Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is a convenient way for parents to transport multiple children. The best strollers are lightweight and easy to fold and carry, fit well inside a trunk of a car, and offer versatile seating arrangements for children of various ages.
If your children are similar in age, you might decide that 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, like the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double.
Comfort
It is important that your baby and toddler are comfortable in the stroller. Choose a stroller with padded seats and swiveling wheels on the front to smooth out road bumps. Also, select one that has buckles that are easily removed and fastened.
Look for a large UPF 50+ canopy to offer sun protection for both children and their parents. Footrests that can be adjusted allow your child to stand in the rear seat when they're exhausted. Some double strollers offer this feature for both children, including the Safety 1st model that is the best seller.
The number of seats you can have in your stroller will depend on the weight and age of the children using it. For instance, a side by side stroller allows you to keep an eye on both kids at the same time and is ideal for twins or siblings that are close in age. However, it's generally wider than other types and may be difficult to navigate in narrow spaces or crowded areas.
Sit-and-stand strollers allow older siblings to stand up while you push a younger child in an infant car-seat. It's not the best option for infants however, it could be suitable when your children are about three years old and can walk for longer distances.
A convertible stroller is an additional option. It has multiple seating configurations and can be used for years as a double or single. Rebecca says that this type of stroller would be an excellent option for parents who are planning to buy one stroller and use it with both children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem selection but it will last a long time, has a great return value, 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 the other strollers we've tested, but it has an elegant, modern design and high-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby car seats, and features a telescoping bar and easy-to press brakes. It also has foam-filled tires that won't go flat and large storage basket.
Ease of Use
A double stroller is a costly investment. Parents are therefore seeking models that are simple to use. It should come with a range of features, including the ability to fold the stroller in a compact manner and to adjust the handlebar's height to accommodate different users. Some models come with more than one storage space that allow families to divide things up for easy access, as well as parent consoles or organizer bags to keep phones, keys and other items in reach.
A stroller should be able adapt to the changing requirements of your family as time goes by. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance, is an affordable stroller that comes with a modular system. It lets you add a second seat, transform the stroller into a triple with an additional board, or convert it into a single mode by adding a bench at the rear. This flexibility allows a double stroller to last for as long as you need it.
In tandem double buggy of maneuverability and maneuverability, many side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver, however our Lab testers were impressed with the ease of operation and maneuverability of the 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. Its telescoping handles and easy-to-use brakes make it more flexible than other double strollers that we evaluated.
On the other hand the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double comes with an elegant design and a huge storage basket that can fit two toddler car seats or one infant car seat in addition to an ordinary child's seat. It can also be used by one child up to the age of three and is a smooth ride due to its tires filled with foam that are not designed to run flat.
Additionally to that, the UPPAbaby is lightweight at only 18 pounds and folds down in half for a sleek package that is easy to carry and put away. It's also simple to open and close using a latch and requires no tools to put together. Our Lab experts chose it as their top choice for its value, affordability and long-term durability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers need to be able to hold diaper bags as well as water bottles and jackets along with the wallets, keys and phones of parents. They also need to be able to glide across different surfaces and maneuver through tight spaces. They usually have to fit in the trunk of a car, therefore they should be simple to fold and compact when not being used.
Double strollers come in a variety of styles to meet these needs. They can be side-by-side or tandem with seats that are removable or fixed or even be outfitted with infant car seats and a riding board. They can be made to fit a single infant or toddler or twins. Some are suited for running, while others can be used for hiking trails and at the beach.
Modular designs are particularly beneficial for families who need to get bigger for their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle, for example, allows parents to mix and combine seats units, cots and car seats to make the stroller fit the entire family from infant to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers with modular designs such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be made to accommodate 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 a variety of ways, making it ideal for twins, siblings or growing families.
The UPPAbaby is also renowned for its green initiatives, and its focus is on sustainability. The UPPAbaby is available in many colors, and its materials are made from recycled water bottles. In our testing, our test participant Raul used this double stroller with his 3 year old daughter and five-month old son. He found it easy to remove the components and assemble them because they were neatly labeled boxes with video and instructions.
The UPPAbaby also comes with a telescoping handlebar, and brakes that operate with your thumb. The swiveling front wheel can help it make tight turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers have a bad reputation as cumbersome and difficult to maneuver, the latest generation of models are sleek and come with a range of customization options. You can find one that is compatible with 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 that it's JPMA-certified to ensure it meets safety standards. It will also go through regular inspections. You should also consider an adjustable suspension system that gives an easy ride and doesn't cause bumps or jostling for your little ones in the front seat. If your stroller has an adjustable handlebar, make sure it's adjustable to ensure both parents can use it.
A canopy can shield your baby from harsh sunlight and harsh weather. The best canopies have a reversible flap or transparent plastic windows that peek-a-boo to let you monitor your children without causing disturbance. Some canopies have visors to block direct sun.
Another important metric to consider is how easily the stroller folds and unfolds. Compact strollers are easier to put in the trunk of your car and take up less space. Strollers with only one button to fold the chassis are also simpler to use.
When shopping for a double stroller, bear in mind how far your children are and what kind of excursions you plan on taking them on. For instance, if you're children are in the same age range, you may want to consider a tandem high-low stroller so that they can get to know each other on outings. On the other the other hand, if you have a significant age gap, you might choose a side-byside model that offers them more privacy.
If you're planning to use your stroller for baby car seats, choose a model with a high attachment score and that is compatible with top-rated brands. This won't have as significant impact on your overall rating as the other metrics, but it's an important aspect to take into consideration if you're thinking of using adapters for car seats.