Best Sit and Stand Strollers for Babies and Their Siblings

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.

Plus, more from The Bump:

The Best Bassinet Strollers for Newborns and Infants

The 8 Best Travel Strollers for Stress-Free Trips

These Are the 10 Most Stroller-Friendly Cities in the United States