7 Tips About Double Infant Stroller That Nobody Will Tell You
Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is a convenient option for parents to take multiple children. The best double buggy strollers are lightweight and easy to fold and carry and fit nicely in the trunk of a car and provide a variety of seating arrangements for children of different ages.
Parents with children close in age may find that a side by side or sit-and-stand design is the best compact double stroller to avoid sibling squabbles over who rides in which car seat. We also like options which allow two infant car seats like the UPPAbaby V2 double.
Comfort
It is essential that your toddler and baby are both at ease in the stroller. Choose a stroller with cushioned seats and swiveling wheels on the front to smooth out bumps on the road. Also, pick one with buckles that can be easily unfastened and fastened.
You can also search for an ample UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection and ample coverage for both children. Another feature that is comfortable is the adjustable footrests that allow your child to stand in the back seat if they are tired. Some double strollers, such as the top-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats in your stroller will depend on 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 two children at the same time and is ideal for twins or siblings close in age. It's wider than other configurations and isn't easy to maneuver through crowded or narrow areas.
Sit-and-stand prams allow older siblings to stand up while you push a younger child in the infant car seat. It's not the best option for infants, but it can be useful for older children that can walk longer distances.
Another option is a convertible stroller, which has multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a double or a single for several years. Rebecca says that this kind of stroller is a great choice for parents who want to buy one stroller but plan to use it with two children. It's more expensive than the top tandem pick however it will last many years and has an excellent resale value, she adds.
This stroller by UPPAbaby is a double stroller that converts into a single or a toddler-and-RumbleSeat configuration. It is not as compact as other options however it has a sleek design and high-quality material. It's 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 sag and a huge storage bin.
Simple to Use
A double stroller is not an investment that is cheap, and parents often seek one that is simple to use. That means a wide range of features, from the ability to fold it compactly to adjusting the handlebar height to accommodate different users, must be available. Certain models have multiple storage compartments to allow families to organize their belongings for easy access. They also include parent consoles and organizer bags that store keys, phones, and other essentials at hand.
A stroller should be able adapt to the changing requirements 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 a seat, transform it into a triple by using an incline board, or change to a single mode with the rear bench. This flexibility can make double stroller with car seat strollers last the time you need it to.
In terms of maneuverability, some side-byside models aren't able to turn on a dime 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 all of 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 tested.
On the other side the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double comes with an elegant design and a large storage basket that can fit two car seats for toddlers or one infant car seat in addition to an ordinary child seat. It can be used by one child from age three. Its foam-filled tires are designed to last and not wear out.
Additionally it's lightweight at only 18 pounds, and folds in half to create a sleek and compact package that is easy to transport and to store. It's also easy to open and re-close with the latch and doesn't require tools to put together. It was a top pick among our Lab experts for its longevity and shopability as well as its affordability.
Simple of Storage
Double strollers must be able to hold diaper bags and water bottles, snacks, toys and jackets for children and parents' wallets, keys phones and other things. They also need to be able to glide across various surfaces and maneuver into 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.
To meet these needs, double strollers can be 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 as well as a riding board. They can be designed to fit a single to double stroller infant or toddler or twins. Some are designed for jogging, while others can be used on hiking trails and at the beach.
Modular designs are particularly useful for families who want to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S for instance is designed to allow parents to mix and match seat units, cot attachments, and car seats, so that the stroller is able to serve the family from birth through toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be modified to fit a single child through the use of bassinet or baby seat, or a toddler with an elevated seat or standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is an adaptable stroller that can be set up 30 different ways. It's perfect for twins, siblings, or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also a proponent of sustainability and green initiatives. The UPPAbaby is available in a variety of 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 and three-year-old daughter. He reported that it was simple to unpack the parts and put them together because they were packaged neatly with video and instructions.
The UPPAbaby also features a telescoping handlebar, and brakes controlled by your thumb. And its swiveling front wheels can help it make tight turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
While double strollers have received a bad rap for being bulky and difficult to maneuver, the latest generation of strollers are sleek and come with a range of options for customization. You can even find one that will fit your car seat for infants which makes it easier to get out and about with two kids in the stroller.
Whether you're looking for a side-by-side or in-line double stroller, be sure it's JPMA certified to ensure it complies with the minimum safety standards and passes regular inspections. You'll need to ensure that the suspension system offers a smooth ride for your children who are in the front seat. If your stroller comes with a handlebar, make sure that it is adjustable to accommodate parents and dads of various heights.
A canopy can protect your child from harsh sunlight and harsh weather. The most effective canopies come with the option of a reversible flap, or a transparent plastic peek-a-boo windows that allows you to watch your children without disturbing them. Some canopies come with visors to block the direct sun.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is another important aspect to take into consideration. Strollers that fold compactly when folded are easier to store and take less space in the trunk of your car. Strollers that come with a single button to fold the chassis are more user-friendly.
When shopping for a double stroller, bear in mind how far apart your children are in age and what kind of outings you are planning to take them on. For example, if your children are similar in age and you want to opt for a tandem high-low stroller to ensure that they can be together on outings. On the other the other hand, if you have a large age gap it is possible to choose a side-byside model that offers them more privacy.
If you're going to be using your stroller with baby car seats, look for a model that integrates with the top-rated car seat brands and has good attachment scores. This will not have as significant an impact on the overall rating as other metrics but it is still crucial if you intend to utilize car seat adapters.