Buying single to double stroller provides parents with multiple children a comfortable way to get them around. The best models are simple to fold and transport and fit nicely 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 consider a sit-and-stand or side-by-side style is the best method to avoid sibling fights over the best seat to use. We also like options which accept two infant car seat, such as the UPPAbaby V2 double.
Comfort
It is important that your toddler and baby are at ease in the stroller. Pick one with cushioned seats, a large base, and swivelling front wheels to smooth out bumps in the road and buckles that are easy to secure and remove.
You could also consider an ample, UPF 50+ canopy that provides sun protection and ample coverage for both kids. Another comfort feature is adjustable footrests, which let your child sit up in the back of the seat when they are tired. Some double strollers, such as the best-selling model from Safety 1st, offer this option for both children.
How many seats you choose in your stroller will depend on the ages and weights of the children riding in it. For example, a side-by-side stroller allows you to keep an eye on both kids at the same time 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 strollers allow older siblings to stand up while you push a younger child in the infant car seat. 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.
A convertible stroller is an additional option. It offers multiple seating options and can be used as a double or single. Rebecca says this kind of stroller is a good choice for parents who plan to purchase a single stroller and use it with both children. "It's more expensive than our top tandem selection 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 strollers we've tested however it does have an elegant, modern design and high-quality materials. It's compatible with UPPAbaby car seats and comes with an adjustable bar that can be telescoping and press brakes. It comes with foam-filled wheels that won't sag and a large storage bin.
Easy of Use
A double stroller isn't an inexpensive investment, which is why parents are usually looking for one that is simple to use. This means a variety of features, from the ability to fold it compactly to adjusting the height of the handlebar for different users, should be available. Some models come with multiple storage compartments to allow families to split items for quick access, as well as organizer bags or consoles for parents to keep phone, keys and other items within reach.
A stroller is supposed to be able to adjust to your family's needs as they grow older as well. For example, a budget-friendly option such as the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double includes an adjustable system that lets you add another seat, convert it to a triple with a rideboard, or switch to a single-mode with the rear bench. This flexibility can make a double stroller work for the time you need it to.
In terms of maneuverability, a lot of side-by-side models are difficult to maneuver. However, our Lab testers were pleasantly surprised by the ease of using and maneuverability of Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. This model is compatible with all of our top-rated infant car seats and is suitable for twins or kids of varying ages. The telescoping handlebar and easy-to-use brakes make it much easier to maneuver than many of the other double strollers that we tried.
The UPPAbaby vist v2 double however, has a streamlined look and a large basket that can fit two toddler car seats or an infant car seat with a regular child's car seat. It can be used by one child from age three. Its tires that are filled with foam are made to not flatten.
Furthermore to that, the UPPAbaby is lightweight at only 18 pounds, and folds in half to create a sleek and compact package that's easy to carry and to store. It's also simple to open and close using the latch, and requires no tools to assemble. It was a top pick by our Lab experts for its longevity and shopability as well as its affordability.
Ease of Storage
Double strollers must be able to hold diaper bags as well as water bottles and jackets along with the wallets, keys and phones of parents. They also need to be able to slide over different surfaces and maneuver through tight spaces. When not in use they usually have to be tucked into the trunk of a car.
Double strollers are available in many different designs to meet the needs of parents. They can be side-byside or tandem, with fixed or removable seats or equipped with infant car seat and a ridingboard. They can be designed to accommodate a single toddler or newborn or twins. Some are designed for running, while others can be used on hiking trails and at the beach.
Modular designs are particularly useful for families who want to grow with their strollers. The CYBEX Gazelle S, for example, is designed to allow parents to mix and match their seat units, cot attachments and car seats so that the stroller can serve the entire family from birth to toddlerhood.
Other modular double strollers like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double can be adapted to one child with the use of a bassinet or baby seat, or a toddler by using an elevated board or jump seat (sold separately). The UPPAbaby is an adaptable stroller that can be set up in a variety of ways. It's great for twins, siblings or an expanding family.
The UPPAbaby is recognized for its green initiatives and its focus is on sustainability. The UPPAbaby comes with a wide range 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. Raul says it was simple to take apart and assemble since the components came in neatly labeled boxes with instructions and a video code.
The UPPAbaby also features an adjustable handlebar that can be telescoping, as well as brakes that are operated by your thumb. The swiveling front wheel can help it make tight turns on city sidewalks.
Safety
While double strollers have been criticized for being heavy and difficult to maneuver, the latest generation of strollers are sleek and come with a range of customization options. You can find one that fits an infant car seat, making it easier to travel with two children.
If you're shopping for a double stroller that can be used side-by-side or in line, be sure that it's JPMA-certified to ensure it is safe to use. It also has to pass regular inspections. You'll need to ensure that the suspension system gives an easy ride for your children when they are in the front seat. If your stroller comes with a handlebar make sure it's adjustable to ensure both parents can use it.
A canopy can protect your child from harsh sunlight and harsh weather. The best canopy features a reversible flap or transparent plastic windows that peek-a-boo that allows you to watch your children without disturbing them. Some canopies also have visors to block direct sun.
The ease of folding and unfolding the stroller is a second important aspect to take into consideration. Compact strollers are simpler to put in the trunk of your car and take up less space. Also, strollers that have a single hand-release button that folds the chassis are much easier to use.
When choosing a double stroller, keep in mind the distance your children are and what type of outings you plan on taking them on. If your children are similar in age, you could opt for a tandem high/low stroller to allow them to be together on outings. If your children are separated by a large age gap, you may choose one that gives them more privacy.
If you're planning on using your stroller with baby car seats, search for a model that works with top-rated car seat brands and has good attachment scores. This won't have as much of an impact on the overall rating as other metrics however it is important if you plan to use car seat adapters.