Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is an ideal option for parents to take multiple children. The best strollers are lightweight and easy to fold and carry, fit well inside a trunk of a car, and offer versatile seating arrangements for children of varying ages.
If your children are close in age, you might consider a sit-and-stand or side-by-side style is the best way to avoid fighting between siblings over which seat to choose. We also like the options that accept two infant car seats like 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 simple to secure and remove.
You can also look for an ample UPF 50+ canopy, which provides sun protection as well as plenty of coverage for both kids. Footrests that can be adjusted allow your child to stand in the rear seat if they're exhausted. Some double strollers provide this option to both children, including the Safety 1st model that is the most popular.
The number of seats you can put in your stroller depends on the weights and ages of the kids that are using it. A side-by-side baby stroller lets you to watch two children at the same time, making it ideal for twins or siblings of similar age. However, it's generally larger than other models and may be difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces or in areas with a lot of people.
Sit-and-stand prams allow older siblings to stand while you push a younger child in the infant car seat. It's not the best option for infants, but it can be useful for older children who are able to walk longer distances.
Another alternative is a convertible stroller, which has multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a single or double for a number of years. Rebecca says this kind of stroller is a great option for parents who only want to purchase one stroller, but want to use it with two children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem selection however, it will last for a long time, offers a high resale value and is incredibly 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 some of the other strollers we've tried however it does have a sleek, modern design and top-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and has a telescoping bar as well as easy to press brakes. It also comes with foam-filled tires that won't go flat and a large storage basket.
Easy of Use
A double stroller is not a cheap investment, so parents are usually looking for an option that is easy to use. That means a broad range of features, ranging from the ability to fold it up compactly to adjusting the handlebar height to accommodate different users, must be available. Some models come with multiple storage compartments to allow families to separate belongings to make it easier to access. They also include parent consoles and organizer bags that store phones, keys, and other essentials at the ready.
A stroller must be able adapt to the changing requirements of your family over time. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance is a budget-friendly stroller that includes a modular system. It lets you add a seat, transform the stroller into a triple by adding a board, or switch to a single-mode by adding a bench at the rear. This flexibility allows double strollers to last as long as is required.
When it comes to maneuverability, some models aren't able to turn on a dime, but many of our Lab testers appreciated the ease-of-use and maneuverability of the inline Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model is compatible with all of our top-rated car seats for infants and can be used by twins or children of various ages. Its telescoping handlebar and simple-to-use brakes make it easier to maneuver over the other double strollers we tried.
On the other hand, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double has an elegant design and a huge storage basket that can hold two car seats for toddlers or one infant car seat plus a regular child seat. It can be used by one child up to age three. Its foam-filled tires are designed to last and not wear out.
The UPPAbaby folds in half and is easy to store and carry. It's also extremely light at just 18 pounds. It's also simple to open and close with a latch and requires no tools for assembly. It was a top pick among our Lab experts due to its durability and versatility, as well as its price.
Easy of Storage
Double strollers need to be able to hold diaper bags jackets, water bottles, and other items along with keys, wallets and phones of parents. They also need to be able to glide across different surfaces and maneuver in tight spaces. They usually have to be able to fit in the trunk of a vehicle, so they should be simple to fold and compact when not being used.
Double strollers come in many different styles to meet these needs. They can be side-by-side or tandem and can also have seats that are removable or fixed or even be outfitted with infant car seats as well as a riding board. They can be designed to fit a single infant or toddler or twins. Some are suitable for jogging, while others can be used on trails for hiking and at the beach.
Modular designs are particularly useful for families who want to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle for instance, allows parents to mix and blend seats, cots, and car seats to make the stroller serve the entire family from newborn to 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 with the option of a jumping seat or standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby's versatility allows it to be configured in a variety of ways, making it ideal for twins, siblings or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby also prioritizes sustainability and green initiatives. The UPPAbaby comes in various colors, and its fabrics 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 reported that it was simple to take the parts out and assemble them since they were neatly labeled boxes with video and instructions.
Another great characteristic of the UPPAbaby its telescoping handlebar as well as brakes that operate with one hand and can be operated with only your thumb. And its swiveling front wheels can help it make tight turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized for being heavy and difficult to maneuver. They're also bulky. However, the newest models are sleeker and provide a variety of customization options. You can find one that is compatible with an infant car seat to make it easier to travel with two children.
If you're in the market for a double stroller that can be used side-by-side or in a line, make sure it is JPMA-certified to ensure it conforms to safety standards. It will also undergo regular inspections. You'll want to ensure that the suspension system gives an easy ride for your children when they are in the front seat. If pushchairsandprams.uk has a handlebar make sure it is adjustable so that both parents can use it.
A canopy is an additional feature that protects your children from the harsh sun or inclement weather. The best canopy features the option of a reversible flap, or a clear plastic peek-a-boo window to let you monitor your children without causing disturbance. Certain canopies come with visors that block the direct sun.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is an important aspect to take into consideration. Strollers that are compact when folded are more convenient to store and take up less space in the trunk of your car. Also, strollers with only one button to release the hand that folds the chassis are more user-friendly.
When shopping for a double stroller, keep in mind how far apart your children are and what kind of outings you're planning to take them on. For instance, if you're children are in the same age range, you may want to consider an incline-to-low tandem stroller so that they can get to know each other on outings. On the other side, if your kids have a significant age gap then you may want to consider an option that is side-by-side, which gives them more privacy.
If you intend to use your stroller for baby car seats, select one with a good attachment score and compatible with top-rated brands. This won't have as significant of an impact on your overall rating as the other metrics but it's an important consideration if you're planning on using adapters for car seats.