Having two kids that are different ages can pose a challenge for some parents. You have to figure out how to take a walk in the park, go to the store, or take a museum trip with two kids. Having one of the best sit and stand strollers might be the solution to your problem.
When I had my second child, one of my first purchases was a sit and stand stroller. I knew that my toddler wasn’t a massive fan of being stuck in a stroller, but her little legs quickly tired when we went places. She still needed a stroller even if she felt like she was a big girl.
I also knew that I needed a stroller that would work for my new infant. So, I had to check off a lot of boxes when I picked the best sit and stand stroller for my family. Much to my surprise, there are dozens of choices for sit and stand strollers on the market.
The multitude of choices means that picking the right sit and stand stroller for you can be a little bit complicated. Let’s look at some of the features and our top picks for the best sit and stand stroller.
A Quick Overview of Best Double Sit and Stand Strollers
Baby Trend Sit N Stand Ultra Stroller – The Highest Rated Sit and Stand
Joovy Caboose Too Ultralight – The Lightest Sit and Stand Stroller
Baby Trend Double Sit N Stand Stroller – Best for Twins
Graco Roomfor2 Click Connect – Most Versatile Sit and Stand
Graco Ready2Grow Click Connect LX Stroller – Great Overall
Chicco BravoFor2 – Best for Traveling
What is a Sit and Stand Stroller?
Never heard of a sit and stand stroller? Neither did I until I was pregnant with my second child, and all of my mom friends started to recommend and encourage me to check them out. I wondered what they were, and a quick search on Google delivered all of the information required.
Sit and stand strollers are a combination of strollers, perfect for families with kids of different ages. They’re sort of like a hybrid between inline double strollers and a travel system that still includes the older children. This style of a stroller is ideal for families with siblings that have a 2-5 year age gap. It allows both kids to be comfortable.
The main difference is at the back of the stroller, where you can find a platform where your oldest child can stand to ride on the platform. They can sit on the bench seat instead of standing. At the front of the stroller, the child seat looks as if it belongs to all strollers.
Many sit and stand strollers are infant car seat compatible. Make sure your brand of infant car seat will work with the stroller.
Check out our choices: Best strollers for big kids.
The Pros and Cons of Sit and Stand Strollers
Does this sound like something you might be interested in purchasing? Here are some pros and cons to help make your decision.
- Fits 2 Kids of Different or Same Ages
- Fits Through Doorways
- Large Storage Baskets
- Many Work with Infant Car Seats
- Big Kids Love to Stand Up
- Not Compact or Lightweight
- Not Great Sunshades for Child in the Rear
- Doesn’t Work for Uneven Terrain
The Types of Sit and Stand Strollers
In general, you’ll find two types of sit and stand strollers. Each of these types has pros and cons, as well. The two models are based on your child’s age. One works better if you have twins or kids that are close in age. The other works better if you have an older child and a younger child.
1Fits an Older and Younger Child
Fits an Older and Younger Child
If you envision a sit and stand stroller, you’ll think of this basic seating format. These traditional sit and stand strollers keep your youngest baby in the front while the older child rides on the platform or a bench in the bark. Some styles can accommodate an infant car seat.
Most parents prefer this style when they have a second child. For older children, having a padded bench with a harness makes it easy for them to hop on and off as they want. This style most often includes a spacious storage basket, a child tray, a parent tray, cup holders, and at least one sunshade.
- Lightweight
- Bench Seat for an Older Child
- Easy to Fold
- Maneuvers Around Turns
- Not Ideal for Twins or Two Young Kids
2Fits Twins or Two of the Same Age
Fits Twins or Two of the Same Age
Do you want a sit and stand stroller that grows with your children? This style can hold two car seats, have two stroller seats, or one stroller seat, and a rear seat or standing platform. You can use a single car seat or maybe even two car seats!
That means it’s a more versatile style of a stroller, and many parents prefer to be able to configure as they want. Some styles are enough to hold twin siblings in infant car seats along with an older sibling.
Just like with the original style of sit and stand strollers, this style comes with extras too. They have large storage baskets, parent trays, children trays, cup holders, sunshades, and more.
- Can Be Used as a Travel System
- Fits Two Children Who Need to Sit
- Takes Two Infant Car Seats
- Bulky
- Heavy
The Features of the Best Sit and Stand Strollers
Now it’s time to pick a stroller, and that means you need to decide what features you want. That depends on the ages of your kids and what matters the most to you.
