Who Is The World's Top Expert On Double Infant Stroller
Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is a convenient option for parents to take multiple children. The most effective models are easy to fold, carry and store into a trunk of a car. They also have flexible seating arrangements for kids of various ages.
If your children are similar in age, you could consider a sit-and-stand or side-by-side design is the best method to avoid fighting between siblings over the best seat to use. We also recommend options that can accommodate two infant car seats, such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double.
Comfort
It is important that your baby and toddler are both comfortable in the stroller. Pick one with padded seats, a wide base and swiveling front wheels to smooth bumps in the road, and buckles that are easy to unfasten and fasten.
You could also consider a generous UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection as well as plenty of coverage for both children. Adjustable footrests allow your child to stand in the rear seat when they are tired. Some double strollers give this feature for both children, like the Safety 1st model that is the top-selling model.
The number of seats in the stroller will be contingent on the weight and age of the children using it. For example, a side-by-side stroller allows you to keep an eye on two children at the same time, so it's perfect for twins or siblings that are close in age. It's larger than other models and isn't easy to maneuver in tight or narrow spaces.
Sit-and-stand strollers allow older siblings to stand up while you push a smaller child in a car seat for infants. It's not ideal for newborns, but it can be suitable when your kids are around three years old and are able to walk for longer distances.
A convertible stroller is an additional option. It offers multiple seating options and can be used for years as a single or double. Rebecca says this kind of stroller would be an excellent option for parents who plan to purchase a single stroller and use it with both children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem pick however, it will last for a long time, has a great potential for resales and is extremely 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 options we tested however, it comes with sleek, modern designs and top-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and comes with a telescoping handlebar and brakes that are easy to press. It also comes with foam-filled tires that aren't flat, and a large storage basket.
Simple to Use
A double stroller is an expensive purchase. Parents are therefore looking for models that are easy to use. That means a broad range of features, from the ability to fold it compactly to adjusting the handlebar height for different users, should be readily available. Some models have multiple storage compartments to allow families to organize their belongings to make them easy to access. They also have parent consoles and organizer bags that keep phones, keys, and other essentials at fingertips.
A stroller can be adjusted to your family's needs throughout the years, too. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance is a budget-friendly stroller that includes an adjustable system. It allows you to add a seat, transform the stroller into a triple with a board, or switch it into a single mode by adding a bench at the rear. This allows double strollers to last as long as is required.
In terms of maneuverability and maneuverability, many side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver, but our Lab testers were pleasantly surprised by 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 various age groups. double stroller with bassinet telescoping handlebar and simple-to-use brakes make it much easier to maneuver than many of the other double strollers that we tried.
On the other side the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double comes with an elegant design and a huge storage basket that can fit two car seats for toddlers or one infant car seat plus an ordinary child seat. It can be used by one child as young as three years old. Its foam-filled tires are designed to not go flat.
Furthermore it's light at just 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 to put together. Our Lab experts selected it as their top choice for its value, affordability and shopability, as well as its longevity.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers should be able to hold diaper bags as well as water bottles, snacks, toys and jackets for children, as well as parents' wallets, keys, phones and other belongings. They should also be able to glide over different surfaces and maneuver through tight spaces. They are often required to be able to fit in the trunk of a car, therefore they should be easy to fold and compact when not when not in use.
To meet these needs Double strollers can be built in a wide range of styles. They can be tandem or side-by-side with removable or fixed seats or a baby car seats and a riding board. They can be made to fit a single infant or toddler or twins. Some are designed for running while others are utilized at the beach or on trails for hiking.
Modular designs are particularly beneficial for families who need to grow into their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S, for example, 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 modular double strollers such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be modified to fit one child by the use of bassinet or baby seat, or a toddler with a jump seat or standing board (sold separately). The versatile UPPAbaby can be set up in 30 different ways, making it suitable for twins, siblings or an expanding family.
The UPPAbaby also prioritizes green and sustainability initiatives. The UPPAbaby is available in a wide range of colors and its fabrics are made out of recycled water bottles. In our testing, our test participant Raul utilized the double stroller with his 3 year old daughter and five-month old son. He reported that it was simple to unpack the parts and assemble them because they were packaged neatly with instructions and video codes.
The UPPAbaby also has an adjustable handlebar that can be telescoping, as well as brakes that operate with your thumb. Its swiveling wheels on the front can assist in making more precise turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized as being heavy, difficult to maneuver and bulky. However, the newest models are sleeker and come with a variety of customization options. You may even find one that will fit 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 double 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 make sure that the suspension system gives an easy ride for your children who 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 shield your baby from harsh sunlight and inclement weather. The best canopies come with an reversible window or clear plastic peek-aboo to let you watch your child's progress without causing any disturbance. Some canopies come with visors to block direct sunlight.
Another important metric to take into consideration is how easy the stroller folds and unfolds. Compact strollers are easier to put in the trunk of your car and take up less space. Also, strollers that have only one button to release the hand that folds the chassis much more convenient to use.
When shopping for a double stroller, bear in mind how far your children are in age and what kind of excursions you plan on taking them on. If your children are similar in age you may choose a tandem stroller that is high/low to allow them to be together during outings. On the other side, if your kids have a large age gap then you may want to consider a side-byside model that offers them more privacy.
If you're planning on using your stroller with baby car seats, look for a model that is compatible with the top-rated car seat brands and has high attachment scores. This will not have as much of an impact on the overall rating as other indicators but it is still crucial if you intend to use car seat adapters.