Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller provides parents with multiple children an easy way to move them around. The most effective models are easy to fold, carry and store into a trunk of a car. They also provide different seating arrangements for children of varying ages.
If your children are close in age, you might consider a sit-and-stand or side-byside style is the best method to avoid fighting between siblings over the best seat to use. We also like the options that can accommodate two infant car seats such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double.
Comfort
It is essential that your baby and toddler are both comfortable in the stroller. Pick one with padded seats, a wide base and swiveling front wheels to smooth out bumps in the road, and buckles that are simple to secure and remove.
Find a large, UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection for both children and adults. Footrests that can be adjusted allow your child to stand in the rear seat if they're exhausted. Some double strollers give this option for both children, such as the Safety 1st model that is the best seller.
The number of seats you select in your stroller will depend on the ages and weights of the children who are riding in it. For instance, a side-by-side stroller allows you to keep an eye on two children simultaneously and is ideal for twins or siblings close in age. However, it's generally wider than other configurations and may be difficult to navigate in narrow spaces or in areas with a lot of people.
Sit-and-stand prams allow older siblings to stand while you push a younger child in a car seat for infants. It's not the best option for newborns but can be beneficial for older children that can walk for longer distances.
Another option is a convertible stroller, that has multiple seating options and can be used as a double or a single for a long time. Rebecca says that this kind of stroller is a great choice for parents who want to purchase one stroller, but plan to use it with two children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem choice however, it will last for a long time, offers a high 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, but it features a sleek design and high-quality material. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and it has an adjustable handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted 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 can be an expensive investment. Parents are looking for models that are easy to use. It should have a variety of features, including the possibility of folding the stroller compactly and alter the height of the handlebar to suit different users. Some models also have more than one storage space that allow families to divide items for quick access, as well as organizer bags for parents or parent consoles to keep phone, keys, and other essentials in reach.
A stroller must be able adapt to the changing needs of your family over time. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance, is a budget-friendly stroller that includes an adjustable system. This allows you to add a second seat, transform the stroller into a triple by adding the addition of a board, or change it to a single mode by adding a bench at the rear. This flexibility will let double strollers last the time you need it to.
In terms of maneuverability, a lot of 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 is compatible with all of our top-rated car seats for infants and can be used by twins or children of different ages. The telescoping handlebar as well as the simple-to-use brakes make it easier to maneuver than other double strollers we test.
On the other side, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double comes with sleek design and a huge storage basket that can hold two car seats for toddlers or one infant car seat and an ordinary child seat. It can be used by a single child up to age three. Its foam-filled tires are made to not flatten.
The UPPAbaby folds down in half, making it simple to store and transport. It's also extremely light at just 18 pounds. It's also easy to open and close with an latch, and requires no tools to put together. Our Lab experts chose it as the best choice for its affordability and long-term durability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers must be able to carry diaper bags as well as water bottles snacks, toys, and jackets for kids and parents' wallets, keys, phones and other belongings. They should also be able slide across different surfaces and maneuver in tight spaces. When not in use, they are often required to fit into the trunk of a vehicle.
Double strollers are available in a variety of styles to meet these needs. They can be side-by-side or tandem, and they can have fixed or removable seats or even be outfitted with infant car seats as well as a riding board. They can be made to accommodate a single infant or toddler or twins. Some are designed for running while others are used on beaches or on hiking trails.
Modular designs can be especially beneficial for families who need to get bigger for their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle for instance, allows parents to mix and blend seats units, cots and car seats to let the stroller serve the entire family from newborn to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular, such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be converted to one child using baby seats or a bassinet or for a toddler using an elevated board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is an adaptable stroller that can be set up in a variety of ways. It's perfect for twins, siblings, or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is recognized for its green initiatives, and it prioritizes sustainability. The UPPAbaby is available in various colors, and its materials are made from recycled water bottles. In our testing, our test participant Raul used this double stroller with his three year old daughter and five-month old son. He found it easy to unpack the parts and assemble them because they were neatly labeled boxes with video and instructions.
The UPPAbaby also comes with a telescoping handlebar and brakes controlled by your thumb. The swiveling wheels at the front can help it make tighter turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are often accused of being heavy and difficult to maneuver. They're also bulky. However, the latest models are sleeker and provide various options for customization. You can find one that is compatible with an infant car seat, making it easier to travel with two children.
If you're shopping for a double stroller that can be used side-byside or in a line, make sure it is JPMA-certified to ensure it conforms to safety standards. It will also undergo regular inspections. You should also look for an adjustable suspension system that gives a smooth ride and doesn't cause bumps, or jostling for the toddlers in the front seat. If your stroller has an adjustable handlebar, make sure it's adjustable to ensure both parents can use it.
A canopy is an additional feature that protects your babies from harsh sunlight or the harsh weather. The best canopy features the option of a reversible flap, or a transparent plastic windows that peek-a-boo that allows you to watch your children without disturbing them. Some canopies also come with 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 with only one button to fold the chassis are also simpler to use.
When you are shopping for a double stroller, keep in mind how far apart your children are in age and what kind of outings you plan on taking them on. If your children are close in age you may choose a tandem high/low stroller to allow them to interact during outings. If your children are separated by an age gap that is large, you may choose a model that allows them to have more privacy.
If you're planning on using your stroller with baby car seats, search for a model that is compatible with the top-rated car seat brands and has high attachment scores. This won't have as significant an impact on the overall rating as other indicators but it is still crucial if you intend to use car seat adapters.