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Best Sit and Stand Strollers for Babies and Their Siblings

Lugging around two kiddos of different ages? These sit and stand strollers are just what you need to manage.
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profile picture of Danielle Halibey
Updated December 1, 2022
austlen sit and stand stroller
Image: Austlen Baby Co.
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One of the biggest triumphs in parenthood (especially with multiple kids) is being able to maneuver through the day as smoothly as possible. Bumps in the road are inevitable, but a good stroller—one that can handle a couple of cuties at once—helps. Before you jump on the double stroller bandwagon, though, know that there’s another option on the market: sit and stand strollers. These operate similarly to a double stroller, but instead of providing two seats for two kiddos, it offers a spot for your older child to sit or stand, while the younger sibling is nestled in a traditional seat. Not sure which is best to suit your needs? Read through our sit and stand stroller cheat sheet for a better idea of what to buy for your growing family. Tag along, because we’ve got a lot of terrain to cover!

What Is a Sit and Stand Stroller?

A sit and stand stroller usually has a tandem design (in-line seating accommodations for two); however, with a sit and stand, one child sits in the front in a regular seat while the other rides along in back on a smaller, bench-style seat or standing board. The more streamlined silhouette is a refreshing alternative to double strollers, which can be more challenging and cumbersome to navigate. Plus, older siblings may have aged out of the height and weight limits of a stroller seat but are still young enough to tire after walking a ways. You may very well need a “room-for-two” stroller scenario to make your life easier with two children, but what kind you need may be different for kids closer in age versus those further apart.

For siblings less than two years apart, it might make sense to invest in a double stroller suitable for two regular riders. They’re at comparable enough sizes (weights and stature) and developmental stages where they’re content just sitting and strolling as you push them around. They may also get along well together and enjoy sitting side-by-side while you run some errands, go for a walk around the neighborhood or take a trip to the mall. Alternatively, for siblings more than two years apart, a double stroller may provide more than you need at a price that’s ultimately just not worth it. Note, though, that many leading stroller brands such as UPPABaby, Cybex, Bugaboo, Baby Trend, Thule and Joolz sell ride-on stroller boards to convert your existing single or double stroller into a sit and stand stroller.

There comes a day in every toddler’s life when ditching the wheels in favor of walking by themselves seems like a much better decision—for them, that is. For you, the one who now has a lop-sided stroller to wield and a strolling toddler to worry about, things just end up being a whole lot harder. That’s why strollers with sit and stand are such a welcome addition to the baby product portfolio.

Is a Sit and Stand Stroller Right for You?

A sit and stand stroller can certainly make for a smoother trip while going to and fro with an infant or preschooler and a toddler. That said, like all baby gear and gadgets, strollers with sit and stand features do have their benefits and shortcomings.

Benefits of a sit and stand stroller

Usually narrower than double strollers, making them easier to navigate through doorways, crowded streets and store aisles Accommodates infant car seats easily for a travel system option Allows for both children to travel comfortably. Your infant or younger toddler can sit happily and securely in the stroller’s seat while your older child does their thing, either walking alongside you or hopping on via the bench seat or standing board

Drawbacks of a sit and stand stroller

Typically have small wheels and little to no suspension, making it far less maneuverable on rougher terrains like dirt or heavy gravel Infant car seats can encroach on the space meant for the standing rider in back (also true of the front seat when fully reclined)
Standing/riding boards don’t have a seat belt or harness to secure your toddler or older child, presenting a possible risk of injury Since sit and stand strollers are newer to the market, there are only a handful of brands to choose from

What to Look for in a Sit and Stand Stroller

At the end of the day, the job of a stroller with sit and stand options is to make your life easier and provide a safe and comfortable ride for two or more (some sit and stand double strollers can hold up to three children). When you’re ready to start shopping, make sure to keep these features in mind:

Safety. Getting from point A to point B means nothing if your little ones aren’t safe. Look for sit and stand strollers with at least a 3-point harness system on the seat for your older child/toddler and a 5-point harness system for your younger child/infant.

