Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller offers parents with multiple children an enjoyable way to take them around. The best models are reasonably lightweight and easy to fold and carry and can easily fit in a car trunk and offer versatile seating arrangements for children of different age groups.
If your children are similar in age, you might consider a sit-and-stand or side-by-side style is the best way to avoid fights between siblings over the best seat to use. We also like options that can accommodate two infant car seats such as the UPPAbaby V2 Double.
Comfort
A comfortable stroller is key for both your toddler and baby. Pick one with padding for the seats, a wide base, and swivelling front wheels to smooth bumps on the road, and buckles that are simple to secure and remove.
Look for a large UPF 50+ canopy to offer sun protection for both children. Adjustable footrests let your child to stand up in the back seat when they're exhausted. Some double strollers provide this option to both children, such as the Safety 1st model that is the best seller.
The number of seats in your stroller will depend on the weight and age of the children using it. A side-by-side baby stroller lets you to keep an eye on two children at a time, making it ideal for twins or siblings of the same age. However, it's generally larger than other types and can be difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces or in areas with a lot of people.
On the other hand, a sit-and-stand stroller allows older siblings to stand while you push the baby in an infant car seat. It's not the best option for newborns but can be useful for older children that can walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is another option. It comes with a variety of seating configurations and can be used as a double or single. Rebecca says that this kind of stroller is a good choice for parents who want to purchase a single stroller but are planning to use it with two kids. "It's more expensive than our top tandem selection but it will last for a long time, has a great 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 the other options we tested however it does have an elegant, modern design and top-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and it has an adjustable handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted and brakes that are easy to press. It also comes with tires filled with foam that will not wear out and an ample storage basket.
Ease of Use
A double stroller is an expensive investment. Parents are therefore looking for models that are simple to use. It should have a variety of features including the possibility of folding the stroller into a compact size 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 include parent consoles and organizer bags that store keys, phones and other necessities on fingertips.
A stroller must be able adapt to the changing needs of your family as time goes by. For instance, a budget-friendly option such as the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes an adjustable system that lets you add another seat, convert it to a triple with an incline board, or change to a single mode by using an additional bench in the rear. This flexibility lets a double stroller to last for as long as you need it.
When it comes to maneuverability, some side-by-side models struggle to turn at a whim, but many of our Lab testers were impressed by the ease of use 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 or kids of varying age. The telescoping handles as well as the easy-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable than other double strollers that we tested.
On the other hand, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double features sleek design and a large storage basket that can fit two car seats for toddlers or one infant car seat plus an ordinary child's seat. It can also be used by one child up to the age of three. It is a smooth ride due to its tires filled with foam that are not designed to run flat.
In addition to that, the UPPAbaby is lightweight at only 18 pounds and folds in half for a sleek package that's easy to carry and put away. It's also simple to open and re-close with the latch and doesn't require tools to put together. It was a top choice among our Lab experts for its longevity, shopability, and affordability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers must be able to carry diaper bags, water bottles, snacks, toys and jackets for children as well as parents' wallets, keys phones and other things. They should also be able to slide over various surfaces and maneuver into tight spaces. When not in use, they often have to fit into the trunk of a car.
Double strollers come in a variety of styles to meet these needs. They can be tandem or side-byside with seats that are removable or fixed or even be outfitted with infant car seats as well as a riding board. They can also be designed to fit a single newborn or toddler or twins. Some are suitable for jogging, while others can be used on trails for hiking or at the beach.
Modular designs are especially beneficial for families that need to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S, for example is designed to allow parents to mix and match their 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 like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be modified to fit a single child through the use of a baby seat or bassinet or a toddler's a jump seat or standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby's versatility allows it to be configured in 30 different ways, making it suitable for twins, siblings or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also a proponent of green and sustainability initiatives. The UPPAbaby is available in a wide range of colors, and its materials are made from recycled water bottles. During testing, our tester Raul used this double stroller with his three-year old daughter and 5-month-old son. Raul says it was simple to unpack and assemble because the parts came in neatly labeled boxes, with instructions and a video code.
The UPPAbaby also features a telescoping handlebar and brakes that are operated by your thumb. Its swiveling wheels on the front can assist in making more precise turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
Double strollers are a bit of a bad reputation as cumbersome and difficult to maneuver, the new generation of models are sleek and provide a variety of customization options. You might even find one that will fit your infant car seat, making it even easier to get out and about with two children with you.
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 meets minimum safety standards and undergoes regular inspections. You'll want to ensure that the suspension system offers an easy ride for your children who are in the front seat. If your stroller has an adjustable handlebar, make sure it's adjustable to ensure both parents can use it.
double buggy can protect your child from harsh sunlight and inclement weather. The best canopy features a reversible window or a clear plastic peek-aboo to let you watch your child's progress without causing disturbance. Certain canopies come with visors that block direct sunlight.
Another important metric to consider is how easy the stroller folds and unfolds. Compact strollers are much easier to store in the trunk of your car and take up less room. Also, strollers with one hand-release button that folds the chassis are more user-friendly.
When deciding on a double stroller to buy take into consideration the age gap between your children and the type of trip you're planning to take them on. If your children are similar in age, you could opt for a tandem high/low stroller to allow them to interact on outings. If your children are separated by the age gap, you may choose a model which allows them to enjoy more privacy.
If you're planning on using your stroller with baby car seats, look for a model that works with top-rated car seat brands and has good attachment scores. This won't have as significant an impact on the overall rating as other factors but it is still crucial if you intend to use car seat adapters.