Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is an ideal method for parents to carry multiple children. The most effective models are easy to fold, carry and store in a car trunk. They also offer different 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 prevent sibling rivalries over who gets to ride in which car 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 toddler and baby. Choose one that has cushioned seats, a large base and swiveling front wheels to smooth bumps in the road and buckles that are easy to unfasten and fasten.
Look for a large UPF 50+ canopy to provide sun protection for both children. Adjustable footrests let your child to stand up in the back seat when they are exhausted. Some double strollers, like the top-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
How many seats you choose in your stroller will depend on the weight and ages of the children who are who are riding in it. For example, a side-by-side stroller allows you to keep an eye on both kids at the same time and is ideal for twins or siblings who are close in age. It's wider than other configurations and isn't easy to maneuver in tight or narrow areas.
Sit-and-stand strollers allow older siblings to stand up while you push a smaller child in an infant car-seat. It's not the best option for infants but it's a good fit when your children are about three years old and able to walk longer distances.
Another alternative is a convertible stroller that has multiple seating options and can be used as a single or double for a long time. Rebecca says that this kind of stroller is an excellent option for parents who wish to buy one stroller but are planning to use it with two kids. It's more expensive than the top tandem pick but it'll last for an extended period of time and comes with an excellent resale value, 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 strollers we've tried however it does have sleek, modern designs 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 also comes with foam-filled tires that aren't flat, and a large storage basket.
Easy of Use
A double stroller is not an inexpensive investment, which is why parents often seek an option that is easy to use. That means a broad range of features, ranging from the ability to fold it up compactly to the ability to adjust the height of the handlebar to accommodate different users, must be readily available. Some models come with multiple storage compartments to allow families to split up belongings for quick access, and organizer bags or consoles for parents to keep phone, keys and other items in reach.
A stroller can be adjusted to the needs of your family as they grow older also. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance is a budget-friendly stroller with an adjustable system. This allows you to add a seat, transform the stroller into a triple by adding an additional board, or convert it into a single mode by adding a rear bench. This flexibility will let double strollers work for as long as you want it to.
In terms of maneuverability, a lot of side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver. However, our Lab testers were impressed by the ease of use and maneuverability of the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model accepts all of our top-rated infant car seats and is suitable for twins or kids of varying ages. Its telescoping handlebar and simple-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable over the other double strollers we tested.
On the other hand the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double features sleek design and a large storage basket that can hold two toddler car seats or one infant car seat plus an ordinary child's seat. It can also be used by one child up to the age of three. It provides a smooth ride due to its foam-filled tires which are designed not to go flat.
Additionally to that, the UPPAbaby is light at only 18 pounds, and folds in half to make a slim and sleek box that is easy to transport and to store. It's also easy to open and close with a latch, and requires no tools to assemble. It was a top pick from our Lab experts for its longevity, shopability, and affordability.
Easy of Storage
Double strollers must be able to hold diaper bags, water bottles and jackets, as well as keys, wallets and phones of parents. They also need to be able to glide across different surfaces and maneuver through tight spaces. They usually have to fit into the trunk of a car, therefore they must be easy to fold up and compact when not in use.
To meet these requirements Double strollers are built in a wide range of designs. They can be tandem or side-by-side with seats that are removable or fixed, or be equipped with infant car seats and a riding board. link homepage can be designed to accommodate one toddler or infant or twins. Some are designed for running, while others could be used on trails for hiking and at the beach.
Modular designs are especially beneficial for families who want to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle for instance, allows parents to mix and blend seats units, cots and car seats to make the stroller suitable for all the family members from infant to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular, such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be modified to accommodate a single child by using baby seats or a bassinet, or a toddler by using an elevated board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a versatile stroller that can be configured in a variety of ways. It's perfect for twins, siblings or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also a proponent of green and sustainability initiatives. The UPPAbaby is available in a wide range of colors and the fabrics are made out of recycled water bottles. During testing, our tester Raul used the double stroller with his three-year old daughter and 5-month-old son. He said it was simple to disassemble and unpack because the components came in neatly labeled boxes with instructions and a video code included.
The UPPAbaby also has a telescoping handlebar and brakes controlled by your thumb. The swiveling wheels at the front can aid in making more precise turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
While double strollers have a bad reputation as cumbersome and difficult to maneuver, the latest generation of models are sleek and offer many options for customization. You may even find one that will fit the car seat of your infant making it easier to get out and about with two children with you.
Whether you're looking for a side-by-side or in-line double stroller, make sure it's JPMA certified to ensure it complies with minimum safety standards and undergoes regular inspections. You'll also want to look for a suspension system that provides smooth riding and doesn't cause bumps or jostling for your children in the front seat. And if your stroller has a handlebar, make sure that it is adjustable to accommodate parents and dads of various heights.
A canopy is another essential feature that will protect your children from harsh sunlight or the harsh weather. The best canopy features an reversible flap as well as a clear plastic peek-a-boo window to let you monitor your children without disturbing them. Some canopies come with visors to block the direct sun.
Another important metric to consider is how easy the stroller folds and unfolds. Compact strollers are easier to put in the trunk of your car and take up less space. Also, strollers with only one button to release the hand that folds the chassis are much easier to use.
When shopping for a double stroller, keep in mind how far apart your children are in age and what kind of outings you plan on taking them on. If your children are similar in age, you can opt for a tandem high/low stroller to let them interact during outings. On the other hand, if your children have a large age gap then you may want to consider an option that is side-by-side, which gives them more privacy.
If you plan to use your stroller to carry baby car seats, choose one with a high attachment score and compatible with top-rated brands. This will not have as significant an impact on the overall rating as other indicators however it is crucial if you intend to use adapters for car seats.