Double Stroller Reviews: Cybex Gazelle S, UPPABaby Vista V2, Zoe Twin +
On Nori: J&J TOP 3T, SHORTS 3T, SANDALS 8
After having baby # 2, we tried to get by using our beloved single strollers + a sibling “ride along board” in the back, but finally admitted to ourselves we were overdue for a double. The ride along board was fun until Nori jumped off every 30 seconds, and while I love baby carrying, it didn’t replace having a stroller. Not every family with two little ones will need a double stroller, but for us, living in a Northeast city where we walk miles each week with our kids aged 2 years apart, it’s been a game changer!
The choices were overwhelming to say the least. Front & back configuration versus side by side? Modular construction versus one piece? Infant carseat compatibility or no need? After extensive research, we narrowed down our long list of contenders to a small handful, and were able to borrow them and try thanks to our thoughtful parent friends in the city. Before purchasing the model that was the winner for our situation, we connected with the brand which ended up kindly gifting us this stroller. As always these are our honest opinions, and we tried to provide as much info as possible from our research and trials!
1. Convertible Double: Cybex Gazelle S
Available at: Nordstrom, buybuyBABY, Pottery Barn Kids
Included: 1 Stroller Seat, Car Seat Adapters (Nuna, Cybex, Maxi Cosi), Double Stroller Conversion Adapters (built-in!), Rain Cover, Cup Holder, fun Shopping Basket. Additional seat is $200.
This stroller was released toward the end of 2020, so we didn’t even really know it was an option until we popped into our helpful local kids/baby store @ShopTadpole and they highly recommended it! Functionality wise, it’s similar to the popular Vista but 2 KEY benefits are that both seats have a 50 lb. limit (versus 35lb for the lower seat on the Vista), and the 2nd seat adapters are all ingeniously built into the stroller frame. As added bonuses for us, it doesn’t come with a baby bassinet that we don’t need, and it included car seat adapters that work for our Nuna car seats (which would otherwise cost another $50 for the Vista).
What We Like:
- 50 lb. limit for both seats
- Includes built-in 2-seat adapters
- Comes with Nuna car seat adapter
- Handlebar is taller in the highest setting, and shorter in the lowest setting than Vista
- Folding with 2 seats is possible (although cumbersome)
- A unique configuration that allows kids to face each other which Nori oddly likes and requests
Considerations:
- The seat it comes with can be used on both the top and bottom positions, but extra seats purchased only fit on the bottom.
- Not much available in the pre-owned market if you want to save $$ on the stroller or accessories
- Slightly more complex fold
Bottom Line:
A new, seemingly sturdy & durable double stroller full of innovative features for our needs.
2. Convertible Double: UPPABaby Vista V2
Available at: Nordstrom, buybuyBABY, Pottery Barn Kids
Included: 1 Stroller Seat, Bassinet, Rain Cover, Bug Shield, Compatibility for Mesa Car Seat. Additional seat is $200.
Vistas are on every block here in Boston, and for good reason. While we didn’t go with the brand again, we loved our single stroller Cruz and how well it’s held up. As a major benefit, UPPABaby offers free tune ups at certain locations, which ensures your stroller stays in top shape especially after a messy winter.
One thing to note is the lower seat only has a 35-lb. limit, which Nori is already at. And another consideration is you need to buy adapters to use it as a double stroller (all adapters are included with the Cybex Gazelle S) or with other branded carseats. The different types of converters to buy was also a little confusing to our friends who own the Vista.
Cruz vs. Vista: We got our UPPABaby Cruz (their single stroller that does not convert) when Nori was born, and we chose our stroller based on the tight confines of our apartment storage closet and having to lift it up & down stairs. Every oz of weight mattered, so for that reason we have no regrets getting the Cruz initially. The latest Cruz model is now almost 5lb heavier than before, though, so less reason to choose it over the Vista now!
What We Like:
- A proven parent favorite
- Durable, sturdy construction and wheels
- Deeper stroller seats
- UPPABaby free tune ups (major!!)
Considerations:
- 35 lb. limit on lower seat
- Requires adapters to achieve all configurations
- Sold with 1 seat + bassinet (not an issue for some, but we didn’t need the bassinet)
Bottom Line:
A proven, versatile choice that can take a beating season after season and still look great after a free tuneup.
This is the quintessential “Disney World” stroller – it’s light enough to bring on a trip yet durable and comfortable enough for a day full of riding. We were hoping it could supplement our single strollers for times when we needed to stroll both kids for long periods of time.
Ultimately, we had trouble navigating bumpy Boston sidewalks with this, and it has no infant carseat adaptability which (as you can see above) we use a lot. If both your kids are 6+ months, and most of your strolling is happening over smooth pathways, then this is a reader favorite option.
What We Like:
- It’s one piece
- Each seat reclines independently
- No arguing over who sits front vs back
- Lightweight compared to other double strollers in our comparison
- More affordable than single-to-double
Considerations:
- Can only be used for kids older than 6 months
- No car seat attachment compatibility
- Hard to maneuver on city sidewalks
Bottom Line:
Good choice if you live somewhere with smooth and wide pathways, and both kids are over 6 months.
Why did we decide on the Gazelle S?
We first decided we needed a convertible single-to-double stroller rather than a fixed double like the Zoe Twin, due to our changing needs throughout the week. For example I use the single configuration to take Nori to daycare, and expand it to a double for family walks. Living in a city, a front-to-back double made more sense than side-by-side. And living somewhere with harsh winters and bumpy sidewalks, a more premium, sturdily built stroller with large wheels was a must for durability compared to travel style ones.
From there, the Cybex Gazelle S edged out other contenders for its higher max weight limit for both seats, built in converters, and ease of rearranging the seat configurations (there is a convenient color coded guide on all configurations, sewn right into the stroller under basket). So far, the build quality, wheels, and suspension seem excellent.
The Vista V2 was a close runner up and also a great choice. Ultimately, the main considerations for our situation were the lower weight limit and the superfluous bassinet (which others enjoy using the first few months! We typically use our infant carseat instead), plus the need to buy several adapters.
I hope this is helpful for anyone trying to make a similar decision, and please let us know any questions and other double stroller favorites in the comments!