Storage. Whether you’re running errands or headed to the park, it’s always good to be prepared with your diaper bag, food, drinks, toys and extra clothes for outfit changes or layering. Keep an eye out for sit and stand strollers that include large baskets or pockets. The same goes for consoles for you—coffee or a water bottle, keys and your cell phone will need a place to go too!

Shading. Regardless of how warm and sunny it is, children should always have sufficient shades, canopies or visors to protect them from harmful UVA/UVB rays and to “dim the lights” for midday naps.

Best Sit and Stand Strollers

We’ve put the pedal to the metal to find the best sit and stand strollers on the market today. As you’re perusing the list and narrowing down to one or two favorites, pay special attention to the pros and cons and how they relate to your family’s unique needs.

Overall Best Sit and Stand Stroller

Baby Trend Sit N’ Stand 5-in-1 Shopper Stroller
Baby Trend Sit N’ Stand 5-in-1 Shopper Stroller
Image: Bed Bath & Beyond

If you have one child at present but will be welcoming baby number two soon, this is the best sit and stand stroller to get some practice in now. This JPMA-certified stroller has five modes of use—including as a travel system with an infant car seat attached—and a front seat with a multi-position recline for a little one who needs to rest their eyes, letting you sip your Venti coffee (oh yeah, extra deep cup holders) and steal 10 minutes of uninterrupted Hulu time on your cell. The sit and stand feature allows the older child to either sit or stand, accommodating a range of ages. It boasts a one-handed fold, and with an extra large basket in the undercarriage, you can carry up to 30 pounds of additional weight (beyond the 50 pound capacity for each child).

What We Love
  • Deluxe seat fabrics and padding
  • 5-point harness and a removable, extra-long canopy with 50+ UPF protection
  • MagneTec technology keeps storage basket securely closed with strong magnets
Things To Consider
  • Small wheels might make it hard to traverse tougher terrains

Best Sit and Stand Double Stroller

Graco Ready2Grow 2.0 Double Stroller

This sit and stand double stroller has four different configurations, including one child standing and two infant car seats, which is especially great for twin parents (so if you’re expecting two at one time, take note!). With a close-to-you rear seat, you can keep tabs on both of your little ones and know that each is tucked in tight, thanks to a convertible 3- or 5-point harness on each seat. A max weight of 50 pounds up front and 40 pounds in the back assures they’ll be able to stroll together for a long time. Also worth a mention is the child armbar up front for easy on-easy off for your toddler.

What We Love
  • Large, easy-access storage basket has lots of room for baby and parent essentials
  • Full-size canopies on both seats to block the sun
  • Folds up in one step for easy toting
Things To Consider
  • On the heavier side at 32 pounds
  • Wheels are small, so parents say they have to pick the stroller up when going over bumps

Most Versatile Sit and Stand Stroller

Chicco BravoFor2 LE Standing/Sitting Double Stroller
Chicco BravoFor2 LE Standing/Sitting Double Stroller
Image: buybuyBABY

This Chicco sit and stand double stroller sports a traditional stroller seat in the front that can be folded down easily to snap in an infant car seat (KeyFit or Fit2 designs are compatible). For big kids who want to make this a party for two, they can sit on a bonus rear-facing padded seat or fold away the seat to stand and take in the world around them. No matter the setup, the stroller leverages treaded rubber tires, full suspension and front swivels to ensure a smooth ride for both of your little ones. With a 40 pound weight limit on each seat, a large storage basket with front and rear access and a parent tray with cup holders and zippered pockets for all the important carry-ons, you’re looking at a stroller that truly does it all.

