“Parents will want to consider how they plan to use the stroller—the best option for leisurely walks around the neighborhood may not be the best option for jogging,” explains Amanda Stovall, MD, an Illinois-based board-certified pediatrician. Convertible strollers tend to be on the heavier side, Dr. Stovall tells Verywell Family, so depending on where you go when traveling with kids, you might not want to cart one around in addition to bags and other necessities. Consider a single-to-double stroller that’s easy to assemble, both the first time and when you decide to add the second seat, and one that maneuvers smoothly on any terrain, whether you’re pushing one child or two. Additional considerations include sun canopies, footrests, adjustable handlebars, recline options, solid brakes, and storage space. We took these criteria into account when testing them in our Lab, before narrowing down our list to nine winners. Based on our Lab testing, here are the best single-to-double strollers on the market.
We still stand by our many other options on this list, like the budget-friendly Graco Modes Nest2Grow Stroller and stylish Nuna Demi Grow Stroller. The Vista V2 also earned top marks in design, scoring 4.5 out of 5 stars, thanks in part to its “visually appealing” style. Our testers loved the eye-catching, full-grain leather on the handlebars that come in a variety of shades, like saddle and chestnut. “Great, great design. I love the handlebar—it’s nice and thick, and comfortable,” one tester noted. The handlebar’s height is also adjustable, so parents and caregivers of any height can push the stroller comfortably. A large storage basket found under the seats holds up to 30 pounds, so there’s plenty of space for diaper bags and more. Our testers indicate the storage basket is big enough for two bags, but note part of the stroller’s frame (a bar) runs through the middle of it. The extendable canopies offer kiddos UPF 50+ protection, while the mesh peekaboo windows provide airflow and visibility to kiddos (and peace of mind for adults). A five-point, no-rethread harness keeps littles strapped in securely for rides at any recline without hassle for adults. “The stroller is very easy to push around, and it just feels absolutely solid,” one tester notes. Plus, the stroller folds in just one step and stands when folded for the ultimate portability and convenience. We also put the Vista V2 through our maneuverability test, which includes pushing the stroller over different terrains, like carpet, hard floor, and even gravel, taking a brisk walk, and going up and down steps. The stroller was easy to push through the obstacle course, thanks to the stroller’s all-wheel suspension. However, our testers noted that it was difficult to take the stroller up the stairs backwards. “The front wheels locked out once they turned out instead of turning around,” one tester observed, which resulted in a scoring of 4 out of 5 stars for maneuverability. The Vista V2 is one of the most expensive single-to-double strollers we tested, but you get your money’s worth, and it might just be the only stroller your family needs. It comes with a bassinet for infants, and the UPPAbaby Mesa infant car seat attaches directly to the stroller without adapters. If you have twins, you can purchase a second bassinet to make this a double infant stroller. The second “Rumble” seat and adapters are sold separately. Plus, a third child can ride on the Vista V2 with the stroller’s ride-along board accessory (also sold separately). Price at time of publication: $1,100 Included with the Gold Pivot Xpand travel system is the SecureMax Instant Car Seat, which has the SensorSafe clip that can connect to a caregiver’s phone and alert them to potentially dangerous situations like overheating, accidental unbuckling, or an unattended child. You can switch it out to make room for two toddler seats, and the second seat (sold separately) doesn’t require the purchase of additional adapters. With bright colors and a bold design, we love the stroller’s eye-catching style. It has easy-to-use buckles and clips, generous footrests, full recline options, and perfectly placed cup holders. The storage space under the seats is wide enough to put items inside without struggling, and the canopies have multiple positions to keep little ones safe from the sun or rain. One small downside to the design is that we think the bumper bar might have to be removed completely in order to put some children in the stroller. The stroller didn’t earn a full 5 stars for design, because, “it doesn’t look quite as nice as the luxury brands, and that wobble in the handle feels cheap, even if it isn’t a functional problem,” one tester said. Despite a couple of small issues, the Gold Pivot Xpand maneuvered beautifully in the testing lab’s obstacle course. The stroller features rear-wheel suspension and a front swivel wheel, allowing for smooth turns, no matter how tight or wide. Our testers still experienced problems with the handle, saying that while it felt sturdy, the handle wiggled up and down while pushing it. This minor issue doesn’t outweigh the pros of how the stroller moves with ease. “It goes over the bump with no problems and not a lot of resistance. You don’t have to force it over,” a tester said, adding that pushing the stroller was easier when both seats were facing forward. With 22 possible configurations and few extra parts needed to expand it for two toddlers, this stroller also earned a 5 out of 5 for value. Price at time of publication: $600 Once it was put together, the Gazelle S aced our lab testing for design and maneuverability (5/5 stars in both categories). The stroller is compatible with Cybex, Maxi-Cosi Mico 30, and Nuna Pipa infant car seats (sold separately) using the included adapters. You can also use two