June 05, 2020 23 min read
When you're shopping for your first stroller, you're naturally thinking about your first baby—not necessarily your second. Then, in seemingly no time, Baby #2 is on the way, but Baby #1 still needs the stroller, too. Now what?
Many families purchase a double stroller with side-by-side seats, which works well for a period of time. But when the older child graduates from stroller travel, you’re either back to where you started with the single stroller, or you’re pushing a double stroller with only one kid in it (resulting in unnecessary bulkiness, uneven weight distribution—and a couple of weird looks).
The solution? A convertible stroller—one that can be both a single and a double. A convertible stroller allows you to attach a second stroller seat, infant car seat or, in some cases, a bassinet in order to transform a single stroller into a ride for two.
When your older child insists she’s too grown-up for a stroller, you can detach the second seat to convert it back to a single stroller. And when it turns out that she’s not quite grown-up enough for long walks, after all, you can add a glider board so she can ride along.
Another pro: Most convertible strollers offer multiple seat configurations so that your kids can face you, face the world or face each other, helping you attempt to keep two kids happy at the same time.
The cons: Given their size and complexity, convertible strollers can be both heavy and expensive. But because it endures for years as your family expands, a high-quality convertible stroller can be a wise investment for new parents.
Here’s a look at a dozen high-quality convertible strollers that grow with your family (listed by ascending price):
Check out the video below for a look at eight of the top single-to-double strollers from Agio, Baby Jogger, Bugaboo, Cybex, Joolz, Nuna, Silver Cross and UPPAbaby!
Read on for more details about each of these convertible strollers, plus an overview of several other strollers that can accommodate a newborn and toddler.
The versatile Baby Jogger City Select was one of the first convertible strollers on the market—and remains one of the most popular, too. The stroller offers 16 different seating combinations, using up to two stroller seats, infant car seats and bassinets. Kids in equal-sized seats can face forward, backward or each other. The City Select is one of the more affordable convertible strollers available.
Baby Jogger updated the look of the City Select in 2019 to reflect more modern, neutral colors and more premium fabrics. No changes were made for 2020.
See this page for more information about car seats that fit the City Select.
To fold the City Select in half, pull the levers at each side of the stroller (you can't miss them—they're labeled "fold.")
When using the City Select as a double stroller, you'll need to remove the second seat as well as the second seat adapter posts before folding.
The Agio Z4 and Peg-Perego YPSI—two models that are nearly-identical twins—became the lightest convertible strollers on the market in 2020. They weigh just 22.5 pounds, making them lighter than many single strollers, yet they're sturdy enough to accommodate a total weight of 100 pounds.
Both models are made in Italy by Peg-Perego with the same features, functionality and configurations. The Agio brand, sold exclusively at specialty retailers like Strolleria, has a longer warranty, more premium fabrics and more travel system options. See this Agio Z4 vs. Peg-Perego YPSI comparison for more details.
If you're using a car seat or bassinet for your newborn, it only takes a set of double adapters ($59.99) to change the stroller to double mode. Because both stroller seats are identical, offering a 50-pound weight limit, you can simply move the upper seat to the lower position.
See this page for more information on car seats that fit the Agio Z4 and Peg-Perego YPSI.
The Agio Z4 and Peg-Perego YPSI have an easy two-step fold: First, pull up on the triggers to fold the seat in half. Then pull a bar underneath the seat, and the handlebar swings over the stroller into a standing position.
When using the stroller as a double, you'll need to remove the lower seat before folding. The double adapters add several inches to the height of the stroller when folded. You can save space by removing the upper seat before folding the stroller, then removing the upper adapters (which can only be detached when the stroller is folded).
The Baby Jogger City Select LUX builds on the popularity of the original City Select, adding improved maneuverability, more premium details and additional accessory options.
For an additional $90, the City Select LUX offers all-wheel suspension for a smoother ride, a decelerating hand brake, upgraded fabrics, and a fold that's 30 percent smaller fold than the original Select thanks to folding seats. The bench seat, an accessory that only fits the City Select LUX, seats kids up to 65 pounds, extending the life of the stroller for older kids.
See all the differences between the two City Select versions in this Baby Jogger City Select vs. City Select LUX comparison.
See this page for more information about car seats that fit the City Select LUX.
Like the City Select, the City Select LUX folds when you pull up on the triggers on each side of the stroller. But unlike the original, the seat itself on the City Select LUX also folds in half, creating a more compact fold.
The City Select LUX folds with the seat facing either direction. To fold the stroller when configured as a double, first remove the second seat and second seat adapter posts.
