Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller provides parents of multiple kids a comfortable way to get their children around. The best models are simple to fold, carry and place into the trunk of a car. They also offer flexible seating arrangements for kids of various ages.
If your children are close in age, you may find that a sit-and-stand or side-by-side design is the best method to avoid fights between siblings over which seat to choose. We also like options that allow two infant car seats, such as the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double.
Comfort
It is important that your toddler and baby are at ease in the stroller. Pick a stroller that has cushioned seats and swiveling wheels at the front to smooth road bumps. Also, pick one with buckles that are easily removed and fastened.
Find a large UPF 50+ canopy to provide sun protection for both children and adults. Adjustable footrests allow your child to stand up in the back seat when they are exhausted. Some double strollers, such as the best-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats in your stroller will be determined by the weight and age of the children using it. For instance, a side by side stroller allows you to keep an eye on both children simultaneously which is perfect for twins or siblings who are close in age. It's larger than other models and isn't easy to maneuver through crowded or narrow spaces.
On the other hand, a sit-and stand stroller allows older siblings to stand while you push your younger child in an infant car seat. It's not a good choice for babies however, it could be suitable when your kids are around three years old and are able to walk for longer distances.
A convertible stroller is another alternative. It has multiple seating configurations and can be used as a double or single. Rebecca says that this type of stroller is an ideal choice for parents who are planning to buy one stroller and use it with both children. It's more expensive than the top tandem model but it'll last for many years and has an excellent resale value, 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 some other options but it does have an elegant design and top-quality material. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and has an adjustable handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted and easy-to-press brakes. It also comes with tires filled with foam that will not wear out and large storage basket.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller isn't an inexpensive investment, which is why parents are usually looking for one that is simple to use. This means a variety of features, ranging from the ability to fold it up compactly to adjusting the height of the handlebar to accommodate different users, must be available. Certain models have multiple storage compartments that allow families to organize their belongings to make it easier to access. They also have parent consoles and organizer bags that keep phones, keys and other essentials on fingertips.
A stroller should be able to adapt to your family's needs over the years as well. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for example, is an affordable stroller that comes with an adjustable system. This allows you to add a seat, transform the stroller into a triple by adding an additional board, or convert it to a single mode by adding a rear bench. This flexibility can help double strollers last as long as you want it to.
In terms of maneuverability, a lot of side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver. However, our Lab testers were impressed by the ease of using and maneuverability of 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 much easier to maneuver than many of the other double strollers we've tried.
On the other hand, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double features a streamlined design and a huge storage basket that can accommodate two car seats for toddlers or one infant car seat and an ordinary 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.
In addition it's light at only 18 pounds, and folds in half to create a sleek and compact package that's easy to carry and put away. It's also simple to open and close with the latch, and requires no tools for assembling. Our Lab experts selected it as their top choice for its price, shopability and longevity.
Easy of Storage
Double strollers should be able hold diaper bags jackets, water bottles, and other items and keys, wallets and phones of parents. They should also be able to glide across various surfaces and maneuver into tight spaces. When not in use they often have to fit into the trunk of a car.
Push Chairs And Prams are available in a variety of designs to meet the needs of parents. They can be side-by-side or tandem with removable or fixed seats or a baby car seat and a ridingboard. They can be designed to accommodate a single toddler or newborn or twins. Some are designed to be used for running while others are used at the beach or on trails for hiking.
Modular designs can be especially beneficial for families who need to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle for instance allows parents to mix and blend seat units, cots, and car seats to let the stroller serve the entire family from newborn to toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be converted to one child with the use of a bassinet or baby seat, or a toddler by using an elevated board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a versatile stroller that can be configured in a variety of ways, making it suitable for twins or siblings, or even a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also committed to sustainability and green initiatives. The UPPAbaby comes in many colors, and its materials 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 said it was simple to unpack and assemble because the parts came in neatly labeled boxes, with instructions and a video code.
Another amazing characteristic of the UPPAbaby its telescoping handlebar and one-handed brakes that can be operated using only your thumb. And its swiveling front wheels can help it make tight turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
Double strollers have a bad reputation as cumbersome and difficult to maneuver, the new generation of models are sleek and provide a variety of options for customization. You may even find one that fits the car seat of your infant making it easier to get out and about with two children in the stroller.
Whether you're looking for a side-by-side or in-line double stroller, ensure that it's JPMA certified to ensure it complies with minimum safety standards and undergoes regular inspections. You'll also want to look for suspension systems that provide a smooth ride and doesn't cause bumps, or jostling for the toddlers in the front seat. If your stroller comes with an armrest, make sure that it is adjustable to accommodate parents and dads of various heights.
A canopy is an additional feature that can shield your babies from harsh sunlight or inclement weather. The most effective canopies have an reversible window or transparent plastic peek-aboo that lets you watch your child's progress without disturbing them. Some canopies have the ability to shade 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 store in your car's trunk and take up less space. Also, strollers with a single hand-release button that folds the chassis are much more convenient to use.
When choosing a double stroller to buy take into consideration the age gap between your children and the type of trip you intend to take the strollers on. If your children are close in age, you can opt for a tandem high/low stroller to allow them to be together on outings. If your children are separated due to the age gap You can choose one that allows them to have more privacy.
If you're going to be using your stroller with baby car seats, look for a model that works with top-rated car seat brands and has high attachment scores. This won't have as significant an impact on the overall rating as other metrics but it is still important if you plan to use car seat adapters.