Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is an ideal method for parents to carry multiple children. The best strollers are simple to fold and transport and fit nicely inside a 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 a side-by-side or sit-and-stand design is the best to prevent sibling rivalries over who rides in which car seat. We also recommend options that accept two infant car seats such as the UPPAbaby V2 double.
Comfort
A comfortable stroller is key for both your toddler and baby. Pick one with cushioned seats, a large base, and swivelling front wheels to smooth out bumps in the road and buckles that are simple to fasten and unfasten.
Look for a large UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection for both children. Adjustable footrests let your child to stand up in the back seat when they're exhausted. Some double strollers give this option to both children, like the Safety 1st model that is the best seller.
The number of seats you select in your stroller depends on the weight and ages of the children who are that are using it. A side-by-side baby stroller allows you to monitor two children at a time it is ideal for twins or siblings of similar age. However, it's generally wider than other models and can be difficult to navigate in narrow spaces or crowded areas.
On the other hand, a stand-and-sit stroller gives older siblings a chance to stand while you push your younger child in an infant car seat. It's not the best choice for babies, but it is beneficial for older children who can walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is another alternative. It offers multiple seating configurations and can be used for years as a double or single. Rebecca says this kind of stroller is an ideal choice for parents who plan to purchase a single stroller and use it with both children. It's more expensive than the top tandem choice however it will last a long time and has the best resale value 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 tried however it does have a sleek, modern design and top-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and comes with an adjustable bar that can be telescoping and press brakes. It also comes with foam-filled tires that will not wear out and a large storage basket.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller can be a costly investment. Parents are therefore looking for models that are easy to use. This means a variety of features, ranging from the ability to fold it compactly to adjusting the handlebar height for different users, should be available. Certain models have multiple storage compartments to enable families to keep their belongings separate for easy access. They also include parent consoles and organizer bags that keep keys, phones and other necessities on the ready.
A stroller can be adjusted to your family's needs as they grow older also. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance is a budget-friendly stroller with a modular system. It lets you add another seat, convert the stroller into a triple using the addition of a board, or change it to a single mode by adding a bench at the rear. This flexibility will let double strollers work for as long as you want it to.
When it comes to maneuverability, some side-byside models aren't able to turn at a whim however, many of our Lab testers were impressed by the ease of use and maneuverability of the inline 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 different age groups. Its telescoping handlebar and simple-to-use brakes make it much easier to maneuver than many of the other double strollers that we test.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double, on the other hand is sleek and stylish. It also comes with a large basket that can accommodate two toddler car seats or an infant car seat with a regular child's car seat. It can be used by one child from age three. Its foam-filled tires are made to not flatten.
Additionally it's light at only 18 pounds, and folds in half to create a sleek and compact package that's easy to transport and to store. It's also easy to close and open using the latch, and requires no tools to assemble. Our Lab experts chose it as the top pick for its value, affordability and shopability, as well as its longevity.
Simple of Storage
Double strollers must be able to hold diaper bags jackets, water bottles, and other items along with the wallets, keys and phones of parents. They also need to be able to glide across different surfaces and maneuver in tight spaces. They often need to fit in the trunk of a car, therefore they should be simple to fold and compact when not in use.
To meet the needs of parents Double strollers are built in a wide range of designs. They can be tandem or side-byside with fixed or removable seats, or be equipped with infant car seats and a riding board. They can be designed to fit a single infant or toddler or twins. Some are designed for jogging while others can be used on beaches or on hiking trails.
Modular designs are particularly useful for families that have to get bigger for 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 is able to serve the family from birth through toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular, such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be modified to accommodate one child with the use of the bassinet or baby seat or for a toddler using an elevated board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a versatile stroller that can be set up 30 different ways. It's perfect for twins, siblings, or an expanding family.
The UPPAbaby is also a proponent of sustainability and green initiatives. The UPPAbaby comes in a variety of colors, and its fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. During testing, our tester Raul used this double stroller with his 3 year old daughter and five-month-old son. He says it was easy to take apart and assemble since the components came in neatly labeled boxes, which had instructions and a video code included.
The UPPAbaby also features a telescoping handlebar and brakes controlled by your thumb. Its swiveling front wheels will allow it to make precise turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
While double strollers have a bad reputation as cumbersome and difficult to maneuver, the new generation of strollers are sleek and come with a range of customization options. You will find one that can fit an infant car seat to make it easier to travel with two children.
If you're looking for a side-by-side or in-line double stroller, ensure that it's JPMA certified to ensure that it meets minimum safety standards and goes through regular inspections. You'll also want to look for a suspension system that provides an easy ride and doesn't cause bumps or jolting for your children in the front seat. If best twin stroller has a handlebar, ensure it is adjustable so that both parents can use it.
A canopy can protect your child from harsh sunlight and inclement weather. The best canopy features the option of a reversible flap, or a clear plastic peek-a-boo window to allow you to monitor your children without causing disturbance. Some canopies also come with visors to block 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 less space in the trunk of your car. Also, strollers that have only one button to release the hand that folds the chassis much more convenient to use.
When choosing a double stroller, bear in mind how far apart your children are and what type of outings you are planning to take them on. If your children are similar in age, you can opt for a tandem high/low stroller in order to allow them to be together when outings. If your children are separated due to an age gap that is large, you may choose a model which allows them to enjoy more privacy.
If you intend to use your stroller to carry baby car seats, choose one with a good 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 is still important if you plan to use car seat adapters.