You ll Never Guess This Double Infant Stroller s Secrets
Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller offers parents of multiple kids an easy way to move them around. The best strollers are lightweight and easy to fold and carry, fit well inside a trunk of a car, and provide a variety of seating arrangements for children of various ages.
Parents 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 accept two infant car seat like the UPPAbaby v2 double.
Comfort
It is crucial that your toddler and baby are both comfortable in the stroller. Pick a stroller that has comfortable seats and swiveling tires on the front to smooth out bumps on the road. Also, pick one that has buckles that are easily unfastened and fastened.
You can also search for an ample UPF 50+ canopy, which provides sun protection as well as plenty of coverage for both children. Footrests that can be adjusted allow your child to stand in the rear seat when they're exhausted. Some double strollers, like the best-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
How many seats you choose in your stroller will depend on the weights and ages of the kids riding in it. A side-by-side baby stroller allows you to keep an eye on two children at the same time, making it ideal for twins or siblings of a similar age. It's wider than other configurations and may be difficult to maneuver in crowded or narrow areas.
On the other hand, a stand-and-sit stroller gives older siblings a chance to stand while you push the younger one in a car seat for infants. It's not ideal for newborns, but it can be a good fit when your kids are around three years old and can walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is another alternative. It has multiple seating options and can be used for years as a double or single. Rebecca says that this kind of stroller is a good choice for parents who want to buy one stroller but want to use it with two children. It's more expensive than the top tandem choice but it will last for an extended period of time and comes with 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 the other options we tested, but it has sleek, modern designs and high-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and it has a telescoping handlebar and easy-to-press brakes. It also comes with tires filled with foam that will not wear out and large storage basket.
Simple to Use
A double stroller can be an expensive investment. Parents are therefore looking for models that are easy to use. That means a broad range of features, from the possibility of folding it down 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 separate belongings to make them easy to access. They also have parent consoles and organizer bags that store keys, phones and other necessities on hand.
A stroller should be able to adapt to the changing needs of your family throughout the years also. Evenflo Pivot Xpand double seat stroller, for instance, is a budget-friendly stroller with a modular system. It allows you to add another seat, convert the stroller into a triple using an additional board, or convert to a single-mode by adding a bench in the rear. This flexibility allows a double stroller to last for as long as it is needed.
In terms of maneuverability, some side-byside models struggle to turn at a whim, but the majority of our Lab testers were impressed by the ease of use and maneuverability of the inline Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model can be used with all of our top-rated infant car seats and is suitable for twins and children of various ages. The telescoping handles as well as the easy-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable than other double buggy side by side strollers that we tested.
On the other side, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 double buggy comes with an elegant design and a huge storage basket that can accommodate two toddler car seats or one infant car seat plus a regular child seat. It can also be used by any single child until the age of three and offers a smooth ride thanks to its foam-filled tires which are not designed to run flat.
Additionally, the UPPAbaby is super light at only 18 pounds and folds in half to make a slim and sleek box that's easy to transport and put away. It's also simple to open and close using a latch and requires no tools for assembly. It was a top choice from our Lab experts for its longevity, shopability, and affordability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers need to be able to hold diaper bags, water bottles and jackets and the keys, wallets and phones of parents. They should also be able to slide over various surfaces and maneuver into tight spaces. When not in use, they are often required to fit into the trunk of a vehicle.
To meet these needs Double strollers can be built in a wide range of designs. They can be side-by-side or tandem and can also have seats that can be removed or fixed or come with infant car seats as well as a riding board. They can also be designed to fit one toddler or infant, or twins. Some are designed for running, while others can be used on trails for hiking and at the beach.
Modular designs are particularly useful for families that need to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle, for example, allows parents to mix and combine seats units, cots and car seats to let the stroller suitable for the entire family from newborn to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular, like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be made to accommodate a single child through the use of bassinet or baby seat or a toddler's a jump 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 perfect for twins, siblings, or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also known for its green initiatives and it prioritizes sustainability. The UPPAbaby is available in many colors, and its materials 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 found it easy to take the parts out and assemble them since they were packaged neatly with video and instructions.
Another great characteristic of the UPPAbaby its telescoping handlebar, as well as one-handed brakes that can be operated by your thumb. Its swiveling front wheels will allow it to make precise turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are often accused of being heavy and difficult to maneuver. They are also heavy. However, the latest models are sleeker and come with many options for customization. You can even find one that fits your infant car seat which makes it more convenient to go out and about with two kids in tow.
If you're shopping for a double stroller that can be used side-by-side, or in line, ensure that it's JPMA-certified to ensure it meets safety standards. It will also go through regular inspections. You'll need to ensure that the suspension system provides an easy ride for your children who are in the front seat. If your stroller comes with a handlebar make sure it's adjustable to ensure both parents can use it.
A canopy is another essential feature that can shield your babies from harsh sunlight or the harsh weather. The best canopy features an reversible window or transparent plastic peek-aboo that lets you watch your child's progress without causing any disturbance. Some canopies also come with the ability to shade direct sunlight.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is another important factor to consider. Strollers that are compact when folded are more convenient to store and take up less space in the trunk of your car. Strollers that have a single button to fold the chassis are simpler to use.
When you are shopping for a double stroller, keep in mind how far apart your children are and what kind of outings you plan on taking them on. If your children are similar in age you may choose a tandem stroller that is high/low to let them interact on outings. If your children are separated due to the age gap you can select a model that allows them to have more privacy.
If you're planning on using your stroller with baby car seats, search for a model that is compatible with the top-rated car seat brands and has a high attachment score. It won't have as much of an impact on your overall rating as the other factors however it's a crucial factor to consider if you're planning on using adapters for car seats.