toddler seats and attach the kid board for a third child to ride under the stroller’s handlebar. The second toddler seat does not require additional adapters. The Gazelle S features an adjustable harness with padded shoulder straps that easily buckle by putting two pieces together, according to our testers. Kids will love the footrest with an extra ledge for maximum comfort, while parents and caregivers will appreciate the machine-washable fabric. Bonus features: The brakes turn green to red when engaged, a removable storage basket beneath the seats holds up to 28 pounds, and the included shopping basket (which you can use instead of a second seat) holds up to 22 pounds of essentials for those quick grocery store runs or trips to the park. Foam-filled rubber tires and all-wheel suspension are to thank for a high rating during the maneuverability test in the Lab. Our testers said that the stroller went over bumps with no problems, like wobbling or shaking. While you’ll likely feel the weight of your kiddos, our testers said the stroller doesn’t become heavy, so children will feel secure while riding. “This is the most agile [stroller],” one tester said. While it has a steep price, this stroller earned 5 out of 5 stars for its overall value, impressing testers much more than some name-brand strollers that didn’t make this list. Price at time of publication: $900 The stroller’s design is a bit different from other options on the market. The second seat sits low to the ground, but our testers said that it wasn’t a problem when walking. One negative to adding a second seat on the Nuna Demi is the lack of storage, as the second seat takes up the storage space. However, this allows the seat to recline all the way (a huge bonus that wasn’t possible with all the strollers we tested). A three-point harness keeps children buckled in safely, while the stroller’s UPF 50+ extendable or removable canopies have peekaboo mesh windows. The stroller comes with an extra canopy that features additional netting that goes over the entire seat to provide extra protection from the sun and creepy crawlies. Fenders over the foam-filled tires protect kids and adults from mud, water, and other debris. Overall, our testers loved the Nuna Demi’s design and ranked it 5 out of 5 stars. We put the stroller’s all-wheel suspension to the test on the obstacle course with different terrains, a brisk walk, and trips up and down steps. According to our testers, the stroller felt light but wobbly, and not very smooth. “It’s not a Ferrari. I feel it over the bump. The handle moves, but the seats don’t,” one tester noticed. While the stroller passed the assembly and design test, the Nuna Demi earned 4 out of 5 stars when it came to maneuverability. As far as the overall value of the Nuna Demi, testers gave it 3 out of 5 stars. Included with your purchase, you’ll receive the stroller, its accessories, and a car seat ring adapter. In order to convert to a double stroller (and take advantage of 23 possible configurations), you’ll have to purchase the second seat separately. Price at time of publication: $950 The Nest2Grow features an inline, or tandem, style, so one seat is located in front of the other. Once the stroller was assembled, our testers noted that the frame felt less sturdy than other options on this list. However, considering the stroller’s easy assembly and modest price, the design is “very impressive.” With the Nest2Grow, kids can enjoy their favorite treats during their ride with the stroller’s included sturdy snack tray and drink holder. Adults get their own cup holder to stay hydrated along the way, too. A large storage basket under the seats impressed our testers, providing plenty of space for essentials, like an older sibling’s school backpack. The stroller’s leatherette handle is adjustable by simply pushing two buttons to help accommodate parents and caregivers of any size. It stands when folded, and the seat pad is machine-washable for when accidents happen. The Nest2Grow weighs over 30 pounds, a bit on the heavier side, which affected how the stroller performed during the maneuverability test in the lab. The stroller turned easily in the lab on hard floors. When it came to maneuvering on grass and carpet, the Nest2Grow struggled, however. “It definitely shakes on bumps. The whole stroller, not just the seats,” our tester remarked, adding that the stroller was easier to use with the handle angled down. While the Nest2Grow earned high marks in assembly (5/5) and design (4.5/5), the stroller earned 4 out of 5 stars on maneuverability. It won’t break your budget, and it can be used for several years to come. Price at time of publication: $390 Our testers had mixed feelings about the design of the Pivot Xpand. The stroller features canopies with peekaboo windows to let parents and caregivers keep an eye on precious cargo, but if you want an extended zip-out canopy, you’ll have to upgrade to the Gold model. To keep kiddos secure and comfortable, the stroller has a five-point harness and a wide seat with padding. It transitions from forward-facing to parent-facing, a move that our tester said is easy once you get the hang of it. “It is very easy to reconfigure the seating. With one seat facing forward, we discovered that both seats recline. You just have to play around with it like puzzle pieces to get the set-up that you really want,” our tester explained. Children will appreciate the stroller’s five-position adjustable footrest to stay comfortable while riding. As for the adults, you’ll love the plastic lining on the stroller’s footrest to protect the frame from kicking, sturdy brakes for security, and a cup holder at just the right height for your own drink. Despite these useful features, the Pivot Xpand earned a 3 out of 5 stars for design. “I just wish it felt more