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These strollers go from single to double and back again, to suit your needs. Mini Cots
Convertible strollers are kind of magical: They grow right along with your family, changing from a single stroller to a double stroller when you decide to have a second baby, and then back again when your older one is done riding. Some even accommodate a third kid! And all of this is with just one purchase (and maybe some accessories along the way). To find the best convertible strollers, we tested just about every model we could find (20 and counting!) both in our lab and in the real world with our own kids.
“Purchasing a stroller can be an investment, so having one that gives options to grow with your child and with your family can be a great choice,” explains Amanda Stovall, M.D., an Illinois-based board-certified pediatrician.
During testing, we evaluated how easy these convertible strollers were to assemble, how hard it was to add and remove a second seat, their maneuverability on various terrains, and how easy they were to fold and unfold. We also looked at design (aesthetics, safety, and comfort), storage capabilities, value, and durability. We check in with our editor testers regularly to see how well these strollers are holding up, and we’re constantly testing new models to add to this list.
In the words of our tester, “This stroller is a dream.” Not only did the Uppababy Vista V2 earn high marks in the lab for everything from assembly and comfort to value and design, but it also excelled in all real-world testing. Plus, it’s a stroller we see all over New York City, carrying as many as three kids (with a ride-along board) and loaded up with bags. You also get a ton of value with the V2: The base package includes the stroller, bassinet, toddler bug shield, toddler rain shield, bassinet bug shield, and a bassinet storage bag.
Maneuverability: Our testers found the UPPAbaby Vista V2 to be incredibly easy to maneuver and push on nearly every terrain. It’s also a solid and sturdy framed stroller, which ups the confidence ante when pushing it through tough-to-navigate spaces.
Comfort: This may be the most comfortable stroller on our list, for both parents and kids alike. For instance, both seats (when installed) can face forward or backward, and tilt way back for sleeping littles. The handlebar’s height is also adjustable, so parents and caregivers of any height can push the stroller comfortably. The details of the stroller—including the extendable canopy, padded harness straps, and distance between seat additions—are all well-designed too.
Storage: The under-stroller storage basket can hold up to 30 pounds and is extremely roomy. Best of all, it's easy to access because it extends beyond the seats. The only caveat is that it has a support bar running through the middle, which cuts into its capacity (though is essential to the stroller’s sturdiness). And the tall parents on our team really appreciate that they never find themselves kicking the stroller’s storage basket as they walk, which they report happens frequently with other strollers.
Taller kids may eventually outgrow the canopy, as happened with our real-world tester. This is a pricey pick, but it’s also our top pick, so we feel it’s worth the cost, especially if you plan on using it with several kids and using it frequently.
• Dimensions: 36 x 25.7 x 39.5 inches • Product weight: 27 pounds (stroller with toddler seat), 8.8 pounds (bassinet) • Child age/weight range: Birth up to 20 pounds or until infant can push up on hands and knees, whichever comes first, in the bassinet; 3 months to 50 pounds in the toddler seat • Cost of adding second seat: $250
The Graco Modes Nest2Grow Stroller checks a lot of boxes: It’s straightforward and simple to assemble, budget-friendly, and comes with snack trays and drink holders for both kids and grown-ups. We also appreciate that it’s easy to fold and easy to clean, with a machine-washable seat pad.
Maneuverability: 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. While the stroller turned easily on hard floors, it struggled when it came to maneuvering on grass and carpet. If you plan on using this mostly on pavement and indoors, though, this stroller is a fantastic deal.
Comfort: The Graco Modes Nest2Grow has an impressive array of 15 different seating arrangements and both seats can be forward-facing or parent-facing. The toddler seat also has multiple reclining positions.
Storage: We were impressed by the large storage basket under the seats, providing plenty of space for essentials, like an older sibling’s school backpack. Even when the stroller is used as a double, there’s still plenty of room, and the basket is easy to reach.
It takes more effort to push on some terrains, especially when used with two kids, and didn’t feel as sturdy as the other strollers we tested, but for a single-to-double stroller at less than half the price of a Vista, it’s a solid option.
• Dimensions: 25.75 x 35.5 x 47 inches • Product weight: 36 pounds • Child age/weight range: Children up to 50 pounds • Cost of adding second seat: $150
The Cybex Gazelle moves like a Gazelle—effortlessly and easily—even when weighed down by up to three kids and groceries. With the purchase of a second seat (or the cot for newborns) and a kid board, you can push up to three kids without breaking a sweat.
Before your family gets that big, however, you can also take advantage of one of our favorite included accessories: a removable shopping basket. Between that basket and the generous cargo space, you can carry up to 55 pounds in addition to your kiddo.
Maneuverability: Thanks to a lightweight frame, foam tires, and all-wheel suspension, our tester described this as a “very agile” stroller and noted that it was her “favorite to move around” of all the strollers tested. It handled bumps with ease and front-wheel shocks ensured a smooth ride for the kids.
