Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are a big investment that you'll use for a long time. This is why you must pick wisely.
Our testers looked at strollers that provide excellent flexibility and smooth rides on any terrain. They also examined whether the models were easy-to-fold and maneuver.
Size
There are a variety of styles of double strollers on market, ranging from side-byside to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The style has evolved from the vintage 1980s models that older millennials might remember. Today, they are sleek and come with a range of options to make traveling with children more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller and car seat is a great option for getting them from point A to B. Some of the most advanced strollers have frames that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats. This lets them be used by children as young as until they reach kindergarten age. These are typically more expensive than a standard double stroller frame, however they also provide the convenience of an integrated car seat system as well as a large undercarriage basket which can hold both car seats.
Parents with fewer children might prefer a simpler, less-expensive single-to-double stroller. These types of frames are typically lighter in weight, and a few mothers have told us they're still using their old stroller years after their children outgrew it.
The compact fold is another great feature of some the smallest double strollers that we've tried. They can fit into spaces that larger strollers aren't able to and are generally more maneuverable when folded.
The majority of double strollers we tested come with a decent-sized sunshade. However, the coverage can range from nothing to an entire cocoon. For budget-conscious families, it's worth checking out second-hand strollers on websites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's a stroller that will meet your family's requirements. Make certain to check any used stroller for signs of wear and tear prior to committing to buying one.
Weight
When choosing a small double stroller, parents need to think about how much they would like to pay and if it is a good fit for their family's lifestyle. For instance, a lightweight stroller may not have enough storage space for bulky bags or other equipment. It might also not have an expansive canopy or other features that would make the stroller easier to use on long trips.
The best double strollers are easy to maneuver and durable, so that the children can remain comfortable and not be confined to their seats. Strollers with padded seatbacks and adjustable leg rests earn higher marks in our comfort tests than those without. The best double strollers provide reclining seating options that allow kids to take a break during long trips.
Innovative designs and thoughtful features are making strollers that can be used in various ways more popular than ever. The best models are able to accommodate multiple car seat installation and offer a variety of seating configurations from the beginning of childhood to preschool. Some are so light that they can be used for jogging or for travel.
One of the most important aspects to take into consideration when selecting a compact double stroller is whether it will be able to pass through doors and other tight spaces. The majority of older models of side-by-side strollers as well as tandem strollers have an overall wideness that makes them unsuitable for the majority of doors. The most effective double strollers are typically narrower than the traditional models, and can be carried through the majority of doors that are standard.
Another thing to consider is whether you require a stroller with additional features such as a cup holder or snack tray. These are great for longer trips, but they can add to the total weight and cost of the double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller can be folded compactly to fit into small spaces. It is also easy to store. In addition, a light design ensures that it will be easy to maneuver and carry.
Before you pick a stroller that is small take note of the location you intend to use it and how often. These questions will help you decide which features are most important. If you intend to run with the stroller, you'll need one with a smooth suspension so it can easily glide across rough terrain and pavement.
Also, take into consideration the temperament and age of your children. If they are of similar age, a side by side stroller may be the most suitable option. If they are in different stages of development then the tandem stroller might be more suitable for you.
A double stroller is expensive, but it is an investment that will pay off in the long term. Making the investment in a high-quality model that fits your family's needs will make traveling with children easier, and it will also give years of comfort to you and your children.
If you're short on storage space, a double stroller is a great option. It can hold both toddlers and infant car seats. Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon can accommodate twins and is an excellent option for families with two children. It comes with two canopy options as well as an attached storage bin, and a child's tray with cup holders. This budget-friendly, lightweight stroller folds up easily and can be carried using only one hand. It is worth noting that the majority of double modular strollers require you to take off the second seat prior to folding them.
Maneuverability
The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and come with smooth and responsive wheels that glide across all types of surfaces. These strollers also feature comfortable, reclining seats as well as plenty of storage space for your kids' toys. Additionally, many of these strollers can accommodate car seat carriers and infant toddler seats. These features make these strollers an ideal choice for families that want one stroller that is multi-purpose.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and travel gear expert who offers advice to parents on strollers and other equipment. She recommends choosing a lightweight, easy-to-push model. She advises that strollers that are heavy can cause frame fatigue and injuries. "If your stroller is weighing too much and difficult to push, think about adding a ride-along board or reducing the number of children in the seat."
Some double strollers we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for instance, can hold two toddler or infant seats at once and can be transformed into a 3-seat configuration using the RumbleSeat add-on. double pushchair has a stylish inline design, with foam-filled tires that can't be flat and an adjustable telescoping handlebar. Its seat buckles are among the most simple to fasten and unfasten, and its generous UPF 50+ sunshades have windows that peek out.
Other models are available with multiple seating configurations. They can be used with twins or triplets, a larger child and an infant, or a toddler riding a scooter (sold separately). These models also feature brakes that are simple to use and a compact fold that fits in most trunks. Some are light enough to be able to carry up and down stairs. And most require little assembly, though the Joovy Caboose requires a few tools and took the longest time to construct in our tests.
Safety
The top double strollers are outfitted with a variety of safety features. They come with adjustable handlebars, which provide a comfortable grip, and a wide base so it won't fall over when children get out of their seats. The canopies are large enough to protect both children in the event of rain. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says they're simple to use. "Look for simple, one- or two-step fold that is easy to carry and has a place where straps can be put," she says.
The most compact strollers pass through doors easily. This is an excellent advantage if you live in smaller spaces or have a car that isn't as big. The smallest models are much lighter than normal double strollers, which makes them easier to lug from one location to another. No more straining your arms and back while carrying an oversized stroller on your shoulder.
Parents of children who are who are close to their age can consider the side-by-side stroller, such as our top choice for the Joovy Kooper X2, which features two child seats that can be adjusted for width and recline individually. We discovered that the seats were very comfortable, and recline was easy and easy. Each seat is equipped with only one lever. It also comes with a massive storage basket, a one-step linked parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue while stopping) as well as some of the most comfortable harnesses we have tested.
If you have children who are apart in age, then a sit-and-stand stroller like our top choice, the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, may be a good fit. It can accommodate two infant car seats, and also has two seats that have been modified that act as bassinets for older children. They can also be modified to accommodate a riding platform for an even older sibling.