Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller offers parents of multiple kids an easy way to move them around. The best strollers are simple to fold and transport and fit nicely inside a trunk of a car, and have a variety of seating options for children of different ages.
Parents with children of a similar age may find that a side by side or sit-and-stand style works best to avoid sibling squabbles about who is allowed to ride in which seat. We also like the options that accept two infant car seats, such as the UPPAbaby v2 double.
Comfort
A comfortable stroller is key for both your baby and toddler. Select a stroller with cushioned seats and swiveling wheels at the front to smooth bumps on the road. Also, choose one with buckles that can be easily unfastened and fastened.
Choose a big, UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection for both children and their parents. Another comfort feature is adjustable footrests, which let your child stand up in the back of the seat when they get tired. Some double strollers give this feature to both children, like the Safety 1st model that is the top-selling model.
The number of seats you can put in your stroller double is contingent on the weights and ages of the kids who are riding in it. A side-byside baby stroller allows you to keep an eye on two children at once it is ideal for twins or siblings of the same age. It’s wider than other configurations and may be difficult to maneuver in crowded or narrow areas.
Sit-and-stand strollers allow older siblings to stand while you push a smaller child in the infant car seat. It’s not the best option for newborns but can be beneficial for older children who can walk longer distances.
Another alternative is a convertible stroller that has multiple seating options and can be used as a double car seat stroller or single for a number of years. Rebecca says this type of stroller is an excellent choice for parents who want to purchase a single stroller but are planning to use it with two kids. It’s more expensive than the top tandem choice but it will last for an extended period of time and comes with a great resale price, she says.
This stroller by UPPAbaby is a small double stroller 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 high-quality materials. It’s compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and comes with a telescoping bar and easy-to press brakes. It also comes with tires filled with foam that won’t go flat and an ample storage basket.
Easy of Use
A double stroller is not an inexpensive investment, which is why parents often seek one that is simple to use. That means a broad range 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 available. Some models come with multiple storage compartments that enable families to keep their belongings separate to make them easy to access. They also include parent consoles and organizer bags that keep keys, phones and other necessities on fingertips.
A stroller should be able to adapt to the needs of your family throughout the years also. For instance, a budget-friendly option like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes an adjustable system that allows you to add a second seat, convert it to a triple with an incline board, or change to a single mode by using the rear bench. This flexibility allows double strollers to last for as long as is required.
When it comes to maneuverability, some models struggle to turn on a dime, but the majority of our Lab testers loved the simplicity 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 various age groups. The telescoping handles and simple-to-use brakes allow it to be more flexible than other double strollers we evaluated.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double it’s on the other hand, is sleek and stylish. It also comes with an ample basket that can hold two toddler car seats or an infant car seat with a standard child’s seat. It can be used by one child from age three. Its tires that are filled with foam are designed to not go flat.
Additionally it’s light at only 18 pounds, and folds in half for a sleek package that’s easy to carry and to store. It’s also simple to open and close using a latch and requires no tools to put together. It was a top choice by our Lab experts for its longevity and shopability as well as its affordability.
Easy of Storage
Double strollers must be able to hold diaper bags, water bottles and jackets along with the keys, wallets and phones of parents. They also need to be able to glide across different surfaces and maneuver in tight spaces. They are often required to fit in the trunk of a vehicle, so they must be simple to fold and compact when not in use.
To meet the needs of parents, double strollers can be built in a wide range of designs. They can be side-byside or tandem with fixed or removable seats, or with an infant car seats and a rideboard. They can be made to accommodate a single infant or toddler or twins. Some are made for jogging while others can be utilized at the beach or on trails for hiking.
Modular designs are especially useful for families that have to get bigger for their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S for instance, is designed to allow parents to mix and match their seat units, cot attachments, and car seats so that the stroller can serve the entire family from birth to toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be adapted to a single to double stroller child by using the bassinet or baby seat, or a toddler by using a standing board or jump seat (sold separately). The versatile UPPAbaby can be configured in 30 different ways, making it ideal for twins or siblings, or even growing families.
The UPPAbaby is also a proponent of sustainability and green initiatives. The UPPAbaby comes in a variety of colors, and the fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. In our testing, our test participant Raul used the double stroller with his three-year old daughter and 5-month-old son. Raul says it was simple to disassemble and unpack because the parts came in neatly labeled boxes, with instructions and a video code included.
Another excellent feature of the UPPAbaby is its telescoping handlebar as well as brakes that are one-handed and can be operated using only your thumb. Its swiveling front wheels can help it make tight turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers have been criticized for being heavy and difficult to maneuver, the new generation of models are sleek and offer many customization options. You can find one that is compatible with an infant car seat to make it easier to travel with two children.
If you’re shopping for a double buggy converts to single stroller that can be used side-by-side, or in line, ensure that it’s JPMA-certified to ensure it meets safety standards. It will also go through regular inspections. You’ll also want to choose suspension systems that provide an easy ride and doesn’t create bumps or jolting for your little ones in the front seat. If your stroller comes with an adjustable handlebar, make sure it’s adjustable so that both parents can use it.
A canopy is a crucial feature that can shield your children from harsh sunlight or inclement weather. The most effective canopies come with an reversible flap as well as a transparent plastic peek-a-boo windows to let you monitor your children without causing disturbance. Some canopies have visors that block direct sunlight.
Another important metric to consider is how easy the stroller folds and unfolds. Compact strollers are easier to store in the trunk of your car and take up less space. Strollers with only one button to fold the chassis are also easier to use.
When choosing a double stroller, keep in mind how far your children are in age and what kind of outings you are planning to take them on. For example, if your children are in the same age range and you want to opt for a tandem high-low stroller to ensure that they can interact when outings are planned. On the other hand, if your children have a significant age difference, you might choose an option that is side-by-side, which gives them more privacy.
If you intend to use your stroller for baby car seats, select one with a good attachment score and that is compatible with top-rated brands. This won’t have as big impact on your overall rating as the other metrics, but it’s an important aspect to take into consideration if you’re thinking of using adapters for car seats.
