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Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller offers parents with multiple children an enjoyable way to take their children around. The best models are simple to fold, carry and place into the trunk of a car. They also have different seating arrangements for children of various ages.
Parents of children who are close to age may find a side-by-side or sit-and-stand style works best to avoid sibling squabbles over who rides in which seat. We also recommend options that accept two infant car seats, such as the UPPAbaby V2 double.
Comfort
A stroller that is comfortable is essential for both your toddler and baby. Pick one with cushioned seats, a large base and swiveling front wheels to smooth out bumps in the road, and buckles that are easy to unfasten and fasten.
You could also consider a large UPF 50+ canopy, which provides sun protection as well as plenty of coverage for both kids. Adjustable footrests allow your child to stand up in the rear seat if they're exhausted. Some double strollers , such as the best-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats you can put in your stroller depends on the ages and weights of the kids riding in it. For instance, a side-by-side stroller lets you keep an eye on two children at the same time, so it's perfect for twins or siblings that are close in age. However, it's generally wider than other types and can be challenging to navigate in narrow spaces or crowded areas.
On the other hand, a sit-and-stand stroller allows older siblings to stand while you push the baby in the infant car seat. It's not a good choice for babies but it's a good fit when your children are about three years old and able to walk longer distances.
Another alternative is a convertible stroller, which offers multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a single or double for a long time. Rebecca says this kind of stroller is a good option for parents who only want to purchase one stroller, but want to use it with two children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem choice, but 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 some of the other options we tested however it does have sleek, modern designs and high-quality materials. It is compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and has a telescoping bar as well as easy to press brakes. It also has foam-filled tires that won't go flat and an ample storage basket.
Easy of Use
A double stroller isn't an investment that is cheap, and parents are usually looking for an option that is easy to use. This means a variety of features, ranging from the ability to fold it compactly to adjusting the handlebar height to accommodate different users, must be readily available. Certain models have multiple storage compartments that allow families to separate belongings to make it easier to access. They also include parent consoles and organizer bags that store keys, phones, and other essentials at the ready.
A stroller can be adjusted to your family's needs throughout the years as well. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance, is a budget-friendly stroller that includes a modular system. It lets you add a seat, transform the stroller into a triple with an additional board, or convert it to a single mode by adding a bench at the rear. This flexibility will let double strollers last the time you need it to.
In terms of maneuverability, a lot of side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver. However, our Lab testers were impressed by the ease of use and maneuverability of the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model can be used with all of our top-rated infant car seats and is suitable for twins and children of different age. The telescoping handlebar as well as the simple-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable than other double strollers we tested.
On the other side the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double features sleek design and a huge storage basket that can accommodate two toddler car seats or one infant car seat and an ordinary child's seat. It can also be used by a single child up to three years old and provides a smooth ride due to its foam-filled tires that are not designed to run flat.
Additionally to that, the UPPAbaby is light at just 18 pounds and folds in half for a sleek package that's easy to transport and to store. It's also easy to open and re-close with a latch and requires no tools for assembly. Our Lab experts picked it as the top pick for its affordability and long-term durability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers should be able hold diaper bags as well as water bottles and jackets, as well as the wallets, keys and phones of parents. They also need to be able to slide over different surfaces and maneuver through tight spaces. They are often required to fit into the trunk of a vehicle, so they should be easy to fold up and compact when not in use.
To meet these requirements Double strollers are built in a wide range of styles. They can be tandem or side-by-side with fixed or removable seats or come with infant car seats and a riding board. They can be made to fit a single toddler or twins. Some are designed for running, while others could be used on trails for hiking and at the beach.
Modular designs are particularly useful for families who need to expand 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 be used by the family from birth until toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be adapted for a single child through the use of bassinets or a baby seat or a toddler's with a jump seat or standing board (sold separately). The UPPAbaby's versatility allows it to be set up in 30 different ways, making it ideal for twins, siblings or growing families.
The UPPAbaby is also renowned for its green initiatives and it is a proponent of sustainability. The UPPAbaby comes in various colors and its fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. Our test subject Raul used this double stroller with his 3 year old daughter and 5-month-old son. He found it easy to take the parts out and assemble them because they came in neatly-labeled boxes with video instructions and instructions.
The UPPAbaby also comes with a telescoping handlebar and brakes controlled by your thumb. Its swiveling front wheels will allow it to make precise turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
Double strollers have a bad reputation as cumbersome and difficult to maneuver, the latest generation of strollers are sleek and provide a variety of options for customization. You can even find one that will fit your infant car seat which makes it more convenient to go out and about with two kids in the stroller.
If you're looking for a double stroller that can be used side-by-side or in line, be sure it is JPMA-certified to ensure it is safe to use. It also has to pass regular inspections. Also, you should look for an adjustable suspension system that gives an easy ride and doesn't cause bumps, or jolting for your children in the front seat. If your stroller comes with a handlebar, be sure that it is adjustable to accommodate parents and dads of various heights.
A canopy is a crucial feature that protects your babies from harsh sunlight or the harsh weather. The best canopy features an reversible window or clear plastic peek-aboo to let you watch your child's progress without causing any disturbance. Some canopies have visors that block direct sunlight.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is another important aspect to think about. Strollers that are compact when folded are easier to store and take up less space in the trunk of your car. Strollers that come with a single button to fold the chassis are also simpler to use.
When you are shopping for a double stroller, keep in mind how far apart your children are and what type of outings you are planning to take them on. If your children are close in age, you can opt for a tandem stroller that is high/low to let them interact when outings. If your children are separated due to an age gap that is large, you may choose a model which allows them to enjoy more privacy.
If pushchair twin on using your stroller with baby car seats, look for a model that works with the top-rated car seat brands and has good attachment scores. This won't have as significant impact on your overall rating as other metrics however it's a crucial consideration if you're planning on using adapters for car seats.