Why Is Double Infant Stroller So Popular
Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is a great option for parents to take multiple children. The best models are reasonably easy to fold and carry and fit nicely inside a trunk of a car, and provide a variety of seating arrangements for children of various ages.
If your children are similar in age, you may find that a sit-and-stand or side-by-side design is the best method to avoid sibling fights over which seat to use. We also like the options that accept two infant car seat such as the UPPAbaby v2 double.
Comfort
A comfortable stroller is key for your toddler and baby. Choose one that has 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.
Look for a large UPF 50+ canopy to offer sun protection for both children. Another feature that is comfortable is the adjustable footrests, which let your child stand up in the back seat when they get tired. Some double pushchair with car seat strollers provide this option to both children, such as the Safety 1st model that is the most popular.
The number of seats you select in your stroller will depend on the weight and ages of the kids that are using it. A side-by-side baby stroller allows you to monitor two children at once which is ideal for twins or siblings of the same age. However, it's typically wider than other configurations and can be challenging to maneuver in tight spaces or in crowded areas.
Sit-and-stand prams allow older siblings to stand while you push a younger child in a car seat for infants. It's not the best option for babies, but it is useful for older children who are able to walk for longer distances.
Another alternative is a convertible stroller which has multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a single or double for several years. Rebecca says that this type of stroller is a good choice for parents who intend to buy one 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 return value, and is extremely versatile," she says.
This stroller by UPPAbaby is a double to single buggy stroller that converts into a single or a toddler-and-RumbleSeat configuration. It's not as compact as the other strollers we've tested however it does have sleek, modern designs and top-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and has an adjustable handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted and brakes that are easy to press. It comes with foam-filled wheels that won't break and a huge storage bin.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller can be a costly investment. Parents are looking for models that are simple to use. It should include a variety of features like the capability to fold the stroller into a compact size and alter the height of the handlebar to accommodate different types of users. Some models have more than one storage space to allow families to divide up belongings for quick access, and organizer bags or consoles for parents to keep phone, keys and other items easily accessible.
A stroller can be adjusted to the changing needs of your family as they grow older also. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for example is a budget-friendly stroller that includes an adjustable system. This allows you to add a second seat, transform the stroller into a triple by adding an additional board, or convert it into a single mode by adding a bench in the rear. This flexibility allows a double stroller to last as long as is required.
In terms of maneuverability, many side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver, but our Lab testers were impressed by the ease of operation 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 different ages. The telescoping handles and simple-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable than other double strollers we have tested.
On the other side, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double features a streamlined design and a huge storage basket that can accommodate two car seats for toddlers or one infant car seat plus a regular child seat. It can be used by a single child as young as three years old. Its tires that are filled with foam are made to not flatten.
The UPPAbaby folds in half, making it easy to store and carry. It's also very light, weighing only 18 pounds. It's also easy 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 price, shopability and longevity.
Easy of Storage
Double strollers must be able to accommodate diaper bags as well as water bottles, snacks, toys and jackets for children, as well as parents keys, wallets, phones and other belongings. They should also be able glide over different surfaces, and maneuver through tight spots. They are often required to fit in the trunk of a car, so they should be easy to fold up and compact when not when not in use.
Double strollers come in a variety of designs to meet the needs of parents. They can be tandem or side-by-side with removable or fixed seats, or with an infant car seat and a ridingboard. They can be made to accommodate one toddler or infant or twins. Some are designed for running, while others can be utilized at the beach or on hiking trails.
Modular designs can be especially helpful for families that need to get bigger for their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S for instance, is designed to allow parents to mix and match seat units, cot attachments, and car seats, so that the stroller can be used by the family from birth until toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double stroller lightweight can be adapted to one child using a bassinet or baby seat or for a toddler using an elevated board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a versatile stroller that can be configured in a variety of ways, making it suitable for twins, siblings or a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also a proponent of green and sustainability initiatives. The UPPAbaby is available in various colors and its fabrics are made out of recycled water bottles. Our test subject Raul used this double stroller with his three-year old daughter and 5-month-old son. He said it was easy to remove the components and assemble them because they came in neatly-labeled boxes with instructions and video codes.
The UPPAbaby also features an adjustable handlebar that can be telescoping, as well as brakes that operate with your thumb. The swiveling front wheel can help it make tight turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
Double strollers are a bit of a bad reputation as cumbersome and difficult to maneuver, the new generation of models are sleek and provide a variety of options for customization. You can find one that fits an infant car seat to make it easier to travel with two children.
If you're looking for a side-by-side or in-line double stroller, be 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 gives an easy ride for your children in the front seat. And if your stroller has a handlebar, make sure it's adjustable to accommodate Moms and Dads of different heights.
A canopy can protect your child from the harsh sun and harsh weather. The most effective canopies come with a reversible flap or clear plastic peek-a-boo window to let you monitor your children without disturbing them. Some canopies come with visors to block direct sunlight.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is another important factor to consider. Strollers that are compact when folded are more convenient to store and take up less space in the trunk of your car. Also, strollers that have one hand-release button that folds the chassis much easier to use.
When shopping for a double buggy newborn stroller, bear in mind the distance your children are and what kind of outings you plan on taking them on. For example, if your kids are close in age and you want to opt for an incline-to-low tandem stroller so that they can get to know each other when outings are planned. On the other side, if your kids have a significant age gap then you may want to consider a side-by-side model that 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 top-rated car seats and has good attachment scores. This won't have as big of an impact on your overall rating as the other metrics but it's an important factor to consider if you're planning on using car seat adapters.