Comfort: Extra-large canopies shield kids from the elements, while the footrest with an extra ledge and a fully reclining seat ensures they stay comfortable. Grown-ups will also enjoy the cupholder, which for some reason is a rare sight on high-end strollers recently.
Storage: With both seats installed, the under-stroller storage basket offers ample room. You’ll find a good amount of space, even if you pack in a lot of bags. One drawback is that it doesn’t have the extended basket that makes reaching in super simple; you’ll have to reach under when both seats are installed. When using it as a single stroller, you can add another removable storage basket where the second seat would go.
Assembly is not as easy as the other strollers on the list. If possible, have two people around to put it together and give yourself plenty of time to set this one up—don’t try to throw it together just before you leave the house with it for the first time.
• Dimensions: 41.9 x 25.4 x 42.7 inches • Product weight: 28.4 pounds (with one seat and no shopping basket) • Child age/weight range: Up to 50 pounds per seat • Cost of adding second seat: $240
The quality of this stroller is top-notch: In our tests, we found the Demi to be very sturdy and durable. It can be used as a single or double stroller with a toddler seat or rider board that can hold up to 50 pounds.
Testers especially appreciated how compact the stroller was compared to other double or convertible options. We also loved the magnetic technology on the harness and buckles because it eliminates searching for straps with a squirmy child and basically buckles itself, which is a major win.
Maneuverability: We found the Nuna Demi Next to be a very smooth ride, but the large back wheels—while great for shock absorption—did make going up on curbs or steps, somewhat challenging. We also found that the stroller didn’t turn through our cone obstacle course very easily, so it didn’t perform as the best stroller for city living or getting through crowded spaces. “It can be done, but it'll take lots of care and cautious navigation,” our tester described.
Comfort: This pick has tons of features that make it more comfortable for caregivers and kids alike. There are adjustable parent and child handlebars, as well as adjustable foot and calf supports. The seats are also well-padded and well-designed.
Storage: The storage basket is large, with ample space for the diaper bag and more, even with the roller board folded inside. The basket can hold up to 22 pounds.
It’s impossible to fold this stroller one-handed while holding a baby and even once it is folded, it’s still pretty large and cumbersome.
• Dimensions: Folded: 23.5 x 24 x 35 inches; Open: 39.5 x 24 x 43.5 inches • Product weight: 26 pounds; 31 pounds with insert and rider board • Child age/weight range: Stroller suitable from birth to 50 pounds; Ride-along board suitable up to 50 pounds • Cost of adding second seat: $250
The Baby Jogger City Select 2 is lightweight and compact yet sturdy and durable. Folding it one-handed and changing the seats is a breeze, making it convenient to pack away quickly. If you have two kids close in age, you’ll appreciate that this stroller has more than 24 possible configurations that can accommodate them. Plus, you can even add a third passenger on the ride-on board for triple the fun. It's sold as a single stroller or as a travel system with an infant car seat, and you can purchase a second toddler seat for it separately.
Maneuverability: This stroller weighs in at just under 27 pounds and features front-wheel suspension and all-terrain tires, which allowed it to maneuver with ease through our obstacle course. When pushing the City Select 2, we liked the handlebar, which felt durable, comfortable, and controllable. Overall, it got high marks for easy turning and providing a smooth ride for kids.
Comfort: From a caregiver perspective, the City Select 2 folds down to a 20% smaller size than other double strollers, which makes it easy to store or pack into a car trunk. But that doesn’t mean it's not roomy. You can fit two toddlers in seats, plus a third rider on the ride-on board, and still have room in the storage basket. In fact, Baby Jogger’s claim to fame is that there’s actually more room between two seats than the Uppababy Vista V2.
Storage: The City Select 2 features a large storage basket under the seats that holds up to 15 pounds of essentials. We were able to fit a diaper bag in there with room to spare, and it didn’t weigh the stroller down.
When using the stroller in double stroller mode with both seats facing forward, only the back seat reclines all the way, while the front seat does not.
• Dimensions: 35 x 23.8 x 41.1 inches • Product weight: 26.71 pounds • Child age/weight range: Children up to 45 pounds in each seat • Cost of adding second seat: $260
The egg2 is a luxury stroller that lives up to its relatively high price tag. It’s sturdy, maneuverable, striking to look at, and made with high-quality materials that offer comfort for both adults and babies. Plus, it’s very adaptable and can be customized in six different configurations.
We especially appreciated that the fastening and unfastening of the buckles on this stroller was smooth and seamless, which, as our tester pointed out, is a great feature “when you have a toddler who wants out immediately.”
Maneuverability: Our tester concluded that in both single and double stroller modes, the egg2 has excellent maneuverability and handled pavers, astroturf, hard floors, and turns through cones with “no problem.” The stroller is on the heavier side, so it wasn’t ideal for taking up and down stairs. We also found that the brake on this stroller doesn’t have an on/off indicator, so the only way to confirm if the brake is engaged is to physically wiggle it, which could pose an issue in a rush.
