Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is an ideal method for parents to carry multiple children. The best strollers are simple to fold and transport and fit nicely in a car trunk and offer versatile seating arrangements for children of varying ages.
Parents with children of a similar age may find that a side by side or sit-and stand style is best to avoid sibling squabbles over who rides in which car seat. We also like options which accept two infant car seats like the UPPAbaby v2 double.
Comfort
It is essential that your baby and toddler are both comfortable in the stroller. Pick a stroller that has padded seats and swiveling wheels on the front to smooth bumps on the road. Also, pick one that has buckles that can be easily removed and fastened.
You can also search for an ample, UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection and ample coverage for both kids. Another comfort feature is adjustable footrests, which let your child sit up in the back of the seat when they get tired. Some double strollers offer this feature to both children, including the Safety 1st model that is the top-selling model.
How many seats you choose in your stroller depends on the weight and ages of the kids that are using it. For instance, a side by side stroller allows you to keep an eye on both children at the same time and is ideal for twins or siblings who are close in age. It's more spacious than other types of strollers and isn't easy to maneuver through crowded or narrow spaces.
On the other hand, a stand-and-sit stroller gives older siblings the chance to stand while you push your younger child in a car seat for infants. It's not the best option for infants, but it can be beneficial for older children who can walk longer distances.
Another option is a convertible stroller which has multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a double or a single for a long time. Rebecca says that this kind of stroller is a good choice for parents who want to buy one stroller but plan to use it with two kids. It's more expensive than the top tandem model but it'll last for an extended period of time and comes with an excellent resale value, she adds.
double jogging 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 of the other strollers we've tried, but it has a sleek, modern design and top-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and has a telescoping bar and easy-to press brakes. It has foam-filled wheels that won't sag and a huge storage bin.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller isn't an investment that is cheap, and parents are usually looking for one that is simple to use. That means a broad range of features, from the ability to fold it up compactly to the ability to adjust the height of the handlebar to accommodate different users, must be available. Some models also have more than one storage compartment to allow families to split things up for easy access, and organizer bags for parents or parent consoles to keep phone, keys, and other essentials within reach.
A stroller should be able adapt to the changing requirements of your family over time. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance, is a budget-friendly stroller with a modular system. This allows you to add a second seat, transform the stroller into a triple by adding a board, or switch it to a single mode by adding a bench at the rear. This flexibility allows double strollers to last as long as it is needed.
In terms of maneuverability, many 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 our top-rated car seats for infants and can be used by twins or children of various ages. Its telescoping handlebar and simple-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable than many of the other double strollers we tested.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double on the other hand has a sleek design and an ample basket that can accommodate two toddler car seats or an infant car seat with a regular child's car seat. It can also be used by a single child up to the age of three and is a smooth ride due to its foam-filled tires that are not designed to run flat.
Additionally to that, the UPPAbaby is light at only 18 pounds and folds down in half to create a sleek and compact package that is easy to carry and to store. It's also simple to open and close using a latch and requires no tools to put together. It was a top pick by our Lab experts due to its durability and versatility, as well as its price.
Simple of Storage
Double strollers should be able hold diaper bags, water bottles and jackets along with keys, wallets and phones of parents. They should also be able to glide across various surfaces and maneuver into tight spaces. They are often required to fit in the trunk of a car, so they must be easy to fold and compact when not when not in use.
Double strollers come in many different styles to meet your needs. They can be tandem or side-by-side and can also have seats that can be removed or fixed or even be outfitted with infant car seats and a riding board. They can also be designed to accommodate one toddler or infant or twins. Some are suited for running, while others can be used on trails for hiking or at the beach.
Modular designs are particularly useful for families who need to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle for instance allows parents to mix and blend seats, cots, and car seats to let the stroller suitable for the entire family from infant to toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers, like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be modified to fit one child by the use of bassinets or a baby seat or a toddler's an elevated seat or standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is an adaptable stroller that can be set up in a variety of ways. It's ideal for twins, siblings or an expanding family.
The UPPAbaby is recognized for its green initiatives, and it prioritizes sustainability. The UPPAbaby comes in a variety of colors, and the fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. Raul one of our testers, used the double stroller for testing with his five-month-old son and three-year-old daughter. double jogging stroller said it was simple to disassemble and unpack because the components were neatly labeled boxes, which had instructions and a video code included.
The UPPAbaby also has an adjustable handlebar that can be telescoping, as well as brakes that operate with your thumb. The swiveling front wheel allow it to make tight turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized as being cumbersome and difficult to maneuver. They're also heavy. However, the newest models are sleeker and provide a variety of customization options. You may even find one that will fit your car seat for infants which makes it more convenient to go out and about with two kids with you.
If you're looking for a double stroller that can be used side-by-side or in line, ensure that it's JPMA-certified to ensure it meets safety standards. It also has to pass regular inspections. Also, you should choose suspension systems that provide an easy ride and doesn't cause bumps or jostling for your little ones in the front seat. If your stroller comes with a handlebar, make sure it's adjustable to fit 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 come with an reversible flap as well as a transparent plastic peek-a-boo windows that allows you to watch your children without causing any disturbance to them. Some canopies have visors that block direct sunlight.
Another important metric to take into consideration is how easy the stroller folds and unfolds. Strollers that fold compactly when folded are more convenient to store and take less space in the trunk of your car. Also, strollers that have only one button to release the hand that folds the chassis much easier to use.
When deciding on a double stroller, consider the age difference between your children and the kind of trip you intend to take the strollers on. For instance, if you're children are similar in age it is possible to consider an incline-to-low tandem stroller so that they can interact when outings are planned. On the other side, if your kids have a significant age difference it is possible to choose a side-byside model that offers them more privacy.
If you're planning to use your stroller to carry baby car seats, choose one with a high attachment score and that is compatible with top-rated brands. This won't have as significant of an impact on your overall rating as the other metrics however it's a crucial aspect to take into consideration if you're thinking of using adapters for car seats.