Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller offers parents with multiple children an easy way to move them around. The most effective models are easy to fold, carry and fit into the trunk of a car. They also provide flexible seating arrangements for kids 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 avoid sibling fights over who gets to ride in which car seat. We also recommend options that accept two infant car seats like the UPPAbaby v2 double.
Comfort
A stroller that is comfortable is essential for both your toddler and baby. Select a stroller with padded seats and swiveling wheels at the front to smooth road bumps. Also, choose one with buckles that are easily removed and fastened.
You could also consider a generous, UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection as well as plenty of coverage for both children. Footrests that can be adjusted allow your child to sit in the back seat when they're exhausted. Some double strollers, like the best-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats you can put in your stroller depends on the weight and ages of the children who are riding in it. A side-by-side baby stroller allows you to monitor two children at the same time it is ideal for twins or siblings of similar age. It's wider than other configurations and may be difficult to maneuver through crowded or narrow spaces.
On the other hand, a sit-and-stand stroller gives older siblings the chance to stand while you push the younger one in an infant car seat. It's not ideal for newborns however, it could be a good fit when your kids are around three years old and can walk for longer distances.
A convertible stroller is a different option. It has multiple seating configurations and can be used as a single or double. Rebecca says that this type of stroller would be a good choice for parents who intend to purchase one stroller and use it with both children. It's more expensive than the top tandem model but it'll last for an extended period of time and comes with 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 the other options we tested however, it comes with a sleek, modern design and high-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and it has an adjustable handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted and easy-to-press brakes. It comes with foam-filled wheels that won't flatten and a large storage bin.
Easy of Use
A double stroller is an expensive investment. Parents are looking for models that are simple to use. It should come with a range of features, including the ability to fold the stroller into a compact size and adjust the handlebar height to accommodate different types of users. Some models come with more than one storage compartment that allow families to divide items for quick access, and organizer bags or consoles for parents to keep phones, keys and other items within reach.
A stroller is supposed to be able to adjust to your family's needs throughout the years as well. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance, is an affordable stroller that comes with a modular system. It lets you add a seat, transform the stroller into a triple with an additional board, or convert it to a single mode by adding a rear bench. This flexibility can help double strollers work for the time you need it to.
In terms of maneuverability, many side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver, but our Lab testers were impressed by the ease of operation and maneuverability of the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model can be used with all of our top-rated infant car seats and is suitable for twins or kids of varying ages. Its telescoping handles and easy-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable than other double strollers that we evaluated.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double it's on the other hand, has a sleek design and an ample basket that can hold two toddler car seats or an infant car seat along with a standard child's seat. It can be used by a single child from age three. The tires are filled with foam and made to not flatten.
The UPPAbaby folds down in half, making it simple to store and transport. It's also super lightweight and weighs only 18 pounds. It's also easy to open and close with the latch and doesn't require tools for assembly. Our Lab experts chose it as the best choice for its affordability and shopability, as well as its longevity.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers need to be able to accommodate diaper bags, water bottles, snacks, toys and jackets for children, as well as parents' wallets, keys, phones and other belongings. They should also be able to glide over different surfaces, and maneuver through tight spots. They are often required to be able to fit in the trunk of a car, therefore they should be easy to fold and compact when not when not in use.
Double strollers come in many different designs to meet the needs of parents. They can be side-by-side or tandem, with fixed or removable seats or a baby car seats and a rideboard. They can be designed to accommodate one toddler or infant, or twins. Some are designed for jogging while others can be utilized at the beach or on hiking trails.
Modular designs are particularly useful for families that need to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S for instance, is designed to allow parents to mix and match their seat units, cot attachments and car seats, so that the stroller is able to serve the family from birth until toddlerhood.
Other double strollers with modular designs like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be adapted to a single child by using the bassinet or baby seat or a toddler using an elevated board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a flexible stroller that can be configured 30 different ways. It's perfect for twins, siblings or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also committed to sustainability and green initiatives. The UPPAbaby comes in a wide range of colors, and its materials are made from recycled water bottles. Raul, one of our testers, used the double stroller for testing with his five-month-old son and three-year-old daughter. He said it was simple to disassemble and unpack because the components came in neatly labeled boxes, which had instructions and a video code.
The UPPAbaby also comes with a telescoping handlebar and brakes that are operated by your thumb. The swiveling front wheel will allow it to make precise turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized for being heavy, difficult to maneuver and bulky. However, the newest models are sleeker and offer a variety of customization options. You might even find one that fits your car seat for infants, making it even easier to get out and about with two kids in tow.
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 meets safety standards. It will also undergo regular inspections. You'll want to make sure that the suspension system gives an easy ride for your children who are in the front seat. If your stroller comes with a handlebar, be sure it's adjustable to accommodate parents and dads of various heights.
A canopy can protect your child from the harsh sun and inclement weather. The best canopy features an reversible window or transparent plastic peek-aboo which lets you watch your child's progress without causing disturbance. Certain canopies come with visors that block direct sunlight.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is an important factor to consider. Compact strollers are easier to store in the trunk of your car and take up less space. Strollers that have one button to fold the chassis are simpler to use.
When deciding on a double stroller be aware of the age gap between your children and the type of trip you intend to take the strollers on. For instance, if you're children are similar in age and you want to consider an incline-to-low tandem stroller so that they can be together when outings are planned. On the other side, if your kids have a large age gap then you may want to consider a side-byside model that offers them more privacy.
If you're planning on using your stroller with baby car seats, search for a model that works with the top-rated car seat brands and has good attachment scores. It won't have as much of an impact on your overall rating as other factors, but it's an important consideration if you're planning on using adapters for car seats.