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 simple to fold, carry and store into a trunk of a car. They also provide flexible seating arrangements for kids of different ages.
If your children are close in age, you may find that a sit-and-stand or side-byside style is the best way to avoid sibling fights over which seat to choose. We also like the options that accept two infant car seat, such as the UPPAbaby V2 double.
Comfort
A stroller that is comfortable is essential for your toddler and baby. Pick one with cushioned seats, a large base, and swivelling front wheels to smooth bumps on the road, and buckles that are easy to fasten and unfasten.
You could also consider a generous UPF 50+ canopy that offers sun protection and 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 provide this option for both children, like the Safety 1st model that is the top-selling model.
How many seats you choose in your stroller depends on the weights and ages of the kids who are riding in it. For instance, a side-by-side stroller lets you keep an eye on both kids simultaneously and is ideal for twins or siblings that are close in age. However, it's generally larger than other configurations and can be challenging to maneuver through narrow spaces or crowded areas.
A sit-and-stand pram allows older siblings to stand up while you push a smaller child in the 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 can walk longer distances.
Another option is a convertible stroller which has multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a double or a single for a long time. Rebecca says this type of stroller is a great option for parents who only want to purchase one stroller, but are planning to use it with two kids. "It's more expensive than our top tandem pick but it will last for 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 other options but it does have an elegant design and top-quality material. It is compatible with UPPAbaby car seats, and features a telescoping bar as well as easy to press brakes. It comes with wheels that are filled with foam that won't sag and a large storage bin.
Easy of Use
A double stroller is not an investment that is cheap, and parents are usually looking for an option that is easy to use. It should have a variety of features, including the possibility of folding the stroller in a compact manner and to adjust the handlebar's height to accommodate different users. Some models have multiple storage compartments that allow families to organize their belongings to make them easy to access. They also come with parent consoles and organizer bags that keep phones, keys, and other essentials at hand.
A stroller must be able adapt to the changing requirements of your family as time goes by. For instance, a cost-effective model like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes a modular system that lets you add a seat, transform it into a triple using an incline board, or change to a single-mode with an additional bench in the rear. This flexibility can make double strollers work for as long as you want it to.
In terms of maneuverability, many side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver, however our Lab testers were impressed with the ease of use 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 and children of various age. The telescoping handlebar as well as the simple-to-use brakes make it much easier to maneuver over the other double strollers we test.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double, it's on the other hand, has a sleek design and a large basket that can accommodate two toddler car seats or an infant car seat along with a regular child's seat. It can be used by a single child as young as three years old. Its tires that are filled with foam are designed to not go flat.
The UPPAbaby folds down in half and is simple to store and transport. It's also very light, weighing only 18 pounds. It is also easy to open and close using an latch, and needs no tools to assemble. It was a top pick from our Lab experts due to its durability and shopability as well as its affordability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers need to be able to hold diaper bags jackets, water bottles, and other items, as well as keys, wallets and phones of parents. They also need to be able to slide over different surfaces and maneuver through tight spaces. They often need to fit in the trunk of a vehicle, so they must be easy to fold and compact when not when not in use.
To meet these needs, double strollers can be constructed in a variety of styles. 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 also be designed to accommodate one toddler or infant or twins. Some are suitable for running, while others can be used on trails for hiking and at the beach.
Modular designs are particularly useful for families that need to grow with 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 be used by the entire family from birth to toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be modified to fit a single child through the use of a baby seat or bassinet, or a toddler with a jump seat or a standing board (sold separately). The versatile UPPAbaby can be set up in a variety of ways, making it suitable 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 a variety of colors, and its fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. Raul one of our testers used the double stroller for testing with his five-month-old son as well as three-year-old daughter. He says it was easy to unpack and assemble because the components were neatly labeled boxes, with instructions and a video code.
Another great characteristic of the UPPAbaby its telescoping handlebar, as well as brakes that are one-handed and can be operated with only your thumb. The swiveling wheels at the front can help it make more precise turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are often accused of being cumbersome, difficult to maneuver and bulky. However, the latest models are sleeker and offer a variety of customization options. You may even find one that is compatible with your infant car seat, making it even easier to get out and about with two kids in the stroller.
If you're looking for a double stroller that can be used side-by-side or in line, ensure that it's JPMA-certified to ensure it conforms to safety standards. It will also go through regular inspections. You'll want to make sure that the suspension system gives a smooth ride for your children who are in the front seat. And if your stroller has a handlebar, make sure it's adjustable to accommodate Moms and Dads of different heights.
A canopy can shield your baby from harsh sunlight and harsh weather. The most effective canopies have windows that can be reversible or a transparent plastic peek-aboo which lets you observe your child without disturbing them. Push Chairs And Prams come with visors that block the direct sun.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is a second important factor to consider. Strollers that are compact when folded are more convenient to store and take less space in the trunk of your car. Strollers with only one button to fold the chassis are also more user-friendly.
When deciding on a double stroller be aware of the age gap between your children as well as the type of trip you intend to take with them. If your children are similar in age you may choose a tandem stroller that is high/low to allow them to be together on outings. If your children are separated due to an age gap that is large, you may choose a model that gives them more privacy.
If you're planning to use your stroller for baby car seats, select 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 other metrics however it's a crucial aspect to take into consideration if you're thinking of using adapters for car seats.