Five Lessons You Can Learn From Double Infant Stroller
Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is a great way for parents to transport multiple children. The best models are reasonably lightweight and easy to fold and carry and fit nicely inside a trunk of a car, and offer versatile seating arrangements for children of various age groups.
Parents with children close in age may find a side-by-side or sit-and-stand design is the best to avoid sibling squabbles over who rides in which car seat. We also like options which accept two infant car seat, such as the UPPAbaby v2 double.
Comfort
A comfortable stroller is key for both your toddler and baby. Choose a stroller with padded seats and swiveling wheels at the front to smooth road bumps. Also, select one that has buckles that can be easily unfastened and fastened.
Look for a large UPF 50+ canopy to provide sun protection for both children and their parents. Adjustable footrests let your child to stand up in the back seat when they're tired. Some double strollers give this option to both children, such as the Safety 1st model that is the top-selling model.
The number of seats in your stroller will depend on the weight and age of the children who will be using it. A side-byside baby stroller allows you to watch two children at a time it 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 through crowded or narrow spaces.
Sit-and-stand prams allow older siblings to stand up while you push a smaller child in a car seat for infants. It's not ideal for newborns, but it can be a good fit when your kids are around three years old and are able to walk for longer distances.
A convertible stroller is a different option. It offers multiple seating options and can be used for years as a double or single. Rebecca says this kind of stroller is an excellent choice for parents who want to buy one stroller but are planning to use it with two kids. It's more expensive than the top tandem pick but it will last for many years and has the best resale value she adds.
This stroller by UPPAbaby is a small double stroller 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 an elegant, modern design and top-quality materials. It is compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and has a telescoping bar as well as easy to press brakes. It has foam-filled wheels that won't sag and a large storage bin.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller is not an investment that is cheap, and parents often seek one that is simple to use. It should include a variety of features including the ability to fold the stroller in a compact manner and alter the height of the handlebar to suit different users. Some models come with more than one storage space to allow families to divide things up for easy access, and organizer bags for parents or parent consoles to keep phone, keys and other items in reach.
A stroller double is supposed to be able to adjust to the needs of your family throughout the years, too. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance, is an affordable stroller that comes with an adjustable system. This allows you to add another seat, convert the stroller into a triple with an additional board, or convert to a single-mode by adding a bench at the rear. This flexibility can make a double stroller work for as long as you want it to.
In terms of maneuverability, some side-by-side models struggle to turn at a whim however, many of our Lab testers were impressed by 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 make it more flexible than other double stroller for twins strollers we tested.
On the other side the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double comes with sleek design and a huge storage basket that can hold two toddler car seats or one infant car seat and an ordinary child seat. It can also be used by one child up to the age of three and is a smooth ride due to its tires filled with foam that are not designed to run flat.
The UPPAbaby folds down in half and is easy to store and carry. It's also very light and weighs only 18 pounds. It's also simple to open and close using a latch, and requires no tools to assemble. It was a top choice by our Lab experts for its durability and versatility, as well as its price.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers must be able to accommodate diaper bags as well as water bottles, snacks, toys and jackets for the kids and parents keys, wallets phones and other things. They also need to be able to glide across different surfaces and maneuver in tight spaces. They are often required to be able to fit in the trunk of a vehicle, so they should be simple to fold and compact when not being used.
Double strollers come in many different styles to meet your needs. 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 made to fit a single infant or toddler or twins. Some are designed for running while others are utilized at the beach or on trails for hiking.
Modular designs are especially helpful for families that need to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle for instance, allows parents to mix and match seat units, cots, and car seats to let the stroller serve all the family members twin buggy from birth infant to toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be converted to a single child by using the bassinet or baby seat or for a toddler using a standing board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a versatile stroller that can be set up 30 different ways. It's ideal for twins, siblings or an expanding family.
The UPPAbaby is also committed to green and sustainability initiatives. The UPPAbaby comes with various colors and its fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. During testing, our tester Raul used this double stroller with his three year old daughter and five-month-old son. He says it was easy to take apart and assemble since the parts came in neatly labeled boxes with instructions and a video code included.
Another amazing characteristic of the UPPAbaby its telescoping handlebar and brakes that are one-handed and can be operated by your thumb. The swiveling wheels at the front can aid in making more precise turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
Double strollers have received a bad rap for being bulky and difficult to maneuver, the new generation of strollers are sleek and provide a variety of options for customization. You can find one that is compatible with an infant car seat to make it easier to travel with two children.
If you're in the market for a double stroller that can be used side-by-side or in line, ensure that it's JPMA-certified to ensure it is safe to use. It also has to pass regular inspections. You'll need to ensure that the suspension system gives a smooth ride for your children who are in the front seat. If your stroller comes with an armrest, make sure that it is adjustable to accommodate Moms and Dads of different heights.
A canopy is a crucial feature that can shield your children from the harsh sun or the harsh weather. The best canopies have a reversible flap or clear plastic peek-a-boo window to let you monitor your children without disturbing them. Some canopies have visors that block direct sunlight.
Another important metric to take into consideration is how easily the stroller folds and unfolds. Compact strollers are easier to put in the trunk of your car and take up less space. Strollers that have only one button to fold the chassis are easier to use.
When choosing a double stroller, keep in mind how far your children are and what kind of outings you're planning to take them on. If your children are close in age, you can opt for a tandem high/low stroller to allow them to be together on outings. On the other side, if your kids have a significant age difference then you may want to consider a side-byside model that offers them more privacy.
If you're planning on using your stroller with baby car seats, look for a model that works with top-rated car seat brands and has high attachment scores. This won't have as big impact on your overall rating as other metrics however it's a crucial factor to consider if you're planning on using adapters for car seats.