New in 2020, the French-designed Vidiamo Limo is the only stroller that converts from single to double with no extra parts or purchases required. The frame of the Limo is expandable, allowing a foldaway seat to slide out from underneath the primary seat.
That makes the stroller ideal for families with an infant and a toddler who insists on walking—until that mid-zoo tantrum that makes you wish you had a double stroller. While the foldaway seat is in use, the primary seat can be reclined flat for a newborn or paired with a car seat or bassinet.
At 25 pounds, the Vidiamo Limo is an average weight for a single stroller but can fit two kids up to 40 pounds. With both seats included in the $699 price, the Limo is also one of the most affordable convertible options.
The Vidiamo Limo folds in one step, with one hand, when you press a button on the back of the frame and pull up. The stroller stands when folded and can also be trolleyed like a suitcase.
The Gazelle S debuted in 2020 as the first convertible stroller from Cybex, the German manufacturer known for its innovative and stylish line of baby gear.
Among the stroller's more than 20 configurations are a few options that set the Gazelle apart. The Gazelle includes a shopping basket that can be used in the stroller's upper position (with your child in the lower seat)—a configuration that nearly doubles the storage capacity of the stroller.
When your family grows, you may not need to buy a second seat. The seat that comes with the Gazelle can be moved to the lower position, allowing you to use an infant car seat or bassinet on top for your newborn. Adapters that convert the Gazelle from single to double are incorporated into the stroller frame, so you won't need to purchase additional accessories.
See this page for more information about car seats compatible with the Cybex Gazelle S stroller.
Folding the Cybex Gazelle involves a few steps: First, push the lever on the back of the seat to fold it into the frame. Then press the button underneath the handle while sliding the button on top of the handle. Use your left hand to press the trigger on the side of the frame while retracting the handlebar.
Pull the handlebar down and toward you, and push the spoke into the lock. The Gazelle stands when folded and can be lifted using the handle built-into the seat plastic.
The Demi Grow launched in 2018 as the first convertible stroller from Nuna, the stylish Dutch brand known for its strollers and ultra-popular Nuna PIPA line of infant car seats.
Unlike other convertible strollers in which one seat sits in front of the other, the two seats on the Demi Grow are stacked. With the weight of both kids on the rear axle, the stroller becomes easier to maneuver and can accommodate a higher weight capacity of 50 pounds per seat.
The stroller seats are identical, which allows the upper seat to be moved to the lower seat when a sibling comes along. Included with purchase are two sets of Nuna car seat adapters, including a ring-shaped adapter that allows the car seat to be attached and removed using only one hand.
Only Nuna car seats can fit the Demi Grow. See car seats compatible with Nuna Demi Grow for more information.
To fold the Nuna Demi Grow, pull back on the triggers on each side until the stroller is locked in a standing position. While the Demi Grow folds with one seat attached, you'll find a comfortable leatherette carry handle if you remove the seat before folding.
You'll need to remove the lower seat before folding the stroller when configured as a double.
You may recognize the name Thule from the road: The Swedish manufacturer may be best-known for its top-quality roof racks and carriers, but Thule has also made jogging strollers for years. In 2018, the company introduced the Thule Sleek, a sturdy convertible stroller that can accommodate up to two stroller seats, car seats or bassinets.
The upper seat of the Sleek holds 50 pounds, while the smaller sibling seat has a 35-pound weight capacity. The Sleek has a sporty look, with convenient features like a zippered basket, dedicated diaper bag hook and a standing fold.
See this page for more information about car seats that fit the Thule Sleek.
To fold the Thule Sleek, pull the triggers on either side of the frame and lower the stroller until it is locked and standing. The sibling seat must be removed before folding the double stroller.
The UPPAbaby VISTA has been a trendsetting stroller for more than a decade. The VISTA is one of the most popular models on the market, thanks to its ease of use, versatility and classy yet practical style.
The VISTA offers a simple, standing fold and includes a bassinet that's safe for overnight sleeping, a height-adjustable sun canopy and perhaps the largest storage basket you'll find on any stroller.
When your family grows, attach the RumbleSeat to the lower position to create a double, and use upper and lower adapters to create more than a dozen configurations involving up to two reversible stroller seats, car seats and bassinets. The Toddler Seat for the upper position has a 50-pound weight limit, while the smaller RumbleSeat holds 35 pounds in the lower position only.
In 2020, UPPAbaby released the VISTA V2, making upgrades to the all-wheel suspension for a smoother ride and adding new colors, a no-rethread harness, a redesigned sun canopy with two ventilation panels, and more. Learn more in this 2020 UPPAbaby VISTA V2 vs. 2019 UPPAbaby VISTA comparison.
