safety 1st model that is the top-selling model.
The number of seats in the stroller will be contingent on the weight and age of the children who will be using it. For instance, a side by side stroller allows you to keep an eye on two children at the same time and is ideal for twins or siblings close in age. It's wider than other configurations and isn't easy to maneuver in crowded or narrow areas.
Sit-and-stand strollers allow older siblings to stand up while you push a younger child in a car seat for infants. It's not the best choice for infants, but it can be beneficial for older children who can walk for longer distances.
Another alternative is a convertible stroller, that has multiple seating options and can be used as a single or double for a number of years. Rebecca says that this type of stroller is a good choice for parents who plan to buy one stroller and use it with both children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem selection however, it will last a long time, has 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 other options but it does have an elegant design and top-quality material. It is compatible with UPPAbaby car seats, and features an adjustable bar that can be telescoping and press brakes. It also comes with tires filled with foam that won't go flat and large storage basket.
Easy of Use
A double stroller is not an investment that is cheap, and parents often seek a model that's easy to use. That means a broad range of features, ranging from the ability to fold it up compactly to the ability to adjust the height of the handlebar to accommodate different users, must be readily available. Certain models have multiple storage compartments to allow families to organize their belongings to make it easier to access. They also have parent consoles and organizer bags that store phones, keys and other essentials on hand.
A stroller should be able adapt to the changing requirements of your family as time goes by. For instance, a cost-effective model like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes an adjustable system that allows you to add a seat, transform it to a triple with an incline board, or change to a single-mode with the rear bench. This flexibility can make double strollers work for the time you need it to.
When it comes to maneuverability, some side-byside models aren't able 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 infant car seats and is suitable for twins or children of different age. The telescoping handlebar and easy-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable than other double strollers we test.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double, on the other hand is sleek and stylish. It also comes with 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 as young as three years old. Its foam-filled tires are designed to last and not wear out.
Furthermore to that, the UPPAbaby is light at just 18 pounds and folds in half to create a sleek and compact package that's easy to carry and put away. It's also easy to open and close using the latch, and requires no tools to assemble. Our Lab experts picked it as their top choice for its value, affordability and long-term durability.
Simple of Storage
Double strollers must be able to hold diaper bags jackets, water bottles, and other items along with the wallets, keys and phones of parents. They must also be able to move over different surfaces and maneuver through tight spots. When not in use they are often required to fit into the trunk of a car.
To meet these needs Double strollers are constructed in a variety of styles. They can be side-byside or tandem with fixed or removable seats or a baby car seats and a rideboard. They can also be designed to fit a single toddler or newborn, or twins. Some are designed to be used for running while others are used at the beach or on hiking trails.
Modular designs can be especially beneficial for families who need to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S for instance is designed to allow parents to mix and match seat units, cot attachments and car seats so that the stroller can be used by the family from birth until toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be adapted for one child with the use of a baby seat or bassinet or a toddler's with the option of a jumping seat or a standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is an adaptable stroller that can be set up 30 different ways. It's ideal for twins, siblings or an expanding family.
The UPPAbaby also prioritizes sustainability and green initiatives. The UPPAbaby comes in a wide range of colors and its fabrics are made out of recycled water bottles. Our test subject Raul utilized the double stroller with his three-year old daughter and 5-month-old son. He reported that it was simple to remove the components and assemble them because they came in neatly-labeled boxes with instructions and video codes.
The UPPAbaby also features an adjustable handlebar that can be telescoping, as well as brakes that are operated by your thumb. And its swiveling front wheels allow it to make tight turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
Double strollers are often accused of being cumbersome and difficult to maneuver. They are also heavy. However, the most recent models are sleeker and come with a variety of customization options. You can find one that is compatible with an infant car seat, making it easier to travel with two children.
Whether you're looking for a side-byside or in-line double stroller, ensure that it's JPMA certified to ensure it complies with minimum safety standards and undergoes regular inspections. You should also choose suspension systems that provide smooth riding and doesn't cause bumps or jostling for the toddlers in the front seat. If your stroller is equipped with an armrest, make sure it's adjustable to fit Moms and Dads of different heights.
A canopy is a crucial feature that will protect your babies from harsh sunlight or inclement weather. The best canopies have 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 to block direct sun.
Another important metric to take into consideration is how easily the stroller folds and unfolds. Strollers that are compact when folded are more convenient to store and take less space in the trunk of your car. Also, strollers with only one button to release the hand that folds the chassis are much easier to use.
When choosing double buggy be aware of the age gap between your children and the kind of trip you intend to take with them. If your children are close in age, you could opt for a tandem high/low stroller in order to allow them to be together when outings. On the other the other hand, if you have a large age gap it is possible to choose an option that is side-by-side, which gives them more privacy.
If you intend to use your stroller to carry baby car seats, select a model with a high attachment score and compatible with top-rated brands. This will not have as big an impact on the overall rating as other factors but it is still important if you plan to use adapters for car seats.