Ten Double Infant Strollers That Really Make Your Life Better
Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller provides parents with multiple children an easy way to move their children around. The best strollers are easy to fold and carry and can easily fit inside a trunk of a car, and provide a variety of seating arrangements for children of varying ages.
If your children are close in age, you might decide that a sit-and stand or side-byside style is the best way to avoid sibling fights over which seat to choose. We also like the options that can accommodate two infant car seats such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double.
Comfort
It is important that your toddler and baby are both at ease in the stroller. Pick one with padding for the seats, a wide base, and swivelling front wheels to smooth out bumps in the road, and buckles that are simple to secure and remove.
Look for a large, UPF 50+ canopy to offer sun protection for both children and their parents. Adjustable footrests let your child to sit in the rear seat when they're tired. Some double strollers, such as the most popular model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats you can have in your stroller will be determined by the weight and age of the children who will be using it. For instance, a side-by-side stroller allows you to keep an eye on both children simultaneously and is ideal for twins or siblings who are close in age. It's wider than other configurations and may be difficult to maneuver in crowded or narrow spaces.
On the other hand, a stand-and-sit stroller allows older siblings to stand while you push your younger child in the infant car seat. It's not the best option for infants, but it can be beneficial for older children that can walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is another alternative. It has multiple seating options and can be used for years as a double Infant Strollers or single. Rebecca says this type of stroller is a great choice for parents who want to purchase one stroller, but are planning to use it with two children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem selection but it will last a long time, has a great resale value and is incredibly versatile," she says.
This stroller by UPPAbaby is a pushchair double stroller that converts into a single to double buggy or a toddler-and-RumbleSeat configuration. It's not as compact as some of the other options we tested, but it has an elegant, modern design and high-quality materials. It is compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and has an adjustable bar that can be telescoping and press brakes. It also has foam-filled tires that aren't flat, and a large storage basket.
Easy to Use
A double stroller is a costly investment. Parents are therefore looking for models that are simple to use. That means a broad range of features, ranging from the ability to fold it up compactly to adjusting the handlebar height to accommodate different users, must be readily available. Some models come with more than one storage compartment to allow families to split items for quick access, as well as organizer bags or consoles for parents to keep phone, keys and other necessities easily accessible.
A stroller should be able to adapt to the changing needs of your family over time. For instance, a budget-friendly model like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes a modular system that allows you to add another seat, convert it into a triple using an incline board, or change to a single mode by using a rear bench. This flexibility can make double strollers work for the time you need it to.
When it comes to maneuverability, some models struggle to turn at a whim however, 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 is compatible with our top-rated car seats for infants and can be used by twins or children of different ages. The telescoping handles and simple-to-use brakes allow it to be more maneuverable than other double strollers we have tested.
On the other hand, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 double stroller with bassinet comes with sleek design and a huge storage basket that can hold two toddler car seats or one infant car seat and an ordinary child's seat. It can be used by one child as young as three years old. Its foam-filled tires are designed to last and not wear out.
Furthermore it's light at only 18 pounds and folds in half to create a sleek and compact package that is easy to carry and put away. It's also easy to open and re-close with an latch, and requires no tools to put together. Our Lab experts chose it as the top pick for its affordability and shopability, as well as its longevity.
Simple of Storage
Double strollers must be able to accommodate diaper bags, water bottles, snacks, toys and jackets for the kids, as well as parents' wallets, keys phones, and other items. They should also be able to slide over different surfaces and maneuver through 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 seats that are removable or fixed or come with infant car seats and a riding board. They can be designed to accommodate a single toddler or twins. Some are made for running, while others can be used at the beach or on trails for hiking.
Modular designs are especially useful for families who want to grow with their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle for instance allows parents to mix and match seats, cots, and car seats to make the stroller fit the entire family from infant to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers with modular designs like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be adapted to one child with the use of baby seats or a bassinet or a toddler using an elevated board or jump seat (sold separately). The versatile UPPAbaby can be configured in a variety of ways, making it suitable for twins and siblings, or for growing families.
The UPPAbaby is also a proponent of green and sustainability initiatives. The UPPAbaby is available in a variety of colors, and its fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. Our test subject Raul utilized the double stroller with his 3 year old daughter and five-month-old son. He reported that it was simple to remove the components and assemble them because they came in neatly-labeled boxes with video and instructions.
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 sidewalks in cities.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized as being cumbersome, difficult to maneuver and heavy. However, the most recent models are sleeker and come with many options for customization. You can even find one that fits your car seat for infants which makes it more convenient to go out and about with two kids in tow.
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 undergoes regular inspections. Also, you should look for an adjustable suspension system that gives a smooth ride and doesn't cause bumps, or jostling for the children in the front seat. If your stroller comes with a handlebar, ensure it's adjustable to ensure both parents can use it.
A canopy is an additional feature that can shield your children from the harsh sun or the harsh weather. The most effective canopies have a reversible window or a clear plastic peek-aboo to let you observe your child without causing any disturbance. Some canopies also come with visors to block direct sun.
Another important factor to consider is how easy the stroller folds and unfolds. compact double buggy strollers are simpler to put in the trunk of your car and take up less room. Also, strollers with one hand-release button that folds the chassis are more user-friendly.
When deciding which double stroller to buy be aware of the age gap between your children and the type of excursion you plan to take the strollers on. For example, if your children are in the same age range it is possible to opt for a tandem high-low stroller so that they can get to know each other during outings. If your children are separated by the age gap you can select one which allows them to enjoy more privacy.
If you're planning on using your stroller with baby car seats, search for a model that works with top-rated car seats and has good attachment scores. It won't have as much of an impact on your overall rating as the other factors but it's an important consideration if you're planning on using adapters for car seats.