10 Life Lessons We Can Take From Double Infant Stroller
Buying a Double Infant Stroller
A double stroller is an ideal way for parents to transport multiple children. The best models are simple to fold and transport and can easily fit inside a trunk of a car, and provide a variety of seating arrangements for children of different age groups.
If your children are close in age, you may find that a sit-and-stand or side-by-side style is the best method to avoid fights between siblings over which seat to use. We also like options that accept two infant car seats such as the UPPAbaby V2 double buggy from birth.
Comfort
It is crucial that your toddler and baby are both at ease in the stroller. Pick one with padding for the seats, a wide base, and swivelling front wheels to smooth out bumps in the off Road Double buggy, and buckles that are simple to fasten and unfasten.
Look for a large UPF 50+ canopy to provide sun protection for both children and adults. Another feature that is comfortable is the adjustable footrests, which let your child stand up in the back seat if they are tired. Some double strollers, like the best-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
The number of seats you can put in your stroller is contingent on the ages and weights of the children who are riding in it. For instance, a side-by-side stroller allows you to 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 can be difficult to maneuver in crowded or narrow spaces.
On the other hand, a stand-and-sit stroller allows older siblings to stand while you push the baby in an infant car seat. It's not the best option for newborns but can be beneficial for older children who can walk for longer distances.
Another alternative is a convertible stroller, that has multiple seating options and can be used as a double jogging stroller or single for a number of years. Rebecca says that this kind of stroller is a good option for parents who wish to purchase one stroller, but want to use it with two 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 some of the other options we tested, but it has sleek, modern designs and high-quality materials. 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 tires filled with foam that won't go flat and an ample storage basket.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller is an expensive purchase. Parents are looking for models that are simple to use. That means a broad range of features, ranging from the possibility of folding it down to the ability to adjust the height of the handlebar to accommodate different users, must be readily available. Certain 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 that keep phones, keys and other essentials on fingertips.
A stroller should be able to adapt to the needs of your family as they grow older as well. For instance, a budget-friendly option like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes a modular system that allows you to add a seat, transform it into a triple using the rideboard, or change to a single mode by using an additional bench in the rear. This flexibility will let double strollers last the time you need it to.
In terms of maneuverability, many side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver. However, our Lab testers were impressed with the ease of use and maneuverability of the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model is compatible with all of 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 easier to maneuver than other double strollers that we tried.
On the other side the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double comes with a streamlined design and a large storage basket that can fit two toddler car seats or one infant car seat plus a regular child seat. It can also be used by one child up to three years old and offers a smooth ride thanks to its foam-filled tires which are designed not to go flat.
The UPPAbaby folds down in half, making it easy to store and transport. It's also super lightweight and weighs only 18 pounds. It's also easy to open and close with a latch, and requires no tools for assembling. Our Lab experts chose it as the best choice for its affordability and long-term durability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers need to be able to carry diaper bags and water bottles snacks, toys, and jackets for children, as well as parents' wallets, keys phones and other things. They also need to be able to slide over various surfaces and maneuver into tight spaces. When not in use they are often required to fit into the trunk of a car.
To meet these requirements Double strollers can be constructed in a variety of styles. They can be side-byside or tandem with removable or fixed seats or a baby car seat and a ridingboard. They can be designed to accommodate a single toddler or twins. Some are designed for running while others are used at the beach or on hiking trails.
Modular designs are particularly helpful for families that need to grow into 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 entire family from birth to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double, can be made to accommodate one child with the use of bassinet or baby seat or a toddler's an elevated seat or a standing board (sold separately). The versatile UPPAbaby can be configured in a variety of ways, making it suitable for twins, siblings or growing families.
The UPPAbaby is recognized for its green initiatives, and it prioritizes sustainability. The UPPAbaby is available in a variety of colors, and the fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. Raul one of our testers, used this double stroller during testing with his five-month-old son as well as three-year-old daughter. He said it was easy to take the parts out and assemble them since they were packaged neatly with video and instructions.
Another excellent aspect of the UPPAbaby is its telescoping handlebar as well as brakes that operate with one hand and can be operated using only your thumb. Its swiveling front wheels can help it make tight turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
While double strollers have been criticized for being heavy and difficult to maneuver, the latest generation of models are sleek and come with a range of options for customization. You can even find one that fits the car seat of your infant, making it even easier to get out and about with two children with you.
Whether you're looking for a side-by-side or in-line double stroller, be sure it's JPMA certified to ensure it meets minimum safety standards and undergoes regular inspections. You should also choose an adjustable suspension system that gives a smooth ride and doesn't cause bumps, or jostling for your children in the front seat. If your stroller comes with an armrest, make sure that it is adjustable to accommodate the different heights.
A canopy can shield your child from the harsh sun and harsh weather. The best double buggy canopy features the option of a reversible flap, or a transparent plastic windows that peek-a-boo to let you monitor your children without disturbing them. Certain canopies come with visors that block the direct sun.
Another important metric to take into consideration is how easy the stroller folds and unfolds. Strollers that are compact when folded are easier to store and take less space in the trunk of your car. Strollers that come with one button to fold the chassis are also easier to use.
When deciding which double stroller, consider the age difference between your children and the kind of trip you intend to take with them. For instance, if your kids are close in age, you may want to consider a tandem double buggy high-low stroller so that they can get to know each other during outings. If your children are separated due to a large age gap You can choose a model that allows them to have more privacy.
If you're planning to use your stroller for baby car seats, select a model with a high attachment score and compatible with top-rated brands. This won't have as big impact on your overall rating as the other factors, but it's an important factor to consider if you're planning on using car seat adapters.