Comfort: Comfort is king with the egg2, down to the cushioned, perforated faux leather handle that’s adjustable to five different heights. The seat has a very spongy, memory foam-like padding, with an extra insert for smaller infants and additional padding at the legs and shoulder harnesses.
Storage: The under-seat basket has a 21-liter capacity, which is considerable. With two seats installed, there isn’t much room for a diaper bag, however. With two toddler seats in the stroller, we found that it’s possible to fit one large-size bag in the storage basket, but that left no legroom for the child in the second seat.
While the egg2 is comfortable with luxury details, we believe there are comparable strollers that offer the same function for a lower price.
• Dimensions: Unfolded: 39 x 23 x 47 inches; folded without the seat unit: 20 x 23 x 28 inches • Product weight: 42 pounds • Child age/weight range: Up to 55 pounds • Cost of adding second seat: $350
While these strollers didn’t quite make it onto our list, we still felt they were worth mentioning:
Parents performs hands-on testing in both a controlled laboratory as well as in real life with actual parents in various settings, from sidewalks to off-road situations. Plus, we don’t just stop at initial testing—we ensure that all of the strollers we test are evaluated over time to see how they hold up to real-life use. (Because that stroller is going through some puddles and bumps in the real world!) So far, we’ve tested 20 different convertible strollers on the following attributes:
In addition to our rigorous lab and hands-on testing, we also interviewed the following experts to glean insight into features to look for and considerations for choosing and using convertible strollers:
The primary reasons to buy a convertible stroller are because it can carry your kids from the infant to the big kid stage, and because it can accommodate more than one child at once. Here are some factors to consider when buying a convertible stroller.
Any stroller sold in the U.S. must meet minimum federal safety regulations outlined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These regulations cover many different safety components, including the type of paint and plastic that can be used in strollers. All strollers sold in the U.S. must pass these regulations and earn a Children's Product Certificate issued by the CPSC. When using a convertible stroller, keep these safety considerations in mind:
To keep kids riding safely, Dr. Stovall recommends first considering your child’s age and development. “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 lie flat, giving your baby a safe space to travel in while meeting safe sleep standards,” she explains.
Babies who are too young to sit up in a seat can safely ride in a convertible stroller that accepts infant car seats or has a bassinet attachment. Once your child is able to sit up and have adequate head control, usually around 6 months old, they can progress to a seat. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) cautions that infants under 4 months old should never be allowed to sleep in a stroller because of the risk of positional suffocation.
There are no specific rules about having seats front- or rear-facing in a stroller. Rear-facing may be the best option for infants since it helps to be able to monitor your baby, and baby development is boosted by looking at their caregiver’s face and expressions too.
Dr. Stovall says parents and caregivers should check the stroller’s total weight limit, especially if they’re using it with more than one child. Just because the stroller says it can accept three kids doesn’t mean that it can handle all weights and heights of all riders. “Strollers are safest and most stable when the rider does not exceed the weight limit,” Dr. Stovall notes.
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, a recommendation also cited by the AAP. That means that your child will be safely secured at both shoulders, at the chest, and around their hips. “Check the straps—just like in car seats, five-point harnesses are safest,” Dr. Stovall says. “If you are trying to use straps for a younger baby, ensure they cannot slip through the leg openings.”
More weight can mean more risk of tipping or falling over. In general, Dr. Stovall notes that wide-based strollers are more stable and, overall, less likely to tip over—it’s a trade-off for maneuvering, but if you plan to use a convertible stroller with a lot of stuff or a lot of kids, consider choosing one that’s as sturdy and stable as possible.
“With the addition of a second seat, the stroller’s center of gravity changes, which can affect stability,” Ahmed explains. “Look for strollers with a wide base and robust design to ensure safety.”
Hosie points out that using the storage basket is protective against a stroller tipping over because it avoids things like draping bags over the handlebars or hanging things off the side of the stroller. Still, when using the storage basket, especially when it’s stuffed full of stuff, check that nothing is blocking the stroller from working correctly or posing a risk to entanglement.
“Be mindful of the sun, even on cooler days,” Dr. Stovall cautions. To help ensure your baby is protected from harmful UV rays, Hosie recommends looking for a stroller with a large or extendable canopy. Many canopy options include a clear window that allows you to see your child even when the canopy is down.
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. The AAP recommends putting the brake on any time the stroller is parked, even if you think the stroller is on a flat surface.
Chaunie Brusie, RN, BSN, is a labor and delivery nurse-turned-writer and editor. She has over a decade of experience in writing, researching products, and bringing information to families to empower their parenting journeys. She’s also a mom of five children and lives in Michigan on a small farm that, contrary to what Instagram would have you believe, is actually a very muddy and messy endeavor.
How to buy a safe stroller. Healthychildren.org. 2022.
Safety tips help protect children from stroller injuries. American Academy of Pediatrics. 2016.
Infant visual preference for the mother’s face and longitudinal associations with emotional reactivity in the first year of life. Scientific Reports. 2023.
Light Weight Infant Stroller How to Choose a Safe Baby Stroller. HealthyChildren.org. 2022.