Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller provides parents with multiple children a comfortable way to get their children around. The best models are easy to fold and carry, fit well in the trunk of a car and offer versatile seating arrangements for children of varying ages.
Parents with children close in age may find that a side-by-side or sit-and-stand design is the best to avoid sibling squabbles about who is allowed to ride in which seat. We also recommend options that accept two infant car seats such as the UPPAbaby v2 Double.
Comfort
A comfortable stroller is key for both your baby and toddler. Choose a stroller with comfortable seats and swiveling tires at the front to smooth bumps on the road. Also, choose one with buckles that can be easily unfastened and fastened.
Find a large, UPF 50+ canopy to offer sun protection for both children. Another feature that is comfortable is the adjustable footrests, which allow your child to stand in the back of the seat when they get tired. Some double strollers, like the most popular model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
How many seats you choose in your stroller depends on the weight and ages of the kids riding in it. A side-by-side baby stroller lets you to watch two children at a time which is ideal for twins or siblings of the same age. However, it's generally wider than other configurations and can be challenging to navigate in narrow spaces or crowded areas.
On the other hand, a stand-and-sit stroller gives older siblings a chance to stand while you push the younger one in the infant car seat. It's not ideal for newborns however, it could be a good fit when your children are about three years old and can walk for longer distances.
Another alternative is a convertible stroller which offers multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a single or double for several years. Rebecca says this kind of stroller would be an ideal choice for parents who are planning to buy one stroller and use it with both children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem choice but it will last for 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 is not as compact as other options, but it features an elegant design and premium material. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and comes with an adjustable handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted and easy-to-press brakes. It has foam-filled wheels that won't break and a large storage bin.
Ease of Use
A double stroller is a costly investment. Parents are looking for models that are simple to use. This means a variety of features, from the ability to fold it compactly to adjusting the handlebar height for different users, should be readily available. Some models come with more than one storage compartment to allow families to split things up for easy access, as well as organizer bags or consoles for parents to keep phone, keys, and other essentials easily accessible.
A stroller can be adjusted to the changing needs of your family as they grow older also. For example, a budget-friendly model like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes a modular system that lets you add a second seat, convert it to a triple with the rideboard, or change to a single-mode with the rear bench. This allows double strollers to last for as long as you need it.
In terms of maneuverability, many side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver, but our Lab testers were impressed with 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 age groups. Its telescoping handlebar and simple-to-use brakes make it easier to maneuver than many of the other double strollers we tested.
On the other side, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double features sleek design and a large storage basket that can hold two car seats for toddlers or one infant car seat plus an ordinary child's seat. It can be used by one child up to age three. Its tires that are filled with foam are designed to not go flat.
Additionally it's light at just 18 pounds and folds in half to create a sleek and compact package that's easy to carry and put away. It is also easy to open and close using the latch, and requires no tools for assembling. Our Lab experts selected it as the best choice for its price and shopability, as well as its longevity.
double pram pushchair of Storage
Double strollers need to be able to hold diaper bags jackets, water bottles, and other items along with keys, wallets and phones of parents. They also need to be able to slide over different surfaces and maneuver through tight spaces. When not in use they often have to fit into the trunk of a car.
To meet these needs, double strollers can be constructed in a variety of styles. They can be tandem or side-byside with seats that are removable or fixed, or be equipped with infant car seats and a riding board. They can also be designed to fit a single newborn or toddler, or twins. Some are designed for jogging, while others can be used on trails for hiking and at the beach.
Modular designs are especially useful for families who want to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S for instance is designed to permit parents to mix and match their seat units, cot attachments, and car seats, so that the stroller can serve the family from birth until toddlerhood.
Other double strollers with modular designs like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be adapted to one child using the bassinet or baby seat or for a toddler using an elevated board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a versatile stroller that can be set up in a variety of ways. It's ideal for twins, siblings or an expanding family.
The UPPAbaby is also renowned for its green initiatives, and it prioritizes sustainability. The UPPAbaby comes in various colors, and its materials are made from recycled water bottles. During testing, our tester Raul utilized the double stroller with his 3 year old daughter and five-month-old son. He says it was easy to disassemble and unpack because the components came in neatly labeled boxes, with instructions and a video code.
Another excellent characteristic of the UPPAbaby its telescoping handlebar as well as brakes that are one-handed and can be operated by your thumb. The swiveling wheels on its front can assist in making more precise turns on city sidewalks.
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 might even find one that is compatible with the car seat of your infant, making it even easier to get out and about with two kids in tow.
If you're in the market for a side-by-side or in-line double stroller, ensure that it's JPMA certified to ensure that it meets the minimum safety standards and passes regular inspections. You'll need to ensure that the suspension system offers an easy ride for your children who are in the front seat. And if your stroller has a handlebar, be sure it's adjustable to fit Moms and Dads of different heights.
A canopy is a crucial feature that protects your children from the harsh sun or inclement weather. The best canopy features windows that can be reversible or a clear plastic peek-aboo to let you monitor your child without disturbing them. Some canopies also come with visors to block direct sun.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is another important aspect to think about. Strollers that fold compactly when folded are easier to store and take up less space in the trunk of your car. Also, strollers that have a single hand-release button that folds the chassis are much more convenient to use.
When choosing a double stroller take into consideration the age gap between your children and the kind of trip you intend to take with them. For example, if your kids are close in age it is possible to consider a tandem high-low stroller so that they can interact on outings. On double pram pushchair , if your kids have a large age gap, you might choose a side-by-side model that gives them more privacy.
If you're planning on using your stroller with baby car seats, look for a model that works with top-rated car seats and has high attachment scores. This won't have as big of an impact on your overall rating as other factors however it's a crucial factor to consider if you're planning on using car seat adapters.