Ten Double Infant Strollers That Really Help You Live Better
Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is a great method for parents to carry multiple children. The best models are easy to fold, carry and place in a car trunk. They also offer different seating arrangements for children of various ages.
Parents of children who are close to age may find that a side by side or sit-and stand style is best to prevent sibling rivalries over who gets to ride in which car seat. We also recommend options that accept two infant car seat such as the UPPAbaby v2 double.
Comfort
A stroller that is comfortable is essential for your toddler and baby. Choose a stroller with padded seats and swiveling wheels on the front to smooth out road bumps. Also, pick one with buckles that can be easily unfastened and fastened.
You can also look for a generous, UPF 50+ canopy that offers 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 when they're tired. Some double strollers provide this feature to both children, including the Safety 1st model that is the most popular.
The number of seats you select in your stroller is contingent on the ages and weights of the children riding in it. A side-by-side baby stroller allows you to watch two children at once, making it ideal for twins or siblings of a similar age. However, it's generally larger than other configurations and can be challenging to navigate in narrow spaces or crowded areas.
On the other hand, a stand-and-sit stroller gives older siblings the chance to stand while you push your younger child in an infant car seat. It's not ideal for newborns but it's an ideal choice when your kids are around three years old and able to walk for longer distances.
A convertible stroller is another option. It offers multiple seating options and can be used for years as a single or double. Rebecca says that this type of stroller would be a good choice for parents who plan to buy one stroller and use it with both children. It's more expensive than the top tandem model but it'll last for an extended period of time and comes with an excellent resale value, she adds.
This stroller by UPPAbaby is a smallest double buggy stroller that converts into a single or a toddler-and-RumbleSeat configuration. It's not as compact as some other options but it does have an elegant design and premium material. It is compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and has a telescoping bar as well as easy to press brakes. It comes with foam-filled wheels that won't flatten and a large storage bin.
Easy to Use
A double stroller isn't an inexpensive investment, which is why parents are often looking for one that is simple to use. It should come with a range of features, including the ability to fold the stroller compactly and to adjust the handlebar's height to accommodate different users. Some models have more than one storage compartment that allow families to divide things up for easy access, as well as parent consoles or organizer bags to keep phone, keys and other items in reach.
A stroller is supposed to be able to adjust to the changing needs of your family throughout the years, too. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for example is a budget-friendly stroller with a modular system. It allows you to add another seat, convert the stroller into a triple using the addition of a board, or change to a single-mode by adding a bench at the rear. This flexibility can help double strollers last as long as you need 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 appreciated 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 kids of varying ages. The telescoping handles and simple-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable than other double strollers we tested.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double, however, has a streamlined look and an ample basket that can accommodate two toddler car seats or an infant car seat with a standard child's seat. It can also be used by one child up to three years old and provides a smooth ride due to its tires filled with foam that are designed not to go flat.
The UPPAbaby folds down in half, making it easy to store and carry. It's also extremely light at just 18 pounds. It's also easy to open and close with the latch and doesn't require tools for assembly. Our Lab experts chose it as their top choice for its value, affordability, shopability and longevity.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers must be able to hold diaper bags as well as water bottles and jackets, as well as the wallets, keys and phones of parents. They should also be able to glide over different surfaces, and maneuver in tight spaces. They often need to be able to fit in the trunk of a vehicle, so they must be simple to fold and compact when not in use.
Double strollers come in many different designs to meet the needs of parents. They can be side-byside or tandem double stroller with fixed or removable seats or equipped with infant car seats and a riding board. They can also be designed to accommodate 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 beneficial for families who need to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S for instance, is designed to allow parents to mix and match their seat units, cot attachments and car seats, so that the stroller can serve the entire family from birth to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers with modular designs such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 double Infant strollers, can be adapted for a single child through the use of a baby seat or bassinet, or a toddler with an elevated seat or a standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a flexible stroller that can be set up in a variety of ways. It's ideal for twins, siblings or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also renowned for its green initiatives, and its focus is on sustainability. The UPPAbaby comes with various colors and the fabrics are made out of recycled water bottles. In our testing, our test participant Raul used the double stroller with his three-year old daughter and five-month old son. He says it was easy to unpack and assemble because the parts came in neatly labeled boxes, with instructions and a video code included.
The UPPAbaby also features a telescoping handlebar, and brakes that are operated by your thumb. The swiveling wheels on its front can assist in making more precise turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized as being cumbersome and difficult to maneuver. They're also bulky. However, the latest models are sleeker and come with various options for customization. You can even find one that will fit the car seat of your infant, making it even easier to get out and about with two kids in tow.
If you're looking for a double buggy that converts to single stroller that can be used side-by-side, or in line, be sure that it's JPMA certified to ensure it meets safety standards. It also has to pass regular inspections. You'll want to ensure that the suspension system offers an easy ride for your children who are in the front seat. If your stroller comes with a handlebar, ensure it's adjustable so that both parents can use it.
A canopy is an additional feature that protects your babies from harsh sunlight or inclement weather. The best canopies have the option of a reversible flap, or a transparent plastic windows that peek-a-boo that allows you to watch your children without causing any disturbance to them. Some canopies have visors that block direct sunlight.
Another important metric to take into consideration is how easy the stroller folds and unfolds. Strollers that are compact when folded are more convenient to store and take up less space in the trunk of your car. Also, strollers that have only one button to release the hand that folds the chassis more user-friendly.
When deciding which double stroller to buy be aware of the age gap between your children and the type of trip you're planning to take with them. If your children are similar in age, you could opt for a tandem high/low stroller in order to allow them to be together during outings. If your children are separated by a large age gap you can select one which allows them to enjoy more privacy.
If you're going to be using your stroller with baby car seats, look for a model that is compatible with top-rated car seat brands and has high attachment scores. This won't have as big of an impact on your overall rating as other metrics, but it's an important aspect to take into consideration if you're thinking of using car seat adapters.