Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller provides parents with multiple children an easy way to move their children around. The best models are reasonably easy to fold and carry and fit nicely in the trunk of a car and have a variety of seating options for children of varying age groups.
Parents with children of a similar age may find that a side-by-side or sit-and stand style is best to avoid sibling squabbles over who rides in which car seat. We also recommend options that allow two infant car seats, such as the UPPAbaby v2 double.
Comfort
It is important that your baby and toddler are both at ease in the stroller. Select a stroller with padded seats and swiveling wheels at the front to smooth bumps on the road. Also, select one with buckles that can be easily fastened and unfastened.
Look for a large UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection for both children and their parents. Another comfort feature is adjustable footrests, which allow your child to stand in the back seat if they get tired. Some double strollers provide this option to both children, including the Safety 1st model that is the top-selling model.
The number of seats you can put in your stroller depends on the weights and ages of the children who are who are riding in it. A side-by-side baby stroller allows you to keep an eye on two children at once which is ideal for twins or siblings of the same age. It's wider than other configurations and isn't easy to maneuver in tight or narrow areas.
Sit-and-stand prams allow older siblings to stand up while you push a smaller child in a car seat for infants. It's not the best option for infants, but it can be suitable when your kids are around three years old and can walk longer distances.
Another alternative is a convertible stroller that has multiple seating options and can be used as a double or single for a long time. Rebecca says this kind of stroller is an ideal choice for parents who are planning to purchase 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.
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 tested however, it comes with a sleek, modern design and top-quality materials. It is compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and comes with a telescoping bar as well as easy to press brakes. It has foam-filled wheels that won't sag and a huge storage bin.
Easy of Use
A double stroller is not a cheap investment, so parents are often looking for an option that is easy to use. This means a variety of features, from the ability to fold it compactly to the ability to adjust the height of the handlebar for different users, should be available. Some models have more than one storage compartment to allow families to split up belongings for quick access, as well as organizer bags for parents or parent consoles to keep keys, phone and other necessities easily accessible.
A stroller can be adjusted to the changing needs of your family as they grow older, too. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for example, is a budget-friendly stroller that includes an adjustable system. It lets you add a seat, transform the stroller into a triple with a board, or switch it into a single mode by adding a bench at the rear. This flexibility lets double strollers to last as long as is required.
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 is compatible with our top-rated car seats for infants and can be used by twins or children of various age groups. Its telescoping handlebar and simple-to-use brakes make it much easier to maneuver than other double strollers we tried.
On the other side, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double features sleek design and a huge storage basket that can hold two toddler car seats or one infant car seat and a regular child seat. It can be used by a single child from age three. Its tires that are filled with foam are designed to last and not wear out.
Additionally, the UPPAbaby is super light at only 18 pounds, and folds in half to make a slim and sleek box that is easy to carry and to store. It is also easy to close and open using an latch, and needs no tools for assembling. It was a top pick among our Lab experts for its durability, shopability, and affordability.
Easy of Storage
Double strollers need to be able to hold diaper bags and water bottles, snacks, toys and jackets for kids, as well as parents keys, wallets phones and other things. They should also be able to glide over different surfaces, and maneuver through tight spots. When not in use they often have to fit into the trunk of a vehicle.
Double strollers are available in a variety of styles to meet your needs. They can be side-by-side or tandem with fixed or removable seats or a baby car seat and a ridingboard. They can also be designed to fit a single newborn or toddler or twins. Some are suitable for running, while others could be used for hiking trails or 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 match seats, cots, and car seats to make the stroller suitable for all the family members from infant to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers with modular designs like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be adapted to one child using baby seats or a bassinet or for a toddler using a standing board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a flexible stroller that can be configured in a variety of ways. It's great for twins, siblings, or an expanding family.
The UPPAbaby is also known for its green initiatives, and it is a proponent of sustainability. The UPPAbaby comes with various colors and the fabrics are made out of recycled water bottles. Raul, one of our testers, utilized this double stroller while testing with his five-month-old son as well as three-year-old daughter. He found it easy to unpack the parts and assemble them since they were packaged neatly with video and instructions.
The UPPAbaby also has a telescoping handlebar, and brakes that operate with your thumb. The swiveling front wheel allow it to make tight turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
While double strollers have received a bad rap for being bulky and difficult to maneuver, the new generation of models are sleek and provide a variety of customization options. You may even find one that is compatible with the car seat of your infant making it more convenient to go out and about with two kids with you.
If you're in the market for a side-byside or in-line double stroller, be sure it's JPMA certified to ensure it meets minimum safety standards and undergoes regular inspections. You'll also want to choose suspension systems that provide smooth riding and doesn't cause bumps or jostling for the children in the front seat. And if compact double buggy has a handlebar, make sure that it is adjustable to accommodate parents and dads of various heights.
A canopy is an additional feature that can shield your children from harsh sunlight or the harsh weather. The best canopy features the option of a reversible flap, or a transparent plastic peek-a-boo windows to allow you to monitor your children without causing any disturbance to them. Certain canopies come with visors that block direct sunlight.
Another important metric to consider is how easily the stroller folds and unfolds. Strollers that are compact when folded are easier to store and take less space in the trunk of your car. Strollers that have a single button to fold the chassis are more user-friendly.
When choosing a double stroller, bear in mind how far apart your children are and what kind of excursions you're planning to take them on. For instance, if your children are similar in age and you want to opt for a tandem high-low stroller so that they can interact on outings. On the other side, if your kids have a significant age difference, you might choose a side-byside model that offers them more privacy.
If you plan to use your stroller for baby car seats, choose one with a high attachment score and is compatible with top-rated brands. This will not have as significant an impact on the overall rating as other indicators but it is still important if you plan to use car seat adapters.