secure. The whole unit is very wobbly,” one tester noted. While the Pivot Xpand had some maneuverability issues, the stroller is easier to push than other options on our list. “It moves fine, but not the smoothest,” one tester said, adding that they didn’t think the handle was functional for taller people. It earned 3.5 out of 5 stars. “It is more of a Hyundai than a Cadillac. The handle wobbles and really moves the whole top seat when you push it over uneven ground,” according to a tester. If you’ll be using your stroller only on pavement and hard floors, this might not be a problem for your family. As for the stroller’s overall value, testers rated the Pivot Xpand 3.5 out of 5 stars, noting that while the stroller felt a bit wobbly, it’s great for families who are looking for a budget-friendly single-to-double stroller. Included with the stroller is its main seat, so you’ll have to purchase the second seat separately, along with the riding board, car seat adapters, and market basket. Price at time of publication: $320 In order to put the Donkey 5 together, our testers say you absolutely must read the directions, which are only pictures (no words). They noted, “Putting the fabrics on the seat frame was not intuitive, nor was putting the storage bag on the bottom of the stroller.” To extend the stroller from one seat to two, our testers say they had to read the directions multiple times, and they ranked the assembly of the stroller 3 out of 5 stars. The Mono kit comes with a toddler seat and a bassinet, and you can buy a second seat separately. If you’ll be using this stroller with two kids from the start, you can purchase the Duo or Twin kits, which come with two seats. Despite trouble with the fabrics (which are machine-washable) in assembly, our testers love the innovative design of the Donkey 5’s extendable base, rating the overall design of the stroller 5 out of 5 stars. The stroller features an extra-large canopy with UPF 50+ protection and a mesh peekaboo window. At 29 inches wide, the stroller fits comfortably through most standard doors, but it does take up most of a standard sidewalk. According to our testers, the stroller earned 3.5 out of 5 stars during the maneuverability test. They felt some resistance when pushing the stroller over the bump. While it didn’t seem to make a large impact, the stroller’s seat did shake. Otherwise, the stroller performed well, with testers saying that it turns well and the ride is smooth. This stroller earned 3 out of 5 stars for its overall value. Price at time of publication: $1,400 Each seat comes with an adjustable five-point safety harness to keep little ones safe during rides. Testers loved the stroller’s extended UV 50+ canopies, which provide good coverage to children, and peace of mind to adults, thanks to peekaboo windows for visibility and extra ventilation. The City Select 2 features a large storage basket under the seats that holds up to 15 pounds of essentials. “It’s easy to put the diaper bag in and still have room for anything else,” one tester said, adding that items in the storage basket didn’t weigh the stroller down. The stroller folds compactly in just one step for quick storage. One design negative we discovered in the Lab, though, was that with both seats facing forward, only the back seat reclines all the way, and the front seat does not. However, we do love the stroller’s handlebar, which testers say felt durable, comfortable, and controllable. This stroller weighs just under 27 pounds and features front-wheel suspension and all-terrain tires, which allowed it to maneuver with ease through the Lab’s obstacle course. Testers say that they didn’t find the stroller heavy to work with. “It went right over the bumps, and I didn’t even feel it,” said one. While it wasn’t the highest-ranking stroller in any category, the City Select 2 earned 4.5 out of 5 stars during the maneuverability test. With 24 possible configurations, this stroller needs additional pieces for expansion, and earned 3 out of 4 stars for overall value. Price at time of publication: $600 Testers took time unpacking and assembling strollers right out of the box. We asked them to be aware of any tools needed, describe any challenges they faced during assembly, and note whether any additional help was required. We wanted to know whether a stroller’s assembly was intuitive or whether instructions were necessary, so we had testers try both ways. While some strollers simply clicked into place, others desperately required instructions for assembling. Strollers with the easiest assembly, without having to read instructions, scored the highest marks. For design, testers placed “babies” (weight bags) into the strollers to determine the ease or difficulty of buckling in a child with the strollers’ harnesses. They were required to add the second seat and buckle a second weight bag in to check for ease of adding an additional seat. To check storage baskets to ensure that they are large enough for necessities, testers placed a full diaper bag in each stroller. They also looked at other separate features, like adjustable handlebars, cup holders, footrests, and removable bumper bars. Some of these attributes were more subjective, but we considered features we would want when traveling with our own children, like sun-protection canopies, reliable harnesses, comfort for kids and adults, and style. Testers pushed the strollers through an indoor course that had shag carpeting, hardwood flooring, gravel, and a large bump to maneuver over. They also took the strollers on a brisk walk and up and down steps. We checked the brakes on each stroller to determine whether they were easy to use and strategically placed. Lastly, we carefully considered all other attributes in comparison with the price of each stroller to assess their value.