Infant Car Seat Compatible
If you have an infant or are expecting a newborn baby soon, infant car seat compatible is a must-have feature. Transferring your baby from the car to the stroller is essential for stress-free traveling.
Also, infants who are below the age of three months old or who cannot hold their heads up are unable to sit in a stroller that doesn’t have a flat recline. No sit and stand stroller feature a full recline on their seats because it would interfere with the back seat.
You can either purchase a sit and stand stroller that comes with an infant car seat or make sure the one you buy works with your existing car seat at home.
Weight Limit of the Stroller
If you’re like me, you want to get the most out of your baby gear investments as possible. Purchasing a stroller that has a 40lb seat weight limit when your toddler weighs 38lbs isn’t a wise investment. Always check the maximum weight it can carry as a whole and per seat, if it’s listed.
You might be surprised to see that weight limits can vary by up to 20 pounds between models. On average, sit and stand strollers can carry between 80-100 pounds between two kids.
Weight and Size of the Stroller
Due to their design, sit and stand strollers are large. They don’t typically fold compactly, so whether or not it’ll fit into your trunk is a factor. You might want to look at the folding measurements and measure your trunk if you don’t have a large vehicle.
Also, they can weigh a lot, so lifting them in and out of your car trunk can be problematic for some. In that case, look for the lightweight options. While none of them will weigh as light as a single stroller, you can find some that aren’t as gigantic as the others.
Safety
When it comes to baby gear, safety is always one of the essential parts of your decision. Sit and stand strollers are safe for your child, but you want them to meet standards. Look for JPMA certifications, and be sure that the stroller meets CPSC compliance safety for strollers.
The front seat should have a five-point harness and the rear seat needs, at least, a three-point harness. Make sure the brake system is easy to use for parents, especially in quick situations.
Easy to Fold
You have two kids now! You don’t want to deal with a stroller that is a total pain in the butt to fold up. If this factor matters a lot to you, look for a model that has a one-hand fold. Those are convenient!
Storage
Life with two kids means that you have double the items to take with you when you leave your house. Storage is a massive factor for many parents, myself included. I need to be able to take our large diaper bag and hold any of our shopping bags when we head to the mall. Moms don’t want to deal with shoulder strain!
Storage isn’t limited to just a storage basket, although that is the most critical factor. Look at how you have to access the basket. Sometimes, you have to take your older child out of the seat and fold up the bench seat to reach your diaper bag.
You also want to consider accessories like a parent console, a child tray (or two), and cup holders. Ultimately, parents love anything that makes our lives easier.
Easy to Clean
Any parent will tell you that kids are messy, no matter how hard you try to make them be anything else. Kids spill drinks, sticky hands, exploding diapers, and leak crumbs everywhere.
Some strollers have removable and machine washable seat fabric. Stain resistance is also a nice feature that helps to keep your stroller looking clean.
Comfort for Children
That back bench seat isn’t always the most comfortable for kids. Your older child wants to feel comfortable as well, and that can be problematic based on the brand.
The most comfortable style will have a jump seat in the back with a padded bench and a three-point harness. Having a way to lean back a bit and rest is a must-have for many parents.
The comfort of your young child matters, as well. The seat should have adequate padding. You might also want to look at how fully the seat will recline. When laid back, it might take up too much space in the back, interfering with your older child’s seat. However, a reclining seat is a must-have for nap times and infants.
Extra Features
Finally, look at anything extra the stroller might offer. For example, sunshades are an additional must-have feature. They protect your child from sun rays when you’re out in the town. Sit and stand strollers typically have a canopy over the front seat, but not all have a shade over the bench seat.
The Best Sit and Stand Strollers
1Baby Trend Sit N Stand Ultra Stroller
Baby Trend Sit N Stand Ultra Stroller
Here are some other essential facts about the Baby Trend Sit N Stand Ultra.
- The combined weight limit is 100 pounds – 40 pounds in the front seat and 60 pounds standing or on the rear bench.
- The front seat has a five-point harness while the rear bench seat has a three-point harness.
- It uses a foot-operated rear brake.
- You’ll love the large storage option underneath the seat.
- There is a parent tray with two cup holders and a covered compartment for keys or a cell phone.
- It has a child tray with a snack area and a cup holder that swings away, making it easier for your child to get in and out of the stroller.
