Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller offers parents of multiple kids an easy way to move them around. Pushchairs And Prams are easy to fold, carry and place in a car trunk. They also have flexible seating arrangements for kids of various ages.
If your children are similar in age, you might decide that a sit-and stand or side-by-side design is the best method to avoid fights between siblings over the best seat to use. We also like the options that allow two infant car seats such as the UPPAbaby V2 double.
Comfort
It is essential that your toddler and baby are at ease in the stroller. Select a stroller with padded seats and swiveling wheels at the front to smooth out road bumps. Also, select one that has buckles that can be easily removed and fastened.
You can also look for an ample UPF 50+ canopy that offers sun protection as well as plenty of coverage for both children. Adjustable footrests let your child to stand in the rear seat when they're tired. Some double strollers, such as the top-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
How many seats you choose in your stroller depends on the ages and weights of the children who are riding in it. For example, a side-by-side stroller lets you keep an eye on both children at the same time and is ideal for twins or siblings close in age. However, it's typically wider than other types and may be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces or in crowded areas.
On the other hand, a sit-and-stand stroller allows older siblings to stand while you push your younger child in the infant car seat. It's not a good choice for babies, but it can be suitable when your kids are around three years old and are able to walk longer distances.
Another option is a convertible stroller that has multiple seating options and can be used as a double or single for a number of years. Rebecca says that this type of stroller is an excellent option for parents who intend to buy one stroller and use it with both children. It's more expensive than the top tandem pick but it will last for a long time and has a great resale price, 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 some of the other options we tested, but it has sleek, modern designs and top-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby car seats, and features an adjustable bar that can be telescoping and press brakes. It also comes with tires filled with foam that will not wear out and a large storage basket.
Ease of Use
A double stroller isn't a cheap investment, so parents are usually looking for a model that's easy to use. This means a variety of features, ranging from the possibility of folding it down to adjusting the height of the handlebar to accommodate different users, must be available. Some models come with multiple storage compartments that allow families to separate belongings to make it easier to access. They also include parent consoles and organizer bags that keep keys, phones and other necessities on hand.
A stroller should be able to adapt to the changing requirements of your family as time goes by. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for example, is a budget-friendly stroller that includes an adjustable system. It lets you add a second seat, transform the stroller into a triple using an additional board, or convert to a single-mode by adding a rear bench. This allows double strollers to last as long as it is needed.
In terms of maneuverability, a lot of side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver, but our Lab testers were impressed with the ease of operation 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 or children of different ages. The telescoping handles as well as the easy-to-use brakes allow it to be more maneuverable than other double strollers that we have tested.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double on the other hand has a sleek design and an ample basket that can hold two toddler car seats or an infant car seat with a standard child's seat. It can also be used by any single child until three years old and offers a smooth ride thanks to its foam-filled tires that are designed not to go flat.
Furthermore it's lightweight at only 18 pounds and folds down in half to make a slim and sleek box that's easy to carry and store. It is also easy to open and close with the latch, and requires no tools to put together. Our Lab experts picked it as the best choice for its price and shopability, as well as its longevity.
Easy of Storage
Double strollers need to be able to hold diaper bags as well as water bottles and jackets along with the keys, wallets and phones of parents. They must also be able to glide over different surfaces, and maneuver in tight places. They often need to fit in the trunk of a car, therefore they should be easy to fold up and compact when not when not in use.
To meet these needs Double strollers are constructed in a variety of designs. They can be side-byside or tandem with removable or fixed seats or equipped with infant car seats and a riding board. They can also be designed to fit a single toddler or newborn, or twins. Some are designed to be used for jogging while others can be used at the beach or on hiking trails.
Modular designs are especially useful for families who need to grow with their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S, for example is designed to permit parents to mix and match their seat units, cot attachments, and car seats, so that the stroller can serve the family from birth until toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be modified to fit one child by the use of a baby seat or bassinet or a toddler's the option of a jumping seat or a standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a versatile stroller that can be set up in a variety of ways. It's ideal for twins, siblings, or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also renowned for its green initiatives, and it prioritizes sustainability. The UPPAbaby is available in a variety of colors, and its fabrics are made from 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 says it was easy to unpack and assemble because the parts came in neatly labeled boxes, which had instructions and a video code.
The UPPAbaby also features a telescoping handlebar, and brakes that are operated by your thumb. Its swiveling wheels on the front can assist in making more precise turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers have received a bad rap for being bulky and difficult to maneuver, the latest 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 side-by-side or in-line double stroller, be sure it's JPMA certified to ensure it meets minimum safety standards and goes through regular inspections. You'll need to ensure that the suspension system offers a smooth ride for your children when they are in the front seat. If your stroller is equipped with a handlebar, be sure it's adjustable to accommodate the different heights.
A canopy can protect your child from the harsh sun and inclement weather. The best canopies have an reversible flap as well as a transparent plastic windows that peek-a-boo that allows you to watch your children without disturbing them. Some canopies also come with the ability to shade direct sunlight.
Another important metric to take into consideration is how easy the stroller folds and unfolds. Strollers that fold compactly when folded are easier to store and take less space in the trunk of your car. Also, strollers with a single hand-release button that folds the chassis much more convenient to use.
When shopping for a double stroller, bear in mind the distance your children are in age and what kind of outings you are planning to take them on. For instance, if you're children are in the same age range it is possible to consider a tandem high-low stroller so that they can interact during outings. On the other side, if your kids have a significant age gap, you might choose a side-by-side model that gives them more privacy.
If you intend 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 big an impact on the overall rating as other indicators but is still important if you plan to use car seat adapters.