What to Look for in Single-to-Double Strollers
Safety Features
Safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to buying products for children. Dr. Stovall first recommends considering your child’s age and development to keep them riding safely. “For young infants who are unable to hold their head up and support their trunks for a given period of time, a reclinable stroller is best. These will lay flat, giving your baby a safe space to travel in while meeting safe sleep standards,” explains Dr. Stovall. “Some convertible strollers allow you to put your own car seat into them, making it easier to maneuver for quick trips. Some strollers have bassinet-type attachments, making them ideal for younger infants.” Not all single-to-double strollers have these options, however, so you’ll want to think about the best fit for your family’s lifestyle. One safety feature that’s universal on single-to-double strollers is a harness. They often come in three- or five-point restraints, but Dr. Stovall recommends using a five-point harness if possible. “Check the straps—just like in car seats, five-point harnesses are safest,” she says. “If you are trying to use straps for a younger baby, ensure they cannot slip through the leg openings.” Moreover, Dr. Stovall says that parents and caregivers should check the weight limit. “Strollers are safest and most stable when the rider does not exceed the weight limit,” she says. Finally, don’t forget to check the brakes, Dr. Stovall says. “The safest strollers have two brakes on the back wheels, are easy for you to use, and are out of reach of children in the stroller,” she explains.
Design
Check the stroller’s size, weight, and overall design to ensure that it will fit into your family’s lifestyle. For example, families who travel often likely won’t want a heavy stroller that is difficult to fit in the trunk of a vehicle or overhead bin. Bells and whistles are nice, but they often come with more than just a high price tag. “The more attachments and gadgets the stroller has, the more likely that it will be bulkier and more difficult to fit in the trunk of smaller vehicles,” Dr. Stovall tells Verywell Family, adding that “wide-based strollers are more stable and, overall, less likely to tip over.” Be sure to check the size of the storage basket to ensure that toys, snacks, and other important items will fit, and that the items won’t hinder the stroller’s operation. Dr. Stovall says, “Check that the storage basket is low, but not sitting directly over the back wheels, so that when it is loaded down with all the essentials, it will not tip the stroller.”
Ease of Use
During the maneuverability test in the Lab, some strollers we tested struggled with certain terrains or sharp turns. Depending on where your family plans to use the stroller, these issues might not be a big problem. Down the road, however, you may find yourself wishing you had gone with a different stroller. “If possible, try out the stroller to see how easy it handles,” Dr. Stovall suggests. “Some strollers have swivel or lock features, making them easier to steer.” Look for a stroller that maneuvers with ease so it will be less stressful during outings.
Comfort
Not only should children be comfortable while riding, but parents and caregivers deserve a stroller that’s functional and easy to use comfortably as well. For the kiddos, look for canopies to help protect sensitive eyes and skin from the sun. “Be mindful of the sun, even on cooler days. Most strollers have a canopy, and some have a clear window so you can keep an eye on your child from behind,” Dr. Stovall says. Also check to see whether the stroller has recline options, which many single-to-double strollers do not, due to a lack of space. This small feature can make a huge difference to little ones who are desperate for a nap while out and about. Adults deserve to be comfortable while pushing two children (sometimes three) around. An adjustable handlebar allows parents and caregivers of any height to push the stroller comfortably. Some single-to-double strollers feature handlebars with an adjustable angle, and others with an adjustable length. It’s up to you which you’d prefer.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience under her belt. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism and helping others led to her commerce-writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant women, and kids of all ages. When she’s not writing or researching, you’ll likely find her outdoors with her husband and their thrill-seeking toddler son.
