15 Things You Don t Know About Double Infant Stroller
Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is a convenient way for parents to transport multiple children. The best models are simple to fold, carry and store into the trunk of a car. They also have different seating arrangements for children of different ages.
Parents with children of a similar age may find that a side-by-side or sit-and-stand style works best to avoid sibling fights over who gets to ride in which seat. 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 baby and toddler are at ease 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 simple to secure and remove.
You can also look for an ample UPF 50+ canopy that offers sun protection and ample coverage for both children. Footrests that can be adjusted allow your child to stand up in the back seat when they're exhausted. Some double strollers provide this feature to both children, like the Safety 1st model that is the most popular.
The number of seats you can put in your stroller is contingent on the weight and ages of the kids that are using it. A side-byside baby stroller allows you to keep an eye on two children at once it is ideal for twins or siblings of similar age. It's wider than other configurations and isn't easy to maneuver in crowded or narrow spaces.
Sit-and-stand prams allow older siblings to stand while you push a smaller child in an infant car-seat. It's not the ideal choice for infants, but it can be beneficial for older children that can walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is a different option. It has multiple seating configurations and can be used as a double stroller with car seat or single. Rebecca says that this kind of stroller is a good choice for parents who want to purchase one stroller, but plan to use it with two kids. It's more expensive than the top tandem choice but it will last for a long time and has an excellent 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 some of the other options we tested, but it has a sleek, modern design and top-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and has a telescoping handlebar and brakes that are easy to press. It also comes with tires filled with foam that will not wear out and an ample storage basket.
Easy to Use
A double stroller can be an expensive purchase. Parents are therefore looking for models that are easy to use. This means a variety of features, ranging from the possibility of folding it down to adjusting the handlebar height for different users, should be readily available. Some models come with multiple storage compartments to enable families to keep their belongings separate to make it easier to access. They also come with parent consoles and organizer bags to keep keys, phones and other necessities on fingertips.
A stroller is supposed to be able to adjust to the needs of your family throughout the years as well. For example, a budget-friendly option like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes a modular system that lets you add another seat, convert it to a triple with a rideboard, or switch to a single to double buggy-mode with an additional bench in the rear. This flexibility can make double strollers work for as long as you need it to.
In terms of maneuverability, some models struggle to turn on a dime, but 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 and children of different age. The telescoping handlebar and easy-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable over the other double strollers we've test.
On the other side, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double features an elegant design and a huge storage basket that can accommodate two toddler car seats or one infant car seat in addition to a regular child seat. It can be used by a single child up to age three. Its tires that are filled with foam are made to not flatten.
The UPPAbaby folds up in half and is simple to store and transport. It's also super lightweight twin buggy, weighing only 18 pounds. It's also easy to open and close using a latch, and requires no tools for assembling. Our Lab experts picked it as the top pick for its value, affordability, shopability and longevity.
Simple of Storage
Double strollers need to be able to hold diaper bags as well as water bottles and jackets and the keys, wallets and phones of parents. They should also be able to glide over various surfaces and maneuver into tight spaces. They usually have to fit in the trunk of a car, so they should be simple to fold and compact Twin stroller when not in use.
To meet these requirements, double strollers can be built in a wide range of styles. They can be tandem or side-byside, and they can have seats that are removable or fixed or come with infant car seats and a riding board. They can be designed to fit a single toddler or twins. Some are suited for running, while others can be used on trails for hiking and at the beach.
Modular designs are especially useful for families that need to grow with their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle for instance, allows parents to mix and blend seat units, cots, and car seats to let the stroller suitable for all the family members from infant to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers with modular designs like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be converted to one child using the bassinet or baby seat, or a toddler by using an elevated board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a flexible stroller that can be set up 30 different ways. It's great for twins, siblings or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also a proponent of green and sustainability initiatives. The UPPAbaby is available in many colors and the fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. During testing, our tester Raul used the double stroller with his three year old daughter and 5-month-old son. He said it was easy to take the parts out and assemble them since they came in neatly-labeled boxes with instructions and video codes.
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 city sidewalks.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized for being cumbersome and difficult to maneuver. They are also bulky. However, the newest models are sleeker and offer a variety of customization options. You can find one that is compatible with an infant car seat to make it easier to travel with two children.
Whether you're looking for a side-by-side or an in-line double stroller, make sure it's JPMA certified to ensure that it meets the minimum safety standards and passes regular inspections. You'll want 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 the harsh sun and inclement weather. The best canopies have the option of a reversible flap, or a clear plastic peek-a-boo window to allow you to monitor your children without causing disturbance. Some canopies have visors to block direct sun.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is a second important aspect to think about. Strollers that fold compactly when folded are easier to store and take less space in the trunk of your car. Strollers with one button to fold the chassis are also simpler to use.
When deciding on a double stroller to buy be aware of the age gap between your children as well as the type of trip you're planning to take the strollers on. If your children are similar in age, you can opt for a tandem high/low stroller to allow them to interact 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 going to be 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 won't have as big an impact on the overall rating as other factors but it is still important if you plan to use car seat adapters.
