A double stroller provides parents of multiple kids a comfortable way to get their children around. The best models are lightweight 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 varying age groups.
Parents with children of a similar age may find a side-by-side or sit-and stand style is best to avoid sibling fights over who gets to ride in which seat. We also like the options that allow two infant car seats such as the UPPAbaby V2 Double.
Comfort
It is crucial that your toddler and baby are both comfortable in the stroller. Choose a stroller with padded seats and swiveling wheels on the front to smooth out road bumps. Also, choose one with buckles that are easily removed 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 rear seat if they're tired. Some double strollers offer this feature to both children, such as the Safety 1st model that is the best seller.
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 lets you keep an eye on both children at the same time and is ideal for twins or siblings that are close in age. It's more spacious than other types of strollers double strollers and may be difficult to maneuver in tight or narrow spaces.
On the other hand, a sit-and-stand stroller gives older siblings the chance to stand while you push your younger child in the infant car seat. It's not the best travel double stroller option for infants, but it can be useful for older children who can walk for longer distances.
Another option is a convertible stroller, which has multiple seating arrangements and can be used as a single or double for a number of years. Rebecca says that this type of stroller is an excellent option for parents who plan to buy one stroller and use it with both children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem selection however, it will last for a long time, offers a high resale value and is incredibly 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 other options, but it features an elegant design and premium material. It's compatible with UPPAbaby infant car seats, and comes with a telescoping handlebar as well as brakes that are easy to press. It also has foam-filled tires that won't go flat and a large storage basket.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller isn't an inexpensive investment, which is why parents often seek a model that's easy to use. That means a broad range of features, ranging from the ability to fold it compactly to adjusting the handlebar height to accommodate different users, must be readily available. Some models have multiple storage compartments to allow families to divide things up for easy access, as well as parent consoles or organizer bags to keep phones, keys and other items within reach.
A stroller must be able adapt to the changing requirements of your family as time goes by. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance is a budget-friendly stroller that includes a modular system. It 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 in the rear. This flexibility will let a double stroller work for the time you need it to.
In terms of maneuverability, some models aren't able to turn on a dime however, many of our Lab testers loved the simplicity and maneuverability of the inline 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 various ages. Its telescoping handlebar and simple-to-use brakes make it much easier to maneuver than other double strollers we tested.
On the other side the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double features a streamlined design and a large storage basket that can fit two car seats for toddlers or one infant car seat plus an ordinary child seat. It can also be used by one child up to three years old and is a smooth ride due to its foam-filled tires which are made to not go flat.
The UPPAbaby folds up in half and is easy to store and carry. It's also super lightweight at just 18 pounds. It's also easy to open and close using an latch, and requires no tools to put together. Our Lab experts picked it as their top choice for its affordability, shopability and longevity.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers must be able to carry diaper bags and water bottles snacks, toys, and jackets for the kids, as well as parents keys, wallets phones and other things. They should also be able glide over different surfaces, and maneuver in tight spaces. They are often required to fit into the trunk of a car, so they must be easy to fold up and compact when not being used.
Double strollers come in a variety of designs to meet the needs of parents. They can be side-by-side or tandem, and they can have seats that can be removed or fixed or even be outfitted with infant car seats as well as a riding board. They can also be designed to accommodate a single newborn or toddler, or twins. Some are suited for running, while others can be used for hiking trails or at the beach.
Modular designs are especially beneficial for families who need to expand their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle for instance allows parents to mix and combine seat units, cots, and car seats to let the stroller suitable for all the family members from infant to toddlerhood.
Other double strollers that are modular, such as the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be modified to accommodate a single child by using the bassinet or baby seat or for a toddler using an elevated board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is a versatile stroller that can be set up in 30 different ways, making it ideal for twins or siblings, or even growing families.
The UPPAbaby is also committed to sustainability and green initiatives. The UPPAbaby is available in many colors, and its fabrics are made from recycled water bottles. Raul one of our testers used this small double buggy stroller during testing with his five-month-old son as well as three-year-old daughter. He said it was simple to take apart and assemble since the components were neatly labeled boxes, which had instructions and a video code included.
The UPPAbaby also features a telescoping handlebar, and brakes that operate with your thumb. The swiveling front wheel allow it to make tight turns on sidewalks in cities.
Safety
double buggy side by side strollers are often criticized for being heavy and difficult to maneuver. They're also bulky. However, the newest models are sleeker and offer various options for customization. You will find one that can fit an infant car seat to make it easier to travel with two children.
If you're in the market for a side-byside or in-line double stroller, be sure it's JPMA certified to ensure it meets minimum safety standards and undergoes regular inspections. You'll want to ensure that the suspension system provides an easy ride for your children when they are in the front seat. If your stroller has an adjustable handlebar, make sure it is adjustable so that both parents can use it.
A canopy can shield your child from the harsh sun and harsh weather. The best canopy features an reversible flap as well as a transparent plastic peek-a-boo windows to allow you to monitor your children without causing any disturbance to them. Some canopies have visors that block direct sunlight.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is a second important aspect to think about. Compact strollers are simpler to store in your car's trunk and take up less room. Also, strollers double strollers with only one button to release the hand that folds the chassis much easier to use.
When choosing a double stroller, keep in mind how far your children are in age and what type of outings you are planning to take them on. If your children are close in age, you could opt for a tandem high/low stroller in order to let them interact on outings. On the other hand, if your children have a large age gap it is possible to choose an option that is side-by-side, which gives 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 seats and has a high attachment score. This will not have as big an impact on the overall rating as other factors but is still important if you plan to utilize car seat adapters.