Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is a great option for parents to take multiple children. The best models are easy to fold, carry and place into the trunk of a car. They also have different seating arrangements for children of different ages.
double pram pushchair with children close in age may find that a side by side or sit-and-stand style works best to avoid sibling fights over who gets to ride in which car seat. We also like the options that can accommodate two infant car seats, such as the UPPAbaby V2 Double.
Comfort
It is important that your toddler and baby are both at ease in the stroller. Choose a stroller with comfortable seats and swiveling tires at the front to smooth bumps on the road. Also, pick one with buckles that can be easily removed and fastened.
Choose a big, UPF 50+ canopy to offer sun protection for both children. Footrests that can be adjusted allow your child to sit in the rear seat when they're exhausted. Some double strollers give this option for both children, such as the Safety 1st model that is the most popular.
The number of seats in your stroller will depend on the weight and age of the children using it. For instance, a side-by-side stroller lets you keep an eye on two children simultaneously, so it's perfect for twins or siblings who are close in age. However, it's typically wider than other types and can be difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces or in areas with a lot of people.
On the other hand, a sit-and-stand stroller allows older siblings to stand while you push the baby in the infant car seat. It's not a good choice for babies however, it could be a good fit when your kids are around three years old and able to walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is an additional alternative. It comes with a variety of seating options and can be used for years as a single or double. Rebecca says that 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 pick, but it will last a long time, has a great 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 the other strollers we've tested however it does have sleek, modern designs and high-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby car seats, and features an adjustable bar that can be telescoping and press brakes. It comes with wheels that are filled with foam that won't flatten and a huge storage bin.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller can be an expensive investment. Parents are therefore seeking models that are easy to use. That means a broad range of features, ranging from the ability to fold it up compactly to the ability to adjust the height of the handlebar to accommodate different users, must be available. Certain models have multiple storage compartments to enable families to keep their belongings separate to make them easy to access. They also have parent consoles and organizer bags to keep keys, phones and other essentials on the ready.
A stroller should be able to adapt to the needs of your family as they grow older also. For example, a budget-friendly option like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes an adjustable system that lets you add a seat, transform it into a triple using an incline board, or change to a single-mode with an additional bench in the rear. This allows a double stroller to last for as long as it is needed.
In terms of maneuverability, a lot of side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver, however our Lab testers were impressed with 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 different ages. The telescoping handles as well as the easy-to-use brakes make it more flexible than other double strollers we evaluated.
double pushchair vist v2 double however, has a streamlined look and an ample basket that can hold two toddler car seats or an infant car seat along with a standard child's seat. It can also be used by any single child until the age of three. It is a smooth ride due to its tires filled with foam that are not designed to run flat.
Additionally it's lightweight at only 18 pounds and folds in half to make a slim and sleek box that's easy to carry and store. It's also easy to open and re-close with a latch and requires no tools to put together. It was a top choice by our Lab experts due to its durability and versatility, as well as its price.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers should be able hold diaper bags jackets, water bottles, and other items along with keys, wallets and phones of parents. They should also be able to slide over different surfaces and maneuver in tight spaces. When not in use they often have to fit into the trunk of a car.
To meet these requirements, double strollers can be constructed in a variety of designs. They can be side-by-side or tandem with fixed or removable seats, or with an infant car seats and a riding board. They can be designed to accommodate one toddler or infant, or twins. Some are designed for running, while others can be utilized at the beach or on hiking trails.
Modular designs are particularly beneficial for families who need to get bigger for their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle, for example, allows parents to mix and combine seats, cots, and car seats to make the stroller fit the entire family from newborn to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers with modular designs, like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be adapted for one child with the use of bassinet or baby seat or a toddler's 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 suitable for twins, siblings or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also committed to sustainability and green initiatives. The UPPAbaby is available in many 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 as well as three-year-old daughter. He reported that it was simple to unpack the parts and assemble them because they were packaged neatly with video and instructions.
Another great feature of the UPPAbaby is its telescoping handlebar as well as brakes that are one-handed and can be operated using only your thumb. Its swiveling wheels on the front can aid in making more precise turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized as being cumbersome and difficult to maneuver. They are also bulky. However, the latest models are sleeker and come with a variety of customization options. You might even find one that is compatible with your car seat for infants making it easier to get out and about with two kids in the stroller.
Whether you're looking for a side-by-side or an in-line double stroller, be sure it's JPMA certified to ensure it meets minimum safety standards and undergoes regular inspections. You'll want to make sure that the suspension system provides a smooth ride for your children when they are in the front seat. If your stroller comes with an armrest, make sure it's adjustable to accommodate parents and dads of various heights.
A canopy can protect your child from the harsh sun and inclement weather. The most effective canopies have windows that can be reversible or a transparent plastic peek-aboo that lets you monitor your child without disturbing them. Certain canopies come with visors that block the direct sun.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is a second important aspect to think about. Compact strollers are much easier to put in the trunk of your car and take up less space. Also, strollers with a single hand-release button that folds the chassis are more user-friendly.
When shopping for a double stroller, keep in mind how far your children are in age and what type of outings you're planning to take them on. For example, if your children are similar in age and you want to choose a tandem high-low stroller to ensure that they can get to know each other when outings are planned. On the other side, if your kids have a significant age gap then you may want to consider a side-byside model that offers them more privacy.
If you intend to use your stroller for baby car seats, choose one with a good attachment score and is compatible with top-rated brands. This won't have as significant an impact on the overall rating as other metrics but is still crucial if you intend to utilize car seat adapters.