Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller offers parents with multiple children an easy way to move them around. The best models are easy to fold, carry and place into the trunk of a car. They also provide flexible seating arrangements for kids of various ages.
If your children are close in age, you might decide that a sit-and stand or side-by-side design is the best method to avoid sibling fights over which seat to choose. We also like options that allow two infant car seats such as the UPPAbaby V2 Double.
Comfort
It is important that your toddler and baby are both at ease in the stroller. Select one with cushioned seats, a large base and swiveling front wheels to smooth out bumps in the road, and buckles that are simple to unfasten and fasten.
Find a large UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection for both children. Another comfort feature is adjustable footrests that let your child sit up in the back of the seat when they are tired. Some double strollers, such as the most popular model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats in the stroller will be contingent on the weight and age of the children who will be using it. For instance, a side-by-side stroller lets you 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.
On the other hand, a stand-and-sit stroller gives older siblings a chance to stand while you push the younger one in an infant car seat. It's not the ideal choice for infants, but it can be beneficial for older children who are able to walk for longer distances.
Another option is a convertible stroller which has multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a single or double for several years. Rebecca says this kind of stroller would be a good choice for parents who intend to purchase a single stroller and use it with both children. It's more expensive than the top tandem model but it will last for many years and has the best resale value 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 strollers we've tried however, it comes with sleek, modern designs and top-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and comes with a telescoping bar and easy-to press brakes. It also has foam-filled tires that won't go flat and large storage basket.
Easy of Use
A double stroller isn't an inexpensive investment, which is why parents are often looking for a model that's easy to use. It should come with a range of features, including the capability to fold the stroller into a compact size and to adjust the handlebar's height to suit different users. Some models also have more than one storage compartment that allow families to divide up belongings for quick access, as well as organizer bags or consoles for parents to keep keys, phone and other necessities easily accessible.
A stroller must be able adapt to the changing needs of your family over time. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance, is a budget-friendly stroller with an adjustable system. It lets you add a seat, transform the stroller into a triple by adding the addition of a board, or change it into a single mode by adding a bench at the rear. This flexibility lets double strollers to last for as long as you need it.
In terms of maneuverability, some models aren't able to turn on a dime however, the majority of our Lab testers appreciated the ease-of-use and maneuverability of the inline Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model accepts all of our top-rated infant car seats and is suitable for twins or children of different age. Its telescoping handles and easy-to-use brakes allow it to be more maneuverable than other double strollers we evaluated.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double however, is sleek and stylish. It also comes with an ample basket that can accommodate two toddler car seats or an infant car seat with a regular child's car seat. It can be used by a single child from age three. Its tires that are filled with foam are designed to last and not wear out.
Furthermore to that, the UPPAbaby is light at only 18 pounds and folds in half to make a slim and sleek box that is easy to transport and put away. It is also easy to open and close using an latch, and needs no tools to assemble. Our Lab experts selected it as their top choice for its price and long-term durability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers should be able hold diaper bags jackets, water bottles, and other items, as well as keys, wallets and phones of parents. They must also be able to slide across different surfaces and maneuver in tight places. When not in use, they usually have to be tucked into the trunk of a vehicle.
To meet these requirements, double strollers can be constructed in a variety of styles. They can be tandem or side-byside, and they can have fixed or removable seats or come with infant car seats and a riding board. They can be made to fit one toddler or infant or twins. Some are designed for running, while others can be used on trails for hiking or at the beach.
cheap double pushchair are particularly useful for families who need to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle, for example allows parents to mix and combine seat units, cots, and car seats to make 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 bassinets or a baby seat, or a toddler with an elevated seat or standing board (sold separately). The versatile UPPAbaby can be set up in 30 different ways, making it suitable for twins or siblings, or even a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is recognized for its green initiatives and it prioritizes sustainability. The UPPAbaby comes in many colors, and its materials are made from recycled water bottles. Raul, one of our testers used the double stroller for testing with his five-month-old son as well as three-year-old daughter. He reported that it was simple to unpack the parts and assemble them since they came in neatly-labeled boxes with instructions and video codes.
Another great feature of the UPPAbaby is its telescoping handlebar, as well as brakes that operate with one hand and can be operated using only your thumb. Its swiveling wheels on the front can help it make more precise turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized for being cumbersome and difficult to maneuver. They're also heavy. However, the most recent models are sleeker and provide a variety of customization options. You will find one that can fit an infant car seat, making it easier to travel with two children.
Whether you're looking for a side-byside or in-line double stroller, be sure it's JPMA certified to ensure that it meets minimum safety standards and undergoes regular inspections. You'll also want to look for suspension systems that provide a smooth ride and doesn't create bumps or jostling for the children in the front seat. If your stroller has a handlebar make sure it's adjustable to ensure both parents can use it.
A canopy is a crucial feature that protects your babies from harsh sunlight or the harsh weather. The most effective canopies have a reversible window or a transparent plastic peek-aboo that lets you monitor your child without disturbing them. Some canopies have visors to block direct sun.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is another important factor to consider. Compact strollers are easier to put in the trunk of your car and take up less room. Also, strollers with one hand-release button that folds the chassis much easier to use.
When deciding on a double stroller to buy take into consideration the age gap between your children and the kind of trip you intend to take the strollers on. If your children are similar in age you may choose a tandem high/low stroller in order to allow them to be together on outings. On the other side, if your kids have a significant age gap then you may want to consider an option that is side-by-side, which gives them more privacy.
If you're planning on 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 won't have as significant of an impact on your overall rating as the other metrics however it's a crucial aspect to take into consideration if you're thinking of using car seat adapters.