For many parents, the Baby Trend Sit N Stand Ultra is the gold standard for this type of stroller because they were one of the first companies to create one. Baby Trend created this style of a stroller for parents with an infant and toddler, quickly leading to the craze we have today.
The Sit N Stand Ultra gives the option to attach an infant car seat in the front or rear positions. Baby Trend accepts most brands of car seats, but be sure to check the list before you make your purchase. This stroller allows your older child to sit in the stroller while the infant is in their car seat. Then, your older child can sit in the back or walk, as he wants.
Check Pricing and Availability
- Compact
- One-Hand Fold
- Weighs 26lbs
- Comes in 5 Colors
- Versatile
- Doesn’t Recline Much
- Small Sunshade
2Joovy Caboose Too Ultralight
Joovy Caboose Too Ultralight
Here are some other features that you might love about the Joovy Caboose Too Ultralight.
- It’s one of the lightest models on the market, weighing 23 pounds.
- Both seats have a five-point harness for safety.
- Both seats recline, so your kids can both have a nap or relax.
- The bench seat is nicely padded, and the standing platform is wide and stable for your child. There are ergonomic handles for your child to hold onto on either side of the frame.
- Joovy added sealed bearings to the wheels so that they can carry heavier loads and provide a smooth ride.
- The sunshade opens to shade both seats, and there is an extendable one if you need more shade.
- Joovy added neoprene parent organizers with two drink holders and a zippered pocket. There is also one child tray that has space for a cup.
Joovy is known for creating modern, high-quality baby products for an affordable price. Their Caboose Too Ultralight is excellent for parents who have two kids close in age, especially if your older child likes to ride in a stroller.
The Caboose features two stroller seats that each hold a 45-pound child. Joovy includes a car seat adapter so that you can attach your favorite infant car seat for your newborn baby. Depending on when your older child is ready, you can remove the rear seat, leaving a bench seat and a platform to stand on while riding.
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- Weighs 23 pounds
- Easy to Fold
- Large Sunshade
- Cup Holders
- Both Seats Recline
- Two Child Seats
- Storage Basket Sits Too Low
- Harder to Access the Basket
3Baby Trend Double Sit N Stand Stroller
Baby Trend Double Sit N Stand Stroller
Here are some other features that you might love about the Baby Trend Double Sit N Stand.
- The rear platform and stroller seats can hold a child up to 40 pounds for a total weight limit of 80 pounds.
- It doesn’t include infant car seats, but the frame is compatible with Baby Trend infant car seats.
- There is a spacious storage basket under the seats.
- You’ll love the parent tray with two cup holders and a covered compartment for storage.
- Each seat has a child tray that can hold a drink and snacks. These trays swivel to the side, so you can quickly help your child get in and out of their seat.
- It has an easy to operate folding mechanism.
Do you have two younger kids that you want to fit into a sit and stand stroller? If so, the Baby Trend Double Sit N Stand Stroller would be an excellent selection for you. This stroller covers all the bases from birth upwards.
You can configure the Double Sit N Stand in several ways. First, you can use it with one or two infant car seats, combine an infant car seat with a stroller seat or the stand option. There are two stroller seats or one stroller seat and a rear seat with a standing platform.
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- Easy to Fold
- Multiple Configurations
- Large Storage Basket
- Comes in Many Colors
- Heavy – Weighs 32 Pounds
- Bulky
- Harder to Push When Loaded Down
- Low Weight Limit – 80 Pounds
4Graco Roomfor2 Stand and Ride Stroller
Graco Roomfor2 Stand and Ride Stroller
Here are some other features to love about the Graco Roomfor2.
- The stroller seat reclines almost flat, which is great for naps.
- Graco added an extra-large storage basket under the seating area.
- Both the parents and the kids have trays with deep cup holders. The parent tray has space for your cell phone and keys. It’s nice that the children’s trays swing open, making it easy for your child to get in and out of the seat.
- The front seat has multiple reclining positions.
- Don’t forget that there is an adjustable sunshade to keep your kids cool in the hot weather.
- Parents can remove the stroller seat covers and wash them in a machine on a cold cycle. They do need to line dry.
Graco is a name that most parents recognize – they sell almost everything for babies. It makes sense that their sit and stand stroller would be one of our top picks! Their sit and stand stroller hold two children up to 50 pounds each.
