Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller provides parents of multiple kids an easy way to move them around. The best models are easy to fold and carry, fit well in a car trunk and have a variety of seating options for children of different ages.
Parents with children of a similar age may find that a side by side or sit-and-stand design is the best to avoid sibling fights over who rides in which seat. We also like the options that allow two infant car seats, such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double.
Comfort
A comfortable stroller is key for both 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 easy to fasten and unfasten.
Find a large UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection for both children. Footrests that can be adjusted allow your child to stand up in the rear seat when they're exhausted. Some double strollers, like the top-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats you can put in your stroller is contingent on the ages and weights of the children who are riding in it. A side-by-side baby stroller allows you to keep an eye on two children at the same time it is ideal for twins or siblings of the same age. However, it's typically wider than other configurations and can be difficult to navigate in narrow spaces or crowded areas.
On the other hand, a sit-and-stand stroller allows older siblings to stand while you push the younger one in the infant car seat. It's not the best option for babies, but it is useful for older children who can walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is another alternative. It offers multiple seating options and can be used for years as a single or double. Rebecca says this type of stroller is a great choice for parents who want to purchase one stroller, but want to use it with two children. It's more expensive than the top tandem pick but it will last for many years and has the best 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 some of the other options we tested, but it has sleek, modern designs and top-quality materials. It is compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and has an adjustable bar that can be telescoping and press brakes. It comes with wheels that are filled with foam that won't break and a large storage bin.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller is not an investment that is cheap, and parents often seek one that is simple to use. This means a variety of features, ranging from the ability to fold it compactly to adjusting the height of the handlebar to accommodate different users, must be readily available. Certain models have multiple storage compartments to allow families to organize their belongings for easy access. They also have parent consoles and organizer bags that store phones, keys, and other essentials at hand.
A stroller must be able adapt to the changing needs of your family over time. For example, a budget-friendly model like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes a modular system that allows you to add a seat, transform it into a triple by using the rideboard, or change to a single mode with a rear bench. This flexibility allows double strollers to last for
lightweight Twin Buggy as long as is required.
When it comes to maneuverability, some side-by-side models struggle to turn at a whim however, the majority 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. The telescoping handlebar and easy-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable over the other double strollers we've test.
On the other side, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double features sleek design and a huge storage basket that can accommodate two toddler car seats or one infant car seat and a regular child seat. It can be used by one child up to age three. The tires are filled with foam and designed to last and not wear out.
Additionally to that, the UPPAbaby is light at just 18 pounds and folds down in half to make a slim and sleek box that is easy to transport and put away. It's also simple to open and close with an latch, and needs no tools for assembling. Our Lab experts selected it as the best choice for its affordability and long-term durability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers must be able to carry diaper bags as well as water bottles snacks, toys, and jackets for the kids, as well as parents' wallets, keys, phones and other belongings. They should also be able slide across different surfaces and maneuver in tight spaces. They often need to be able to fit in the trunk of a car, so they must be simple to fold and compact when not in use.
Double strollers come in many different styles to meet your needs. They can be tandem or side-byside with seats that are removable or fixed or come with infant car seats and a riding board. They can also be designed to fit one toddler or infant or twins. Some are suitable for running, while others could be used for hiking trails or at the beach.
Modular designs are especially useful for families who need to grow with their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle for instance allows parents to mix and blend seats units, cots and car seats to let the
lightweight twin stroller suitable for all the family members from infant to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular, such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be converted to one child 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 ideal for twins, siblings, or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is recognized for its green initiatives and it prioritizes sustainability. The UPPAbaby is available in various colors, and its fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. Raul, one of our testers, used this double stroller during testing with his five-month-old son and three-year-old daughter. He says it was easy to take apart and assemble since the components were neatly labeled boxes, which had instructions and a video code.
The UPPAbaby also features a telescoping handlebar and brakes that operate with your thumb. The swiveling wheels at the front can assist in making more precise turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
While double strollers have a bad reputation as cumbersome and difficult to maneuver, the latest generation of models are sleek and provide a variety of customization options. You will find one that can fit 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 running stroller stroller, be sure it's JPMA certified to ensure that it meets minimum safety standards and goes through regular inspections. You'll want to make sure that the suspension system provides an easy 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 Moms and Dads of different heights.
A canopy can shield your baby from harsh sunlight and harsh weather. The most effective canopies have windows that can be reversible or a clear plastic peek-aboo to let you monitor your child without causing any disturbance. Certain canopies come with visors that block the direct sun.
Another important metric to consider is how easy the stroller folds and unfolds. Strollers that are compact when folded are more convenient to store and take less space in the trunk of your car. Strollers that have a single button to fold the chassis are easier to use.