Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller gives parents with multiple children a comfortable way to get them around. The best strollers are simple to fold and transport and can easily fit inside a trunk of a car, and have a variety of seating options for children of various ages.
Parents with children of a similar age may find that a side by side or sit-and-stand style works best to prevent sibling rivalries over who rides in which seat. We also recommend options that accept two infant car seats like the UPPAbaby V2 double.
Comfort
A stroller that is comfortable and safe for your toddler and baby. Select one with cushioned seats, a large base and swiveling front wheels to smooth bumps on the road, and buckles that are simple to secure and remove.
Choose a big, UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection for both children and their parents. Another comfort feature is adjustable footrests, which let your child stand up in the back seat when they are tired. Some double strollers, such as the top-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats you can put in your stroller depends on the weights and ages of the children who are riding in it. For example, a side-by-side stroller allows you to keep an eye on both children simultaneously, so it's perfect for twins or siblings who are close in age. It's more spacious than other types of strollers, and can be difficult to maneuver through crowded or narrow areas.
On the other hand, a sit-and stand stroller gives older siblings the chance to stand while you push the younger one in the infant car seat. It's not the ideal choice for babies, but it is useful for older children who can walk longer distances.
Another option is a convertible stroller, which has multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a double or single for several years. Rebecca says this kind of stroller would be an excellent option for parents who plan to buy one stroller and use it with both children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem selection but it will last a long time, has great return value, and is extremely versatile," she says.
thule double 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, but it has an elegant, modern design and top-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and it has a telescoping handlebar as well as easy-to-press brakes. It comes with foam-filled wheels that won't sag and a large storage bin.
Simple to Use
A double stroller can be an expensive investment. Parents are therefore seeking models that are easy to use. It should include a variety of features including the possibility of folding the stroller into a compact size and adjust the handlebar height to accommodate different users. Some models have multiple storage compartments that allow families to organize their belongings to make it easier to access. They also have parent consoles and organizer bags to keep keys, phones, and other essentials at hand.
A stroller should be able to adapt to your family's needs over the years, too. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance, is a budget-friendly stroller that includes an adjustable system. It 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 can make a double stroller work for the time you need 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 and children of various ages. The telescoping handlebar as well as the simple-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable over the other double strollers we test.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double, on the other hand has a sleek design and an ample basket that can accommodate two toddler car seats or an infant car seat with a regular child's seat. It can also be used by a single child up to three years old and provides a smooth ride due to its foam-filled tires which are made to not go flat.
The UPPAbaby folds up in half, making it simple to store and transport. It's also super lightweight, weighing only 18 pounds. It's also easy to open and re-close with an latch, and requires no tools to put together. Our Lab experts selected it as the best choice for its affordability and shopability, as well as its longevity.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers must be able to hold diaper bags, water bottles and jackets, as well as the wallets, keys and phones of parents. They also need to be able to slide over different surfaces and maneuver in tight spaces. When not in use they often have to fit into the trunk of a car.
To meet the needs of parents, double strollers can be constructed in a variety of styles. They can be tandem or side-byside, and they can have fixed or removable seats or come with infant car seats as well as a riding board. They can be made to fit one toddler or infant or twins. Some are designed for running, while others can be utilized at the beach or on hiking trails.
Modular designs are especially useful for families that need 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 fit the entire family from infant to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular, such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be converted to one child with the use of a bassinet or baby seat, or a toddler by using an elevated board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a flexible stroller that can be configured 30 different ways. It's great for twins, siblings, or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is recognized for its green initiatives and it is a proponent of sustainability. The UPPAbaby is available in various colors, and its fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. In our testing, our test participant Raul used this double stroller with his three year old daughter and five-month-old son. Raul says it was simple to take apart and assemble since the components were neatly labeled boxes, with instructions and a video code.
The UPPAbaby also comes with an adjustable handlebar that can be telescoping, as well as brakes controlled by your thumb. And its swiveling front wheels can help it make tight turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
While double strollers have received a bad rap for being bulky and difficult to maneuver, the new generation of strollers are sleek and provide a variety of options for customization. You can find one that is compatible with an infant car seat, making it easier to travel with two children.
If you're looking for a double stroller that can be used side-by-side, or in line, ensure it is JPMA-certified to ensure it conforms to safety standards. It also has to pass regular inspections. You'll need to ensure that the suspension system offers an easy ride for your children who are in the front seat. If your stroller has a handlebar make sure it's adjustable to ensure both parents can use it.
A canopy can protect your baby from harsh sunlight and harsh weather. The best canopy features a reversible flap or transparent plastic windows that peek-a-boo to allow you to monitor your children without causing any disturbance to them. Some canopies come with visors to block direct sunlight.
Another important metric to consider is how easily the stroller folds and unfolds. Compact strollers are easier to store in the trunk of your car and take up less space. Strollers that have a single button to fold the chassis are also more user-friendly.
When shopping for a double stroller, bear in mind how far apart your children are in age and what kind of excursions you plan on taking them on. If your children are similar in age, you could opt for a tandem stroller that is high/low to allow them to be together on outings. On the other the other hand, if you have a significant age difference then you may want to consider an option that is side-by-side, which gives them more privacy.
If you're going to be using your stroller with baby car seats, search for a model that works with the top-rated car seat brands and has high attachment scores. This won't have as much of an impact on the overall rating as other factors however it is crucial if you intend to use adapters for car seats.