The One Double Infant Stroller Mistake Every Beginner Makes
Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is a convenient option for parents to take multiple children. The best strollers are lightweight double buggy and easy to fold and carry and fit nicely in the trunk of a car and have a variety of seating options for children of different ages.
If your children are close in age, you may consider a sit-and-stand or side-byside style is the best way to avoid fighting between siblings over the best seat to use. We also recommend options that allow two infant car seats such as the UPPAbaby v2 double.
Comfort
It is essential that your baby and toddler are comfortable in the stroller. Choose one that has padded seats, a wide base and swiveling front wheels to smooth bumps in the road and buckles that are easy to secure and remove.
You can also search for a generous, UPF 50+ canopy that offers sun protection and plenty of coverage for both children. Another comfort feature is adjustable footrests, which let your child sit up in the back seat if they get tired. Some double strollers, such as the top-selling 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 instance, a side by side stroller allows you to keep an eye on both kids simultaneously which is perfect for twins or siblings that are close in age. It's more spacious than other types of strollers and isn't easy to maneuver through crowded or narrow areas.
Sit-and-stand prams allow older siblings to stand while you push a younger child in the infant car seat. It's not the best option for infants however, it could be an ideal choice when your kids are around three years old and able to walk longer distances.
Another alternative is a convertible stroller, that has multiple seating options and can be used as a double or a single for a number of years. Rebecca says this kind of stroller is a good choice for parents who are planning to buy one stroller and use it with both children. It's more expensive than the top tandem choice but it'll last for many years and has an excellent resale value, she adds.
This twin stroller with car seats by UPPAbaby is a double stroller that converts into a single or a toddler-and-RumbleSeat configuration. It's not as compact as other models however it has an elegant design and premium material. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and comes with a telescoping handlebar as well as easy-to-press brakes. It also comes with foam-filled tires that aren't flat, and large storage basket.
Easy of Use
A double stroller is not an investment that is cheap, and parents often seek one that is simple to use. This means a variety of features, ranging from the ability to fold it up compactly to adjusting the height of the handlebar for different users, should be available. Some models have multiple storage compartments that enable families to keep their belongings separate for easy access. They also come with parent consoles and organizer bags that keep keys, phones, and other essentials at hand.
A stroller should be able adapt to the changing needs of your family as time goes by. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance is an affordable stroller that comes with an adjustable system. This allows you to add a seat, transform the stroller into a triple with an additional board, or convert to a single-mode by adding a bench in the rear. This flexibility can help double strollers last as long as you want it to.
When it comes to maneuverability, some models aren't able to turn at a whim however, many of our Lab testers appreciated 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 and children of various age. The telescoping handlebar and easy-to-use brakes make it more maneuverable than many of the other double strollers that we test.
On the other side the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double comes with a streamlined design and a large storage basket that can accommodate two toddler car seats or one infant car seat in addition to an ordinary child's seat. It can also be used by a single child up to three years old and provides a smooth ride due to its tires filled with foam that are made to not go flat.
Furthermore to that, the UPPAbaby is light at only 18 pounds and folds down in half to make a slim and sleek box that is easy to transport and to store. It's also simple to open and close using an latch, and requires no tools for assembly. It was a top pick by our Lab experts for its durability, shopability, and affordability.
Ease of Storage
double single pushchair strollers must be able to accommodate diaper bags, water bottles snacks, toys, and jackets for kids as well as parents' wallets, keys, phones and other belongings. They also need to be able to slide over different surfaces and maneuver through tight spaces. When not in use they are often required to fit into the trunk of a car.
To meet these needs, double strollers can be built in a wide range of styles. 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 accommodate a single newborn or toddler, or twins. Some are made for jogging while others can be utilized at the beach or on hiking trails.
Modular designs are particularly helpful for families that need to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S for instance is designed to permit parents to mix and match seat units, cot attachments, and car seats, so that the stroller can be used by the entire family from birth to toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be modified to fit one child with the use of a baby seat or bassinet, or a toddler with an elevated seat or a standing board (sold separately). The versatile UPPAbaby can be set up in a variety of ways, making it ideal for twins or siblings, or even a growing family.
The UPPAbaby is also a proponent of green and sustainability initiatives. The UPPAbaby is available in a wide range of colors, and its materials are made out of recycled water bottles. Raul one of our testers utilized this double pushchairs stroller while testing with his five-month-old son as well as three-year-old daughter. He found it easy to remove the components and put them together because they came in neatly-labeled boxes with instructions and video codes.
The UPPAbaby also features a telescoping handlebar, and brakes that operate with your thumb. And its swiveling front wheels will allow it to make precise turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
While double strollers have received a bad rap for being bulky and difficult to maneuver, the new generation of models are sleek and come with a range of customization options. 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 double stroller that can be used side-byside or in a line, make sure that it's JPMA-certified to ensure it meets safety standards. It also has to pass regular inspections. You should also consider a suspension system that provides smooth riding and doesn't create bumps or jostling for your toddlers in the front seat. And if your stroller has an armrest, make sure that it is adjustable to accommodate parents and dads of various heights.
A canopy can shield your child from the harsh sun and inclement weather. The best canopy features windows that can be reversible or a transparent plastic peek-aboo that lets you watch your child's progress without causing any disturbance. Certain canopies come with visors that block the direct sun.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is an important aspect to take into consideration. Strollers that are compact when folded are easier to store and take less space in the trunk of your car. Also, strollers that have only one button to release the hand that folds the chassis much easier to use.
When choosing a double stroller take into consideration the age gap between your children and the kind of trip you're planning to take the strollers on. For instance, if your children are similar in age, you may want to opt for an incline-to-low tandem stroller so that they can get to know each other when outings are planned. If your children are separated due to the age gap You can choose a model that gives them more privacy.
If you intend to use your stroller for baby car seats, choose one with a high attachment score and that is compatible with top-rated brands. It won't have as much of an impact on your overall rating as other factors, but it's an important factor to consider if you're planning on using adapters for car seats.