What We Love
  • Padded rear seat and backrest, easy-grip handles and a 3-point harness offer both comfort and safety
  • Ultra-compact, one-handed fold for easy breakdown and carry
  • Storage pockets behind the stroller seat give big kids a place to stow their things when they’re in standing mode
Things To Consider
  • Pricey
  • Canopy doesn’t extend well or provide enough protection to the second rider

Best Lightweight Sit and Stand Stroller

Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite Stroller
Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite Stroller
Image: Target

This sit and stand stroller from Joovy has a fully configured weight of 22 pounds and an aluminum frame that’s 10 percent lighter than the previous Ultralight model. With newly upgraded features, the stroller is a total (lightweight) champ that can accommodate 45 pounds on each seat and multiple strolling configurations—including an infant car seat mode (an adapter makes it compatible with several brands like Baby Trend, Baby Jogger and more) and a caboose where the cool kids sit or stand. Sealed ball-bearing wheels provide excellent maneuverability and the four-wheel suspension makes for a smooth, comfortable ride all around.

What We Love
  • Included footrest keeps baby comfortable while a 3-point harness keeps your big kid safe and secure
  • Rear bench seat converts into an optional front-facing, full-size reclining seat (sold separately)
  • Expandable canopy provides sun protection to rear rider
Things To Consider
  • Not much room for storage space below
  • Rear seat can get uncomfortable due to insufficient padding, some parents say

Best Travel-Friendly Sit and Stand Stroller

YOYO² Stroller With YOYO Board

A Best of Baby winner, we love that the YOYO² folds and unfolds in record time (with just one hand, by the way) and can be flung over the shoulder as you race through security lines and busy departure gates. With its small size and a weight of less than 15 pounds, the ride is one of the smoothest out there—you can even maneuver it with one hand. It’s not a sit and stand stroller on its own, but after adding the YOYO Board (sold separately), your older child can jump on and you can take off. It can hold 48.5 pounds in the main stroller seat and 44 pounds on the board.

What We Love
  • Nine trendy fabric colors that stand out
  • Board can be installed quickly
  • All-wheel suspension and superb shock absorption promise smooth rides everywhere you go
Things To Consider
  • Pricey
  • No sun protection for child riding in the back
  • Shorter parents may need to stand to the side of the stroller as they push to make enough space for the board

Best Sit and Stand Stroller for Big Kids

Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Ultra Stroller

This brand was one of the first to put sit and stand strollers on the map, and it continues to innovate its portfolio with better, more intuitive and feature-packed stroller silhouettes. Enter the Sit N’ Stand Ultra, which comes with the original Sit N’ Stand highlights and the unique ability to hold an infant car seat in both front and rear-facing configurations. We’re even more impressed with the chart-topping weight limits on this stroller—the front seat can accommodate children up to 40 pounds, which is standard, but the jump seat/platform can carry children up to 60 pounds.

What We Love
  • Compatible with most Baby Trend and other major brand infant car seats
  • Sun visor can be rotated all the way forward to block sun at any angle
  • Removable/swing-away child tray with a cup holder can be used on either the front or back position
Things To Consider
  • Storage basket is spacious, but parents say overfilling it makes it drag on the ground, which interferes with steering
  • Carrier handle of the infant car seat can interfere with older child’s head space when placed in the rear position
  • Neutral colors sell out quickly, but less mainstream colorways often go on sale

Best Luxury Sit and Stand Stroller

Austlen Entourage 2022

Everything about this stroller was carefully considered and upgraded to make the ride endlessly comfortable for the kids and incredibly joyful for you. Austlen has your back with a design that boasts shock-absorbing dual suspension, ball bearings for smooth navigation and a simple, single-step braking system that stops the stroller on a dime. And at the risk of sounding too preoccupied with looks, we’d say this is definitely one of the more stylish sit and stand strollers we’ve seen. Lightweight aluminum frame? Like it. Stylish vegan leather handlebar? Love it. Minimalist black and navy colorways? Gotta have it!

What We Love
  • Extra-large, multi-position UPF 50+ canopy with extendable visor in the front seat for sun and wind protection
  • Removable market tote expands with the stroller for storage potential when the jump seat isn’t in use
  • Patented frame allows a full recline in the front seat without ever cramping the child in the jump seat
Things To Consider
  • A splurge at $1,000+
  • Limited availability
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