Top 5 ways to convert a single baby stroller into a double baby stroller

Here’s how to convert a single Baby Stroller into a Double Baby Stroller (you can even convert your double stroller into a triple baby stroller). Are you looking for some kit that will convert a single stroller (any type) to a double stroller? Most people eventually want to have more than one kid, but nobody is going to buy a double stroller right after their first baby is born. Such parents would love to have a kit that easily attaches to the frame of their existing stroller so that they can transport two kids. Here are the various options available to such parents.

Introduction

Here are some of the ways you can convert your single stroller into a double stroller. The most popular way is to use a ride-on board (stroller-board), which allows you to carry a toddler along. You can also connect two identical strollers using stroller connector, which will convert the two single strollers into a double stroller. Finally, you have the option of buying strollers like sit-and-stroller, double/tandem stroller, convertible strollers, which allows you to carry more than one kid on your stroller.

Why You May Need to Convert?

So why would anybody want to convert a single stroller into a double?

There are several reasons for that but the most important reason is that certain things are not planned. So for example, when parents have one kids, they’re not sure whether they will opt for another one.

So they buy a stroller and 2-3 years down the line they have another child, and now they have this need of transporting two kids.

Similarly, when parents have one kid, and even if they are planning another one, they buy things like stroller thinking that they will upgrade to something better when the time comes to accommodate another child.

But then expenses also shoot up, and then most parents don’t just rush to buy the most expensive double stroller available on the market. They look for ways to reuse things they already have, and that is why this question pops up – Is there any way to convert a single stroller into a double stroller.

Then there are cases where parents are looking for options (not necessarily the cheapest) to accommodate another child without increasing the overall footprint of the stroller (by much). For example, have you moved cities? Relocated to an Asian city, like Bangkok? Strollers can take a real beating on these Asian city sidewalks, and they are crowded so double strollers may not work — not through the sidewalks nor will it fit a taxi trunk there).

As you can see, it makes sense to buy a stroller that at-least has the capability to become a double stroller, through some method. Convertibility from a single to a double saves you money and in most cases, its convenient too. That is one reason why so many moms prefer convertible strollers over travel systems (though there are other methods as well, that we have discussed below). Also, its important to buy a stroller that is sturdy, durable, and has better suspension, because once you have both your kids in the stroller, the stroller can become heavy to push.

Various Options Available

One of the best things about buying a baby stroller is that there are some many stroller accessories, connectors and extras available nowadays that you can continue using the same stroller for few years at least.

Here we take a look at the various travel systems and accessories that will let your accommodate another child in to the same stroller. Its a great help when you have your second child, not only will this knowledge save you all the hassle, but will also save you some money.

When it comes to accessories, the most common option is to either buy a Stroller boards or buy a stroller connector, or buy a new stroller altogether.

Here are the various options to accommodate another child (in fact, you can accommodate two more)

Stroller Board, a Useful Stroller Accessory

Buy a stroller gliding board. This is a stroller accessory that attaches to the rear of the stroller allowing another child (the elder one) to stand. Its easy to attach, and the universal ones work with most strollers.

 

This is one way to accommodate another child.

But now you have one more part to deal with it, although it can be strapped away to the stroller, when not in use. And it can easily be removed as well.

Checkout the best stroller boards.

Convertible Stroller

Another solution is to go in for a convertible stroller. It can be used as a single stroller, but it also allows you to add a second stroller seat, infant car seat or (in some cases, a bassinet too) so that you can use it as an in-line double stroller, allowing you to accommodate two kids.

 

Most convertible strollers offer multiple seat configurations, which means the other seat can face you, face ahead, and the two seats can even face each other (helps both the kids by happy).

When your older child feels s/he’s too grown-up for a stroller, just remove the second seat and convert it back to a single stroller.

The downside to these strollers is that they can be complex, heavy and expensive. And if your toddler doesn’t want to sit in the stroller but is not yet ready for long walks, you may have to invest in a a glider board so s/he can ride along.

However, a high-quality convertible stroller can be a wise investment for new parents as it stays relevant for years as your family expands.

Also Read: Best Convertible Strollers reviewed.

Sit-and-Stand Stroller

If you don’t want to use stroller accessories or stroller parts, you also have the option of buy a new stroller. You get something called a sit-and-stroller, which is not much bigger than a standard stroller.

 

It comes with a platform attached to the rear where your toddler can stand, s/he also has the option to sit (although its not a big seating area).

So while the front seat looks like the seat on a standard stroller, the rear is modified a bit so that another kid can be accommodated.

Checkout the best Sit-and-Stand strollers.

There’s also another option – buy a second seat to make your stroller a double (not all models will support it though), you may need a car seat adapter if you plan to use your car seat with the stroller.

