Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller provides parents with multiple children a comfortable way to get their children around. The most effective models are easy to fold, carry and fit in a car trunk. They also provide different seating arrangements for children of various ages.
Parents with children close in age may find that a side-by-side or sit-and stand style is best to avoid sibling squabbles about who is allowed to ride in which seat. We also like options which allow two infant car seats such as the UPPAbaby v2 double.
Comfort
A stroller that is comfortable is essential for your toddler and baby. Choose a stroller with padded seats and swiveling wheels at the front to smooth bumps on the road. Also, select double pushchair that has buckles that are easily unfastened and fastened.
Choose a big UPF 50+ canopy to offer sun protection for both children and adults. Adjustable footrests let your child to sit in the back seat when they are tired. Some double strollers give this feature to both children, such as the Safety 1st model that is the top-selling model.
The number of seats you can put in your stroller will depend on the ages and weights of the children who are who are riding in it. For instance, a side by side stroller lets you keep an eye on two children at the same time and is ideal for twins or siblings who are close in age. It's wider than other configurations, and can be difficult to maneuver in tight or narrow areas.
On the other hand, a stand-and-sit stroller allows older siblings to stand while you push your younger child in the infant car seat. It's not the best choice for infants, but it can be useful for older children that can walk 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 number of years. Rebecca says that this kind of stroller is a good option for parents who wish to purchase a single stroller but plan to use it with two children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem pick however, it will last a long time, has great potential for resales 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 a sleek design and high-quality material. It's compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and has a telescoping bar and easy-to press brakes. It comes with foam-filled wheels that won't break and a large storage bin.
Simple to Use
A double stroller is an expensive purchase. Parents are looking for models that are easy to use. It should have a variety of features like the ability to fold the stroller into a compact size and to adjust the handlebar's height to accommodate different users. Some models come with more than one storage compartment to allow families to divide up belongings for quick access, as well as organizer bags or consoles for parents to keep phones, keys, and other essentials in reach.
A stroller is supposed to be able to adjust to your family's needs as they grow older as well. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance, is an affordable stroller that comes with an adjustable system. It allows you to add a seat, transform the stroller into a triple with a board, or switch to a single-mode by adding a bench at the rear. This flexibility can make double strollers work for as long as you need it to.
When it comes to maneuverability, some side-by-side models struggle to turn at a whim, 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 all of our top-rated infant car seats and is suitable for twins and children of different age. The telescoping handlebar and easy-to-use brakes make it much easier to maneuver than other double strollers that we tested.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double on the other hand is sleek and stylish. It also comes with a large basket that can fit two toddler car seats or an infant car seat with a regular child's car seat. It can be used by a single child as young as three years old. The tires are filled with foam and designed to not go flat.
The UPPAbaby folds down in half and is simple to store and transport. It's also super lightweight at just 18 pounds. It's also simple to open and close using an latch, and needs no tools to assemble. It was a top pick from our Lab experts due to its durability and shopability as well as its affordability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers should be able to carry diaper bags and water bottles, snacks, toys and jackets for kids, as well as parents keys, wallets, phones and other belongings. They must also be able to slide across different surfaces and maneuver in tight spaces. When not in use they usually have to be tucked into the trunk of a car.
Double strollers are available in a variety of styles to meet these needs. They can be tandem or side-byside with seats that can be removed or fixed or come with infant car seats and a riding board. They can also be designed to fit a single newborn or toddler, or twins. Some are suited for running, while others can be used on hiking trails or at the beach.
Modular designs are especially useful for families that have to grow into their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S for instance is designed to permit parents to mix and match seat units, cot attachments and car seats so that the stroller is able to serve the entire family from birth to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be modified to fit a single child through the use of bassinet or baby seat or a toddler's a jump seat or a standing board (sold separately). The versatile UPPAbaby can be configured in 30 different ways, making it ideal for twins and siblings, or for a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is recognized for its green initiatives and it prioritizes sustainability. The UPPAbaby comes in many colors and its fabrics are made from 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 take apart and assemble since the components were neatly labeled boxes, with instructions and a video code.
The UPPAbaby also features an adjustable handlebar that can be telescoping, as well as brakes controlled by your thumb. The swiveling wheels on its front can help it make more precise turns on sidewalks in cities.
double pushchair have been criticized for being heavy and difficult to maneuver, the new generation of strollers are sleek and come with a range of customization options. You can even find one that is compatible with the car seat of your infant, making it even more convenient to go out and about with two children in tow.
If you're in the market for a side-by-side or in-line double stroller, make sure it's JPMA certified to ensure it complies with minimum safety standards and undergoes regular inspections. You'll want to make sure that the suspension system offers a smooth ride for your children who are in the front seat. If your stroller is equipped with an armrest, make sure it's adjustable to accommodate parents and dads of various heights.
A canopy can shield your child from the harsh sun and inclement weather. The best canopies come with windows that can be reversible or a clear plastic peek-aboo to let you observe your child without causing disturbance. Certain canopies come with visors that block the direct sun.
Another important metric to consider is how easy the stroller folds and unfolds. Compact strollers are easier to store in your car's trunk and take up less space. Strollers with only one button to fold the chassis are more user-friendly.
When shopping for a double stroller, keep in mind how far your children are in age and what kind of outings you plan on taking them on. For instance, if you're children are similar in age it is possible to opt for a tandem high-low stroller so that they can get to know each other on outings. If your children are separated by the age gap, you may choose a model that allows them to have more privacy.
If you intend to use your stroller for baby car seats, you should choose one with a good attachment score and that is compatible with top-rated brands. This will not have as much of an impact on the overall rating as other indicators however it is important if you plan to use car seat adapters.