Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller provides parents of multiple kids an enjoyable way to take their children around. The best models are lightweight and easy to fold and carry, fit well in a car trunk and have a variety of seating options for children of different ages.
Parents of children who are close to age may find that a side-by-side or sit-and-stand style works best to avoid sibling squabbles over who rides in which car seat. We also like options that allow two infant car seats, like the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double.
Comfort
A comfortable stroller is key for both your baby and toddler. Pick a stroller that has comfortable seats and swiveling tires at the front to smooth bumps on the road. Also, choose one with buckles that are easily fastened and unfastened.
You could also consider an ample UPF 50+ canopy that offers sun protection as well as plenty of coverage for both children. Another feature that is comfortable is the adjustable footrests, which let your child stand up in the back of the seat when they get tired. Some double strollers, like the top-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats you can put in your stroller will depend on the weight and ages of the children that are using it. For instance, a side-by-side stroller allows you to keep an eye on two children simultaneously and is ideal for twins or siblings close in age. However, it's generally wider than other types and can be challenging to navigate in narrow spaces or in crowded areas.
A sit-and-stand pram allows older siblings to stand up while you push a smaller child in an infant car-seat. It's not a good choice for babies but it's a good fit when your children are about three years old and are able to walk longer distances.
Another option is a convertible stroller, which has multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a single or double for several years. Rebecca says this kind of stroller is an excellent choice for parents who want to purchase a single stroller but plan to use it with two kids. It's more expensive than the top tandem model but it'll last for many years and has a great resale price, 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, but it has sleek, modern designs and top-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and has a telescoping handlebar as well as easy-to-press brakes. It also comes with foam-filled tires that won't go flat and large storage basket.
Simple to Use
A double stroller is a costly investment. Parents are therefore looking for models that are simple to use. That means a wide range of features, from the ability to fold it compactly to the ability to adjust the height of the handlebar to accommodate different users, must be readily available. Some models have multiple storage compartments to allow families to separate belongings to make it easier to access. They also have parent consoles and organizer bags to keep keys, phones and other essentials on the ready.
A stroller should be able to adapt to the needs of your family as they grow older as well. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for example, is a budget-friendly stroller that includes an adjustable system. This allows you to add another seat, convert the stroller into a triple with an additional board, or convert it into a single mode by adding a bench in the rear. This flexibility lets double strollers to last as long as is required.
In terms of maneuverability and 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 accepts all of our top-rated infant car seats and is suitable for twins and children of various ages. The telescoping handlebar and easy-to-use brakes make it much easier to maneuver over the other double strollers that we test.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double, on the other hand has a streamlined look and a large basket that can hold two toddler car seats or an infant car seat with a regular child's car seat. It can be used by one child from age three. Its foam-filled tires are designed to not go flat.
The UPPAbaby folds up in half, making it simple to store and transport. It's also extremely light and weighs only 18 pounds. It is also easy to close and open using an latch, and needs no tools for assembling. double pram pushchair picked it as the top pick for its price and shopability, as well as its longevity.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers should be able hold diaper bags as well as water bottles and jackets, as well as the keys, wallets and phones of parents. They also need to be able to glide over different surfaces and maneuver in tight spaces. They usually have to fit into the trunk of a car, therefore they should be easy to fold and compact when not in use.
To meet these needs, double strollers can be built in a wide range of designs. They can be tandem or side-by-side with removable or fixed seats or a baby car seat and a ridingboard. They can also be designed to fit one toddler or infant or twins. Some are designed to be used for jogging while others can be utilized at the beach or on trails for hiking.
Modular designs are particularly useful for families who want to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle, for example, allows parents to mix and match seats, cots, and car seats to let the stroller suitable for all the family members from infant to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers with modular designs, like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be made to accommodate one child with the use of a baby seat or bassinet or a toddler's the option of a jumping seat or standing board (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 a proponent of green and sustainability initiatives. The UPPAbaby comes in many colors, and its fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. In our testing, our test participant Raul utilized the double stroller with his 3 year old daughter and 5-month-old son. He said it was easy to unpack the parts and assemble them because they came in neatly-labeled boxes with instructions and video codes.
The UPPAbaby also comes with a telescoping handlebar and brakes that are operated by your thumb. Its swiveling wheels on the front can help it make more precise turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers have a bad reputation as cumbersome and difficult to maneuver, the latest generation of strollers are sleek and offer many customization options. You will find one that can fit an infant car seat to make it easier to travel with two children.
If you're in the market 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 goes through regular inspections. You'll want to make sure that the suspension system offers a smooth ride for your children when they are in the front seat. If your stroller comes with an armrest, make sure it's adjustable to accommodate the different heights.
A canopy can protect your child from harsh sunlight and inclement weather. The best canopy features an reversible window or clear plastic peek-aboo to let you monitor your child without causing disturbance. Some canopies have visors that block direct sunlight.
Another important metric to consider is how easily the stroller folds and unfolds. Compact strollers are simpler to store in your car's trunk and take up less room. Strollers that have only one button to fold the chassis are also more user-friendly.
When you are shopping for a double stroller, bear in mind how far apart your children are in age and what kind of excursions you are planning to take them on. If your children are close in age, you can opt for a tandem high/low stroller in order to let them interact on outings. On the other hand, if your children have a significant age gap it is possible to choose a side-byside model that offers them more privacy.
If you're going to be using your stroller with baby car seats, search for a model that works with top-rated car seat brands and has high attachment scores. This will not have as significant an impact on the overall rating as other factors but it is still important if you plan to utilize car seat adapters.