Buying a Double Infant Stroller

A double stroller is a great option for parents to take multiple children. The best models are simple to fold, carry and store into a trunk of a car. They also offer various seating arrangements for children of different ages.

If your children are similar in age, you might decide that a sit-and stand or side-by-side style is the best way to avoid fights between siblings over the best seat to use. We also like options which accept two infant car seats like the UPPAbaby V2 double buggy converts to single.

Comfort

A comfortable stroller is key for both your toddler and baby. Pick one with cushioned seats, a large base, and swivelling front wheels to smooth out bumps on the road, and buckles that are simple to fasten and unfasten.

Look for a large UPF 50+ canopy to provide sun protection for both children. Adjustable footrests let your child to stand up in the back seat when they are exhausted. Some double strollers, like the most popular model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.

The number of seats in your stroller will be determined by the weight and age of the children who will be using it. A side-byside baby stroller allows you to monitor two children at the same time which is ideal for twins or siblings of a similar age. It's more spacious than other types of strollers, and can be difficult to maneuver in tight or narrow areas.

On the other hand, a sit-and-stand stroller allows older siblings to stand while you push your younger child in a car seat for infants. It's not the best option for infants however, it could be suitable when your kids are around three years old and able to walk for longer distances.

Another option is a convertible stroller which offers multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a double or a single for several years. Rebecca says this kind of stroller is an excellent choice for parents who want to purchase a single stroller but are planning to use it with two children. It's more expensive than the top tandem pick but it'll last for many years and has the best resale value she adds.

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 tested, but it has an elegant, modern design and high-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and has a telescoping bar as well as easy to press brakes. It also comes with tires filled with foam that won't go flat and a large storage basket.

Easy of Use

A double stroller is not a cheap investment, so parents are usually looking for an option that is easy to use. That means a broad range of features, from the ability to fold it up compactly to adjusting the handlebar height to accommodate different users, must be readily available. Some models come with more than one storage space to allow families to split items for quick access, as well as organizer bags for parents or parent consoles to keep keys, phone and other items easily accessible.

A stroller should be able to adapt to your family's needs throughout the years as well. Evenflo Pivot Xpand double Infant Strollers, for instance, is a budget-friendly stroller that includes a modular system. It lets you add a second seat, transform the stroller into a triple using a board, or switch it to a single mode by adding a bench in the rear. This flexibility lets double strollers to last for as long as is required.

When it comes to maneuverability, some models aren't able to turn at a whim, but many of our Lab testers loved the simplicity and maneuverability of the inline Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model is compatible with 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 make it more maneuverable than other double travel stroller strollers that we have tested.

The UPPAbaby vist v2 double, it's on the other hand, has a sleek design and an ample basket that can fit two toddler car seats or an infant car seat with a regular child's 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.

Additionally, the UPPAbaby is super light at just 18 pounds and folds down in half to make a slim and sleek box that's easy to transport and to store. It's also simple to close and open using an latch, and needs no tools to put together. It was a top choice among our Lab experts for its durability and shopability as well as its affordability.

Ease of Storage

Double strollers need to be able to hold diaper bags as well as water bottles and jackets along with the keys, wallets and phones of parents. They also need to be able to glide across different surfaces and maneuver through tight spaces. When not in use they often have to fit into the trunk of a vehicle.

Double strollers come in a variety of styles to meet these needs. They can be tandem or side-by-side with seats that are removable or fixed or come with infant car seats as well as a riding board. They can also be designed to accommodate one toddler or infant, or twins. Some are made for running while others are utilized at the beach or on hiking trails.

Modular designs are particularly useful for families that need to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle, for example allows parents to mix and combine seats, cots, and car seats to make the stroller suitable for all the family members from infant to toddlerhood.

Other modular double strollers like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be converted to one child with the use of a bassinet or baby seat or a toddler using an elevated board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a flexible stroller that can be configured in a variety of ways. It's perfect for twins, siblings or an expanding family.

The UPPAbaby is also a proponent of sustainability and green initiatives. The UPPAbaby comes 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 as well as three-year-old daughter. Raul says it was simple to disassemble and unpack because the components came in neatly labeled boxes, which had instructions and a video code included.

The UPPAbaby also comes with an adjustable handlebar that can be telescoping, as well as brakes controlled by your thumb. The swiveling front wheel will allow it to make precise turns on sidewalks in cities.

Safety

Double strollers are a bit of a bad reputation as cumbersome and difficult to maneuver, the latest generation of models are sleek and come with a range of options for customization. You can even find one that fits the car seat of your infant which makes it easier to get out and about with two kids in tow.

If you're in the market for a double stroller that can be used side-by-side, or in a line, make sure that it's JPMA-certified to ensure it is safe to use. It also has to pass regular inspections. You'll also want to choose suspension systems that provide a smooth ride and doesn't cause bumps or jostling for your toddlers 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 an additional feature that protects your children from the harsh sun or inclement weather. The most effective canopies have a reversible window or a transparent plastic peek-aboo which lets you monitor your child without disturbing them. Some canopies come with visors to block the direct sun.

The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is another important factor to consider. Compact strollers are easier to store in the trunk of your car and take up less room. Strollers that have one button to fold the chassis are easier to use.

When choosing a double stroller, keep in mind how far apart your children are and what kind of excursions you're planning to take them on. If your children are close in age, you could opt for a tandem high/low stroller to allow them to be together on outings. If your children are separated due to an age gap that is large You can choose a model which allows them to enjoy more privacy.

If you're planning on using your stroller with baby car seats, look for a model that works with top-rated car seats and has high attachment scores. This will not have as much of an impact on the overall rating as other factors but is still crucial if you intend to use adapters for car seats.