Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is an ideal option for parents to take multiple children. The best models are reasonably lightweight and easy to fold and carry and can easily fit in the trunk of a car and offer versatile seating arrangements for children of various age groups.
Parents of children who are close to age may find that a side by side or sit-and-stand design is the best to avoid sibling squabbles over who gets to ride in which seat. We also recommend options that allow two infant car seats, such as the UPPAbaby V2 double.
Comfort
A stroller that is comfortable and safe for both your toddler and baby. 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 fasten and unfasten.
You can also look for an ample, UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection as well as plenty of coverage for both children. Footrests that can be adjusted allow your child to stand in the rear seat when they are tired. Some double strollers offer this option to both children, including the Safety 1st model that is the top-selling model.
How many seats you choose in your stroller is contingent on the weight and ages of the children who are riding in it. A side-byside baby stroller allows you to keep an eye on two children at a time which is ideal for twins or siblings of the same age. It's more spacious than other types of strollers, and can be difficult to maneuver in tight or narrow areas.
Sit-and-stand prams 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 useful for older children who are able to 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 number of years. Rebecca says this kind of stroller would be an excellent option for parents who plan to buy one stroller and use it with both children. It's more expensive than the top tandem choice however it will last an extended period of time and comes with a great resale price, she adds.
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 the other strollers we've tested however, it comes with an elegant, modern design and high-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and has a telescoping handlebar and easy-to-press brakes. It also comes with tires filled with foam that aren't flat, and a large storage basket.
Ease of Use
A double stroller is not an inexpensive investment, which is why parents often seek an option that is easy to use. It should come with a range of features like the ability to fold the stroller in a compact manner and adjust the handlebar height to accommodate different types of users. Certain models have multiple storage compartments to allow families to organize their belongings to make them easy to access. They also have parent consoles and organizer bags that keep keys, phones and other necessities on fingertips.
A stroller should be able adapt to the changing requirements of your family over time. For example, a budget-friendly model like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes an adjustable system that allows you to add a second seat, convert it into a triple by using an incline board, or change to a single mode by using an additional bench in the rear. This flexibility can help a double stroller work for as long as you need it to.
When it comes to maneuverability, some side-by-side models aren't able to turn on a dime, but many of our Lab testers loved the simplicity and maneuverability of the inline Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model can be used with all of our top-rated infant car seats and is suitable for twins and children of various age. Its telescoping handles and easy-to-use brakes allow it to be more maneuverable than other double strollers we have tested.
On best double stroller streamlined design and a huge storage basket that can accommodate two toddler car seats or one infant car seat plus a regular child seat. It can be used by a single child up to age three. The tires are filled with foam and designed to not go flat.
The UPPAbaby folds up in half and is easy to store and transport. It's also super lightweight at just 18 pounds. It's also easy to open and close with the latch, and requires no tools to assemble. double pushchair sale was a top pick among our Lab experts for its longevity, shopability, and affordability.
Easy of Storage
Double strollers must be able to hold diaper bags, water bottles and jackets and keys, wallets and phones of parents. They should also be able to move over different surfaces and maneuver in tight spaces. They often need to fit into the trunk of a vehicle, so they must be easy to fold up and compact when not in use.
To meet these needs, double strollers can be constructed in a variety of designs. They can be side-by-side or tandem with fixed or removable seats or equipped with infant car seats and a rideboard. They can be made to accommodate one toddler or infant or twins. Some are suited for jogging, while others can be used on hiking trails and at the beach.
Modular designs are especially beneficial for families who need to grow into their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle, for example, allows parents to mix and match seats units, cots and car seats to let the stroller suitable for the entire family from newborn to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be modified to fit one child with the use of bassinets or a baby seat, or a toddler with a jump seat or standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a versatile stroller that can be configured in 30 different ways, making it ideal for twins or siblings, or even growing families.
The UPPAbaby is also renowned for its green initiatives, and its focus is on sustainability. The UPPAbaby comes in various colors, and its materials are made from recycled water bottles. Raul, one of our testers, utilized this double stroller while testing with his five-month-old son as well as 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 has an adjustable handlebar that can be telescoping, as well as brakes that are operated by your thumb. And its swiveling front wheels can help it make tight turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized as being cumbersome, difficult to maneuver and heavy. However, the latest models are sleeker and provide various options for customization. You can find one that fits an infant car seat, making it easier to travel with two children.
If you're in the market for a double stroller that can be used side-by-side, or in line, ensure it is JPMA-certified to ensure it conforms to safety standards. It will also undergo regular inspections. You'll need to ensure that the suspension system provides an easy ride for your children in the front seat. If your stroller has a handlebar make sure it's adjustable to ensure both parents can use it.
A canopy is an additional feature that can shield your babies from harsh sunlight or the harsh weather. The most effective canopies have windows that can be reversible or a transparent plastic peek-aboo that lets you monitor your child without causing any disturbance. Some canopies come with visors to block direct sunlight.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is a second important aspect to take into consideration. Compact strollers are much easier to put in the trunk of your car and take up less room. Strollers with only one button to fold the chassis are also simpler to use.
When choosing a double stroller, bear in mind the distance your children are and what kind of outings you plan on taking them on. If your children are close in age you may choose a tandem stroller that is high/low to let them interact during outings. If your children are separated by a large age gap, you may choose one that allows them to have more privacy.
If you're planning on using your stroller with baby car seats, look for a model that is compatible with top-rated car seat brands and has high attachment scores. It won't have as much of an impact on your overall rating as other factors but it's an important factor to consider if you're planning on using car seat adapters.