The Roomfor2 is a versatile stroller that offers plenty of things to love. It has lockable front swiveling wheels and larger wheels in the back. Graco added an excellent suspension system to create the smoothest ride possible for your child.
One of the best things about the Graco Roomfor2 is that it’s compatible with Graco car seats. That means you can use any Graco infant car seat with this stroller. It’s a fantastic option for families with an infant and a toddler.
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- One-Hand Fold
- Stroller Weighs 26 Pounds.
- Removable and Washable Seat Covers
- Compatible with Graco Infant Car Seats
- Infant Car Seat Takes Up Rear Space.
- Plastic Wheels Make for a Bumpy Ride.
5Graco Ready2Grow Click Connect Stand and Ride Stroller
Graco Ready2Grow Click Connect Stand and Ride Stroller
Here are some other features about the Graco Ready2Grow that you might love.
- It features Graco’s trademark one-hand fold.
- The front wheels are lockable.
- There is a large storage basket located underneath the bench seat. You do have to lift the bench seat to access the basket.
- The front seat comes with a child tray, along with a parent tray that has a cup holder and a covered compartment.
- Only the front seat can recline, but it doesn’t offer a full recline.
Here is another sit and stand stroller by Graco. The Ready2Grow offers several seating positions for children of different ages. The frame can hold two car seats, but the front and back seats aren’t identical. The front seat holds up to 50 pounds, but the back seat only holds 40 pounds.
That means that since you can put a car seat in both locations, your older child can sit in the front seat, the bench seat, or stand on the platform.
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- Multiple Locations for Infant Car Seat
- Large Storage Basket
- Low Weight Limit for Rear Seat
- Rear Seat Doesn’t Recline
6Chicco BravoFor2 Standing/Sitting Double Stroller
Chicco BravoFor2 Standing/Sitting Double Stroller
Let’s look at some of the features of the Chicco BravoFor2.
- There is a pocket for toys, a parent organizer, cup holders, and a large storage basket.
- Both seats include a safety harness.
- It has a low weight limit of 40 pounds per seat, which is a combined weight limit of 80 pounds. That’s not ideal if you have big kids.
- It’s compatible with the Chicco KeyFit car seats. There are integrated attachment points for the car seats.
- Once folded, the fold handle doubles as a carrying handle.
- Chicco added full suspension and swiveling front wheels that create a smooth ride.
- One-touch brakes keep the stroller in place at all times while parked. Plus, they’re easy to use and operate.
Chicco is another well-known baby brand, and the BravoFor2 is a higher-end sit and stand stroller that drives as well as a single stroller. Parents love the details that Chicco added to the BravoFor2. Many of those details solve problems that affect other sit and stand strollers, such as lack of room in the rear seat when a car seat is placed in the front.
One of the excellent features is that you can fold up the bench seat when it’s not in use. When the platform is in use, there are designated handles for the standing child to use while strolling. Plus, the rear seat is roomy, no matter if you use the front seat or not.
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- Maneuvers Well
- Bench Seat Folds
- Parent Console Included
- Plenty of Storage
- Expensive
- Not Compatible with Many Infant Car Seats
- Low Weight Limit
FAQs about Sit and Stand Strollers
Why Should I Pick a Sit and Stand Rather than a Double Stroller?
Typically, double strollers work better for twins or kids with a smaller age gap. Sit and stand strollers are better for children aged two years apart or more.
Double strollers are broader, more expensive, and typically very sturdy. They are better for uneven terrain; sit and stand strollers cannot handle anything but even ground.
So, if you like to go jogging or go off the beaten path, you might want a double stroller. If you have kids who aren’t as close together in age, a sit and stand stroller will work better.
At What Age Can a Child Stand and Ride?
Bench seats don’t have a minimum weight limit, but manufacturers typically suggest that children should be no younger than 2.5 years of age to use the standing platform. It heavily depends on their motor skills and maturity. Some 2.5-year-old toddlers can stand, but many still need to be strapped into the stroller.
Read More: Best All-Terrain Strollers for Adventurous Parents.
Final Thoughts
Taking two kids out of the house might seem like a challenge, but it’s really about how to be prepared. Buying one of the best sit and stand strollers will provide the best of both worlds for your kids of different ages. When your kids are happy, you’re happy, and heading out to festivals or the park becomes a lot easier.