The Unspoken Secrets Of Double Infant Stroller
Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is an ideal option for parents to take multiple children. The most effective models are easy to fold, carry and fit into a trunk of a car. They also offer flexible seating arrangements for kids of various ages.
If your children are close in age, you could decide that a sit-and stand or side-byside style is the best way to avoid fights between siblings over which seat to use. We also like the options that can accommodate two infant car seats, like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double.
Comfort
A stroller that is comfortable and safe for your toddler and baby. Select one with padded seats, a wide base, and swivelling front wheels to smooth bumps in the road and buckles that are easy to unfasten and fasten.
You can also look for an ample, UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection as well as plenty of coverage for both children. Another feature that is comfortable is the adjustable footrests, which let your child stand up in the back seat if they get tired. 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 depend on the weight and age of the children using it. For example, a side-by-side stroller lets you keep an eye on both children at the same time and is ideal for twins or siblings close in age. It's wider than other configurations and may be difficult to maneuver through crowded or narrow spaces.
Sit-and-stand prams allow older siblings to stand up while you push a younger child in a car seat for infants. It's not the ideal choice for infants, but it can be beneficial for older children who can walk longer distances.
A convertible stroller is an additional option. It has multiple seating options and can be used as a double or single. Rebecca says that this type of stroller would be an ideal choice for parents who are planning to purchase one stroller and use it with both children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem pick however, it will last a long time, offers a high 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 the other options we tested however, it comes with a sleek, modern design and high-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and comes with a telescoping handlebar and easy-to-press brakes. It also comes with tires filled with foam that aren't flat, and a large storage basket.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller isn't an investment that is cheap, and parents are usually looking for a model that's easy to use. That means a wide range of features, ranging from the ability to fold it up compactly to the ability to adjust the height of the handlebar for different users, should be available. Some models come with more than one storage compartment to allow families to divide up belongings for quick access, as well as organizer bags or consoles for parents to keep keys, phone and other necessities easily accessible.
A stroller is supposed to be able to adjust to your family's needs over the years as well. For instance, a cost-effective option such as the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes an adjustable system that allows you to add another seat, convert it to a triple with an incline board, or change to a single-mode with a rear bench. This flexibility can help double strollers work for the time you need it to.
In terms of maneuverability, some models struggle to turn on a dime 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 is compatible with our top-rated car seats for infants and can be used by twins or children of different ages. The telescoping handlebar as well as the simple-to-use brakes make it much easier to maneuver over the other double stroller s we test.
On the other side the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double comes with a streamlined design and a huge storage basket that can accommodate two car seats for toddlers or one infant car seat and an ordinary child's seat. It can be used by a single child as young as three years old. Its tires that are filled with foam are designed to last and not wear out.
In addition to that, the UPPAbaby is light at just 18 pounds, and folds in half for a sleek package that is easy to transport and to store. It's also easy to open and close using the latch, and requires no tools to put together. It was a top choice by our Lab experts for its longevity and shopability as well as its affordability.
Easy of Storage
Double strollers need to be able to accommodate diaper bags as well as water bottles snacks, toys, and jackets for children and parents' wallets, keys phones, and other items. They also need to be able to glide over different surfaces and maneuver in tight spaces. They often need to fit into the trunk of a car, therefore they must be easy to fold and compact when not being used.
Double strollers come in many different styles to meet these needs. They can be side-by-side or tandem, with fixed or removable seats or a baby car seats and a rideboard. They can also be designed to fit a single toddler or newborn, or twins. Some are designed for running, while others could be used on hiking trails or 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 seat units, cot attachments, and car seats, so that the stroller can serve the entire family from birth to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be made to accommodate one child by 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 a variety of ways, making it suitable for twins and siblings, or for an expanding family.
The UPPAbaby is also known for its green initiatives, and it is a proponent of sustainability. The UPPAbaby comes in various colors, and the fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. In our testing, our test participant Raul used the double stroller with his three year old daughter and five-month-old son. Raul says it was simple to unpack and assemble because the parts came in neatly labeled boxes with instructions and a video code included.
Another great feature of the UPPAbaby is its telescoping handlebar and brakes that are one-handed and can be operated using only your thumb. The swiveling front wheel allow it to make tight turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
Double strollers are often criticized for being cumbersome and difficult to maneuver. They're also bulky. However, the most recent models are sleeker and offer a variety of customization options. You can find one that fits an infant car seat, making it easier to travel with two children.
If you're looking 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 want to ensure that the suspension system offers a smooth ride for your children in the front seat. If your stroller has a handlebar, ensure it's adjustable so that both parents can use it.
A canopy is an additional feature that protects your children from the harsh sun or the harsh weather. The most effective canopies have a reversible window or a transparent plastic peek-aboo which lets you observe your child without causing any disturbance. Some canopies also come with the ability to shade direct sunlight.
Another important metric to take into consideration is how easy the stroller folds and unfolds. Strollers that fold compactly when folded are more convenient to store and take up less space in the trunk of your car. Also, strollers with only one button to release the hand that folds the chassis are much more convenient to use.
When choosing a double stroller, bear in mind the distance your children are in age and what kind of excursions you're planning to take them on. If your children are similar in age you may choose a tandem high/low stroller in order to allow them to interact when outings. If your children are separated by an age gap that is large, you may choose one which allows them to enjoy more privacy.
If you plan to use your stroller to carry baby car seats, choose one with a good attachment score and is compatible with top-rated brands. It won't have as much impact on your overall rating as other metrics but it's an important factor to consider if you're planning on using car seat adapters.