Using Stroller Connectors

Another option is to buy a stroller connector. But you will also need one more stroller (the assumption is you have found it cheap somewhere, or someone has gifted you).

So once you have two strollers, you can connect them together using stroller connectors. These are small parts that help you connect the two strollers together.

Stroller connector used to connect two umbrella strollers

When you’re with another adult, you don’t need these connectors, just remove them and split the two strollers and each adult can then push one stroller. You can always reconnect the two strollers later using these connectors.

Checkout the various stroller connectors.

Jump Seat

Brands like Baby Jogger had introduced a jump seat (along with a foot rest) that attached to the rear of the stroller so that a toddler (your elder one) could stand or sit behind. The single stroller seemed easy to convert into a double stroller with the jump seat.

 

The only problem is that with the jump seat attached, the baby in the rear seat doesn’t get a great view of the front, but s/he has the option of looking sideways though.

This is also a great option for those parents with a stroller with a small sized storage bag. With the jump seat attached, you can keep the baby in the jump seat and use the seat behind as the storage space to keep things like diaper bag and other baby essentials.

Certain other jump seats attach to the front and come with a footrest. After its attached, it would like the back of a sit and stand stroller. The included seat and footrest easily attach to a stroller and allows your older child to get in and out on their own.

Also Read: Jump seats for strollers

Clip-on Side Seat

There are some parents who feel that the best option would be to have something that would attach to the side of the stroller so that both the kids have the front size view.

While that design may work for infants, not sure if that would be suitable to accommodate a toddler as it would make it unstable. Besides, having it in the side will make it wider and difficult to maneuver, and also make it difficult to take it though narrow passages.

However, a few stroller manufacturers have already given it a try.

One such product exists that can be easily attached to the side, and also can be removed conveniently. Its from Buggypod.

Basically, it’s a clip-on side seat for a stroller that is portable and lightweight. It allows you to keep your original stroller for your newborn and have a child seat attached for your toddler. And it can be attached to pretty much any stroller.

So you have another option now, and it’s cheaper than buying a double stroller.

 

Buggypod io: Clip-on pushchair side seat and single pushchair in one

DIY Stroller Hacks/Projects: Single to Double Stroller

Thinking of converting your single stroller to a double stroller? You could definitely give it a try. One parent took his Baby Trend Expedition ELX Stroller, and added a Baby Trend car seat to it, thus converting it into a double stroller.

For the project, he required his Baby Trend Expedition ELX Stroller, Baby Trend Car Seat, and a couple of 6 inch Carabiners. You can read the complete instructions here.

 

Watch: Change a One Baby Stroller into a Double Baby Stroller – DIY Stroller Hack

Does this Sound All Too Confusing?

Well, these are the more common options available to convert a single stroller into a double stroller. Each of these have their pros and cons.

So do all the methods mentioned about sound too complicated or technical? Were you planning to buy a single stroller, but after reading this, are confused as to what you should buy?

Well, in that case just go ahead with the single stroller that you were planning to buy (assuming you’re also not opting for a convertible as they can be expensive) and buy a double/tandem/sit-n-stand stroller later when the need arises.

There are some advantages as well to doing that:

• You can focus more on your first baby and you will most likely get the best one suited for you first child rather than worry about whether a stroller easily converts into a double or not
• There’s always some new/improved stroller that gets introduced in the market, so the best double stroller (whichever type) today will most likely get replaced with a better one by the time your second baby arrives. You can always buy that when the time comes.
• Even though, most strollers claim to be the one that can do it all, that’s not always the case. The new 2017 UPPAbaby Vista and the Bugaboo Donkey are two examples of strollers that convert beautifully from single to double, but few strollers are designed that well.
• Its easier to sell things today, and strollers have resale value. So you can always sell your good-quality, single stroller (that you love) and use that money to buy a top-quality double/tandem stroller (the best one available at that time).

Final Words

We have discussed several ways to convert a single stroller into a double stroller, and have also recommended strollers that can accommodate two kids. We are not looking at the traditional double strollers here (which can be wide and bulky), we are looking at single to double conversions, which not only turns out cheaper but also keeps the stroller compact.

Usually, most parents would love to retain their original stroller, as it provides comfort to them (they are used to using it) and their toddler. But adding another part/attachment also has its challenges, even though it turns out to be cheaper. Strollers are designed for easy folding and unfolding, but they can be tricky. Adding another attachment may not make it any easier. Besides, you now have one more thing to pack and it will also take up space.

Please feel free to share your thoughts below. What are the options you have tried out? What worked and what didn’t?

More Useful Links

• Single to Double Stroller Clips
• Convert double stroller to triple stroller using a stroller board
• Bob Stroller Attachment for Second Child on stroller