See this page to learn more about car seats that fit the UPPAbaby VISTA. Additional adapters are also needed for most double configurations. Visit What Adapters Do I Need for the UPPAbaby VISTA? to see which components are required for each configuration.
The VISTA is one of the easiest convertible strollers to fold: Pull back on the triggers on each side, and the stroller locks into a compact, standing position. You can grasp the exposed bumper bar and use your leg to help you lift the stroller into the car.
The VISTA can also fold with the RumbleSeat attached, but the stroller is less bulky if you remove it before folding.
The Coast is one of two convertible strollers from Silver Cross, the British brand that created the very first baby carriage in 1877.
If the Silver Cross Wave (explored later in this post) is the company's fully-loaded luxury stroller, the Coast is more of a base model. The Wave has more premium materials and more included accessories, but the Coast is still a quality stroller—with a price tag that's $300 lower. Learn more in this Silver Cross Wave vs. Silver Cross Coast comparison.
The Coast includes an overnight-safe bassinet and expands to a double when you add the tandem seat, which fits the lower position and holds 45 pounds. The upper seat holds 55 pounds, giving the Coast a higher weight limit than other convertible strollers.
See this page for more information about car seats for the Silver Cross Coast.
To fold the Silver Cross Coast, pull the triggers on each side of the frame to collapse the stroller to a flat position. The length of the stroller does not decrease when folding, but you can grab the bumper bar to help you lift it.
Remove the second seat before folding the Coast as a double.
The Joolz Geo2 is a rare stroller that converts to a double without changing the footprint of the single stroller. When your family grows, you can replace the underseat basket with the Expandable Set, which includes a lower seat frame and a set of interchangeable bassinet and seat fabrics.
The design of the Geo2 keeps your youngest child behind her older sibling and closer to you, while your older child enjoys the scenery from up above. The upper seat holds 50 pounds, while the lower seat has a 38-pound capacity. Because the weight of both children is centered on the rear axle, the stroller is shorter and easier to maneuver than other tandems.
Add a car seat or bassinet to either position, and reverse the upper seat to face you or face forward. In a unique feature, the Joolz Geo2 can fold with the lower seat underneath the upper seat.
The Joolz Geo2 folds to a flat position, with no change to the length of the stroller, when you pull two triggers on the sides of the frame. The bumper bar remains accessible to serve as a handle for lifting the stroller.
The lower seat folds underneath the upper seat, giving the Geo2 the same footprint whether folded as a single or double.
The Wave brings modern-day practicality to the timeless elegance of Silver Cross, the British company that has created carriages for generations of royal babies.
The Silver Cross Wave, which debuted in 2017, is the rare stroller that can become a double stroller out of the box by using the stroller's included toddler seat and overnight-approved bassinet together. Soft, premium fabrics and a high-strength magnesium alloy chassis give the Wave a luxurious look and the sturdiest ride.
In 2021, Silver Cross reduced the weight of the Wave by another 4.4 pounds and introduced a new color lineup. The new stroller holds 55 pounds in both the upper and lower seats, making the 2021 Wave the highest-capacity double stroller on the market.
See this page for more details on car seats compatible with the Silver Cross Wave.
The top-of-the-line Bugaboo Donkey, created by the company that essentially invented the luxury stroller, offers a different type of expansion than seen on other convertible strollers.
As a single stroller, the Donkey3 features a unique luggage basket in the sidecar position. To make the Donkey3 a double stroller, remove the basket and expand the stroller's width five inches to add a second seat, creating a side-by-side stroller with 17 different configurations.
In 2020, Bugaboo debuted the Donkey3, which offers a reduced weight of 1.5 pounds, a new canopy with ventilated peek-a-boo window, a redesigned side luggage basket and a new bassinet pocket.
See this page for more information about car seats that fit the Bugaboo Donkey3.
The Donkey3 can fold with both seats attached and stand when folded when you pull back on two triggers incorporated into the frame.
But the stroller will be more easier to lift if you remove the seats, which are self-standing so they won't get dirty. Reducing the frame to its single width also makes for a most compact fold.
See the one-piece fold and the compact fold options in the videos below.
Check out these comparisons of popular convertible strollers.
Strolleria is a family-owned and operated retailer dedicated to making the baby gear buying experience less overwhelming for parents. If you have more questions about convertible strollers that grow with your family, feel free to contact us at 480-442-9433 or customercare@strolleria.com.
Shop convertible strollers below!
Amy Venzke is the co-owner of Strolleria, along with her husband. Together, they have a mission to make the gear-buying experience easier on parents. Contact the Strolleria team with questions at customercare@strolleria.com or 480-442-9433.