What Is Double Infant Stroller And Why You Should Care
Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller gives parents of multiple kids an easy way to move them around. The best models are simple to fold, carry and place into a trunk of a car. They also offer various 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 style is the best method to avoid sibling fights over which seat to use. We also like the options that can accommodate two infant car seats such as the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double.
Comfort
A stroller that is comfortable is essential for both your baby and toddler. Choose a stroller with cushioned seats and swiveling wheels at the front to smooth out road bumps. Also, choose one with buckles that are easily removed and fastened.
Choose a big UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection for both children and adults. Another comfort feature is adjustable footrests, which let your child stand up in the back of the seat when they are tired. Some double strollers, such as the most popular model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats you can have in your stroller will depend on the weight and age of the children using it. For instance, a side-by-side stroller lets you keep an eye on two children at the same time which is perfect for twins or siblings that are close in age. It's wider than other configurations, and can be difficult to maneuver in crowded or narrow areas.
On the other hand, a sit-and-stand stroller allows older siblings to stand while you push the younger one in a car seat for infants. It's not ideal for newborns however, it could be suitable when your kids are around three years old and are able to walk longer distances.
Another option is a convertible stroller which has multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a double or a single for several years. Rebecca says that this kind of stroller is a good option for parents who wish to buy one stroller but want to use it with two children. It's more expensive than the top tandem choice but it will last for a long time and has a great resale price, she says.
This stroller by UPPAbaby is a double stroller that converts into a single or a toddler-and-RumbleSeat configuration. It is not as compact as some other options but it does have an elegant design and top-quality material. It's compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and has a telescoping bar as well as easy to press brakes. It comes with foam-filled wheels that won't break and a large storage bin.
Easy of Use
A double stroller can be an expensive investment. Parents are therefore seeking models that are simple to use. It should come with a range of features like the ability to fold the stroller in a compact manner and to adjust the handlebar's height to accommodate different users. Some models have multiple storage compartments to enable families to keep their belongings separate to make it easier to access. They also have parent consoles and organizer bags to keep keys, phones and other essentials on fingertips.
A stroller should be able to adapt to the changing needs of your family as they grow older as well. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance, is a budget-friendly stroller with a modular system. It allows you to add a second seat, transform the stroller into a triple by adding a board, or switch it to a single mode by adding a bench in the rear. This flexibility lets double strollers to last as long as is required.
In terms of maneuverability, many side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver, however our Lab testers were impressed by the ease of using and maneuverability of Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model can be used with all of our top-rated infant car seats and is suitable for twins or children of different age. The telescoping handlebar as well as the simple-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable than many of the other double strollers we tested.
On the other hand, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double features an elegant design and a huge storage basket that can fit two car seats for toddlers or one infant car seat plus an ordinary 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.
In addition, the UPPAbaby is super light at just 18 pounds and folds in half to make a slim and sleek box that's easy to transport and put away. It's also simple to open and close using the latch, and requires no tools to put together. It was a top choice among our Lab experts for its durability, shopability, and affordability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers should be able hold diaper bags jackets, water bottles, and other items and the keys, wallets and phones of parents. They should also 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.
To meet these needs Double strollers can be constructed in a variety of styles. They can be tandem or side-byside with seats that are removable or fixed or even be outfitted with infant car seats and a riding board. They can be designed to fit a single infant or toddler or twins. Some are suitable for running, while others can be used on hiking trails or at the beach.
Modular designs are especially useful for families who need to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S, for example is designed to permit parents to mix and match seat units, cot attachments, and car seats so that the stroller is able to serve the family from birth through toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be converted to one child with the use of the bassinet or baby seat, or a toddler by using an elevated board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a versatile stroller that can be configured in 30 different ways, making it ideal for twins and siblings, or for growing families.
The UPPAbaby also prioritizes sustainability and green initiatives. The UPPAbaby comes in a variety of colors, and the fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. Our test subject Raul used this double stroller with his 3 year old daughter and five-month-old son. He says it was easy to disassemble and unpack because the components were neatly labeled boxes, with instructions and a video code.
Another excellent feature of the UPPAbaby is its telescoping handlebar, as well as brakes that are one-handed and can be operated with only your thumb. And its swiveling front wheels can help it make tight turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
Double strollers are often accused of being heavy, difficult to maneuver and bulky. However, the latest models are sleeker and offer a variety of customization options. You might even find one that will fit your infant car seat, making it even easier to get out and about with two children in the stroller.
Whether you're looking for a side-by-side or in-line double stroller, ensure that it's JPMA certified to ensure it complies with minimum safety standards and goes through regular inspections. You should also consider suspension systems that provide smooth riding and doesn't create bumps or jostling for the little ones in the front seat. If your stroller is equipped with an armrest, make sure that it is adjustable to accommodate the different heights.
A canopy can protect your baby from harsh sunlight and harsh weather. The best canopy features an reversible flap as well as a transparent plastic windows that peek-a-boo that allows you to watch your children without causing any disturbance to them. Pushchairs & Prams come with visors to block the direct sun.
Another important metric to take into consideration is how easy the stroller folds and unfolds. Compact strollers are much easier to store in your car's trunk and take up less room. Also, strollers with only one button to release the hand that folds the chassis more user-friendly.
When choosing a double stroller to buy be aware of the age gap between your children and the kind of trip you're planning to take with them. For example, if your kids are close in age and you want to consider a tandem high-low stroller so that they can interact during outings. On the other hand, if your children have a significant age difference it is possible to choose a side-byside model that offers 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 seat brands and has good attachment scores. This will not have as much of an impact on the overall rating as other metrics but is still important if you plan to use car seat adapters.