Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller offers parents with multiple children a comfortable way to get them around. The best models are reasonably easy to fold and carry, fit well in the trunk of a car and provide a variety of seating arrangements for children of varying ages.
If your children are close in age, you might find that a sit-and-stand or side-byside style is the best method to avoid fighting between siblings over the best seat to use. We also recommend options that accept two infant car seat like the UPPAbaby V2 double.
Comfort
A stroller that is comfortable is essential for both your baby and toddler. Select a stroller with comfortable seats and swiveling tires at the front to smooth out bumps on the road. Also, choose one with buckles that can be easily unfastened and fastened.
You can also look for a generous, UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection and plenty of coverage for both kids. Adjustable footrests let your child to stand in the rear seat if they're tired. Some double strollers offer this option to both children, like the Safety 1st model that is the top-selling model.
The number of seats you can have in the stroller will be contingent on the weight and age of the children using it. For instance, a side-by-side stroller lets you keep an eye on two children simultaneously and is ideal for twins or siblings who are close in age. However, it's generally wider than other models and can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces or in crowded areas.
On the other hand, a sit-and stand stroller gives older siblings a chance to stand while you push the younger one in the infant car seat. It's not the best choice for newborns but can be useful for older children who can walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is another alternative. It has multiple seating options and can be used as a single or double. Rebecca says that this type of stroller is an ideal choice for parents who intend to buy one stroller and use it with both children. It's more expensive than the top tandem choice but it will last for a long time and has an excellent resale value, she adds.
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 tried however, it comes with sleek, modern designs and high-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and comes with a telescoping bar and easy-to press brakes. It also comes with tires filled with foam that will not wear out and a large storage basket.
Ease of Use
A double stroller is a costly investment. Parents are therefore seeking models that are easy to use. It should have a variety of features including the capability to fold the stroller in a compact manner and adjust the handlebar height to suit different users. Some models have multiple storage compartments that allow families to organize their belongings to make them easy to access. They also have parent consoles and organizer bags that store keys, phones and other necessities on fingertips.
double buggy should be able to adapt to the changing needs of your family over time. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance, is an affordable stroller that comes with an adjustable system. This allows you to add another seat, convert the stroller into a triple with the addition of a board, or change it to a single mode by adding a bench at the rear. This flexibility lets a double stroller to last as long as it is needed.
When it comes to maneuverability, some side-by-side models struggle to turn on a dime however many of our Lab testers appreciated the ease-of-use and maneuverability of the inline 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 different age groups. The telescoping handles and simple-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable than other double strollers we tested.
On the other side, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double has a streamlined design and a huge storage basket that can fit two car seats for toddlers or one infant car seat and a regular child seat. It can be used by one child as young as three years old. The tires are filled with foam and designed to not go flat.
The UPPAbaby folds down in half, making it simple to store and transport. It's also super lightweight, weighing only 18 pounds. It is also easy to open and close using an latch, and needs no tools for assembling. Our Lab experts selected it as the top pick for its affordability and long-term durability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers need to be able to hold diaper bags and water bottles, snacks, toys and jackets for children and parents keys, wallets, phones and other belongings. They should also be able to glide over different surfaces and maneuver in tight spaces. They often need to fit in the trunk of a car, therefore they must be simple to fold and compact when not being used.
To meet the needs of parents Double strollers can be built in a wide range of styles. They can be side-by-side or tandem and can also have seats that are removable or fixed or come with infant car seats as well as a riding board. They can be designed to fit one toddler or infant or twins. Some are designed for running, while others could be used on hiking trails and at the beach.
Modular designs can be especially helpful for families that need to get bigger for their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle, for example allows parents to mix and combine seats, cots, and car seats to make the stroller fit the entire family from newborn 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's with a jump seat or standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a versatile stroller that can be set up in a variety of ways, making it ideal for twins or siblings, or even a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also known for its green initiatives, and it is a proponent of sustainability. The UPPAbaby comes with a wide range of colors and the fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. Our test subject Raul used this double stroller with his three-year old daughter and five-month-old son. He says it was easy to take apart and assemble since the components came in neatly labeled boxes, with instructions and a video code.
The UPPAbaby also features an adjustable handlebar that can be telescoping, as well as brakes that operate with your thumb. The swiveling front wheel will allow it to make precise turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are a bit of been criticized for being heavy and difficult to maneuver, the latest generation of models are sleek and come with a range of options for customization. You can even find one that fits your car seat for infants, making it even more convenient to go out and about with two kids in tow.
If you're in the market for a double stroller that can be used side-byside or in a line, make sure that it's JPMA-certified to ensure it is safe to use. It also has to pass regular inspections. You'll need to ensure that the suspension system provides a smooth ride for your children when they are in the front seat. If your stroller is equipped with a handlebar, be sure it's adjustable to accommodate Moms and Dads of different heights.
A canopy is another essential feature that can shield your children from the harsh sun or inclement 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 also come with visors to block direct sun.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is a second important factor to consider. Compact strollers are simpler to put in the trunk of your car and take up less space. Strollers that come with a single button to fold the chassis are also easier to use.
When you are shopping for a double stroller, bear in mind the distance your children are and what kind of excursions you're planning to take them on. For example, if your kids are close in age and you want to opt for a tandem high-low stroller so that they can interact when outings are planned. If your children are separated by the age gap, you may choose one 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 seats and has good attachment scores. This will not have as much of an impact on the overall rating as other metrics but is still important if you plan to use car seat adapters.