Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is a convenient option for parents to take multiple children. The most effective models are easy to fold, carry and place in a car trunk. They also offer various seating arrangements for children of various ages.
Parents with children of a similar age may find that a side by side or sit-and-stand design is the best to avoid sibling fights about who is allowed to ride in which car seat. We also like the options that can accommodate two infant car seats like the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double.
Comfort
best double stroller that is comfortable and safe for your toddler and baby. Pick a stroller that has padded seats and swiveling wheels at the front to smooth out bumps on the road. Also, choose one that has buckles that can be easily removed and fastened.
You can also search for a large, UPF 50+ canopy that offers sun protection and plenty of coverage for both children. Footrests that can be adjusted allow your child to stand in the rear seat when they are exhausted. Some double strollers, such as the top-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. A side-by-side baby stroller lets you to keep an eye on two children at once which is ideal for twins or siblings of a similar age. However, it's generally wider than other types and can be challenging to maneuver through narrow spaces or crowded areas.
On the other hand, a sit-and stand stroller gives older siblings the chance to stand while you push the younger one in a car seat for infants. It's not the best option for newborns but can be useful for older children who are able to walk longer distances.
Another alternative is a convertible stroller that has multiple seating options and can be used as a double or single for a long time. Rebecca says that this type of stroller would be an excellent option for parents who intend to buy one stroller and use it with both children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem selection however, it will last a long time, offers a high resale value and is incredibly 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 some of the other strollers we've tested however it does have a sleek, modern design and top-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and has a telescoping handlebar and brakes that are easy to press. It comes with foam-filled wheels that won't sag and a large storage bin.
Easy of Use
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, ranging from the ability to fold it compactly to the ability to adjust the height of the handlebar for different users, should be readily available. Some models come with multiple storage compartments to allow families to separate belongings to make them easy to access. They also include parent consoles and organizer bags to keep phones, keys and other essentials on fingertips.
A stroller should be able adapt to the changing needs of your family as time goes by. For instance, a cost-effective option such as the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes an adjustable system that lets you add a seat, transform it into a triple by using the rideboard, or change to a single mode with a rear bench. This allows double strollers to last for 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 operation and maneuverability of the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model is compatible with all of our top-rated infant car seats and is suitable for twins or children of various age. Its telescoping handlebar and simple-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable over the other double strollers we've tested.
On the other hand the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double comes with sleek design and a large storage basket that can fit two car seats for toddlers or one infant car seat in addition to an ordinary child seat. It can also be used by any single child until three years old and is a smooth ride due to its foam-filled tires that are made to not go flat.
In addition, the UPPAbaby is super light at only 18 pounds, and folds in half to make a slim and sleek box that's easy to carry and put away. It's also easy to open and re-close with a latch and requires no tools for assembly. It was a top choice among our Lab experts due to its durability and shopability as well as its affordability.
Simple of Storage
Double strollers should be able hold diaper bags, water bottles and jackets along with the keys, wallets and phones of parents. They should also be able glide over different surfaces, and maneuver in tight places. When not in use, they are often required to fit into the trunk of a car.
To meet these requirements, double strollers can be built in a wide range of styles. They can be side-byside or tandem with removable or fixed seats or equipped with infant car seats and a rideboard. They can also be designed to accommodate a single toddler or newborn, or twins. Some are designed to be used for running while others are used on beaches or on trails for hiking.
Modular designs are particularly useful for families that need to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle, for example allows parents to mix and blend seat units, cots, and car seats to make the stroller fit the entire family from newborn to toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be adapted to one child using the bassinet or baby seat or a toddler using a standing board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby's versatility allows it to be set up in a variety of ways, making it suitable for twins and siblings, or for an expanding family.
The UPPAbaby is also committed to sustainability and green initiatives. The UPPAbaby comes in a variety of colors, and the fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. Raul, one of our testers, utilized this double stroller while testing with his five-month-old son and three-year-old daughter. He said it was simple to unpack and assemble because the components were neatly labeled boxes, which had instructions and a video code included.
Another amazing characteristic of the UPPAbaby its telescoping handlebar and brakes that operate with one hand and can be operated by your thumb. The swiveling wheels on its front can assist in making more precise turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
Double strollers are a bit of received a bad rap for being bulky and difficult to maneuver, the latest generation of strollers are sleek and offer many options for customization. You can even find one that is compatible with your car seat for infants which makes it more convenient to go out and about with two kids in the stroller.
If you're in the market for a side-byside or in-line double stroller, be sure it's JPMA certified to ensure it meets the minimum safety standards and passes regular inspections. You should also consider an adjustable suspension system that gives a smooth ride and doesn't create bumps or jolting for your toddlers in the front seat. And if your stroller has a handlebar, make sure it's adjustable to fit the different heights.
A canopy is an additional feature that protects your children from the harsh sun or inclement weather. The most effective canopies come with the option of a reversible flap, or a transparent plastic peek-a-boo windows to allow you to monitor your children without causing any disturbance to them. Some canopies have visors that block direct sunlight.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is another important factor to consider. Strollers that fold compactly when folded are easier to store and take up less space in the trunk of your car. Also, strollers with a single hand-release button that folds the chassis are much more convenient to use.
When deciding which double stroller to buy take into consideration the age gap between your children as well as the type of trip you're planning to take them on. For example, if your kids are close in age, you may want to opt for a tandem high-low stroller so that they can get to know each other on outings. If your children are separated by an age gap that is large you can select a model that gives them more privacy.
If you're going to be using your stroller with baby car seats, look for a model that integrates with top-rated car seat brands and has good attachment scores. It won't have as much impact on your overall rating as other factors however it's a crucial aspect to take into consideration if you're thinking of using car seat adapters.
