Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are an investment that will last for many years. You should choose wisely.
Our test participants were looking for strollers with great flexibility and a smooth ride over any terrain. They also checked if the models were easy-to-fold and move.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers on market, ranging from side-byside to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The category has advanced from the behemoth vintage 1980s models that many older millennials might remember--these days they're sleek and offer various customization options to make travel with kids more enjoyable for all involved.
If you have a child or toddlers in tow, an extra stroller that has a car seat is a great option for transporting them from A to B. Some of the most advanced strollers have one frame that can accommodate two infant car seat or convertible toddler seats. They can be utilized by children from birth until they reach kindergarten age. They are generally more expensive than double stroller frames but offer an integrated car seat system, as well as a large undercarriage basket.
Parents who don't have multiple children might prefer a simpler, less-expensive single-to-double stroller. These frames are typically lighter in weight, and a few moms have even told us they're still using their original stroller years after their children outgrew it.
Another excellent feature of some of the tiniest double strollers we've tested is the compact fold. They can fit into spaces that larger strollers aren't able to and are generally easier to maneuver when folded.
The majority of double strollers we tested had a decent sunshade. However, the amount of shade coverage can range from nothing to a cocoon. If you're on a budget it's a good idea to look into second-hand strollers for sale on websites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure to check the stroller for signs of wear prior to purchasing it.
Weight
Parents should think about their budget and whether the stroller will be a good fit for their family's lifestyle when shopping for a double small stroller. For example, a lightweight stroller might not have enough space for large bags or other gear. It may also not have a an expansive canopy or other features that would make the stroller easier to take on long journeys.
The best double stroller s are strong and easy to move that helps ensure that the children stay comfortably in their seats and don't move around when they ride. Strollers with padded seatbacks and adjustable leg rests score higher scores in our tests of comfort than those without. The top double strollers provide reclining seating options that allow kids to relax on long trips.
Innovative designs and clever features are making strollers that can be used in many ways more popular than ever. Some of the top strollers can be used with multiple car seats and offer an array of seating options from birth to preschool. Some are even light enough to jog or travel.
When selecting a compact double-stroller, it is important to consider whether the stroller can fit through narrow doorways and other spaces. The older models of tandem strollers as well as side-by-side strollers are usually too wide to fit through many doors. The best double strollers are typically narrower than the traditional models, and can be easily pushed through standard doorways.
You should also consider whether you need a stroller with additional features like cups holder and a snack tray. These are great for longer trips, but they can add to the total weight and cost of the double stroller.
Folding
A compact double stroller can fold compactly to fit into tiny spaces. It is also easy to keep in storage. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry and move.
Before you choose a stroller that is small consider the location you intend to use it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you identify the essential features. For example, if you are planning to use the stroller for running, then you will want to look for one with a smooth suspension that will glide across rough and paved terrain.
Take into consideration the age and temperament of your children, too. If they are near in age, then a side-by-side stroller might be the best choice. If they are at different stages of development, the tandem stroller might be the best choice for you.
A double stroller is costly however, the investment will pay off in the long run. Making the investment in a high-quality model that meets your family's needs will make travel with children much easier, and it will also provide years of convenience for both of you.
If you're limited in storage space, a double stroller is a great option. It can hold infant car seats as well as toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is an excellent choice for families with two young children, and it can even hold twins. It comes with two canopy options, a storage bin that is attached, and an infant tray with cup holders. This budget-friendly, lightweight stroller folds up easily and can be carried using only one hand. You should be aware that you must remove the second seat on the majority of double modular strollers when folding.
Maneuverability
The most effective small double strollers are easy to maneuver and come with smooth, responsive wheels that glide over all kinds of surfaces. These strollers come with reclining seats that are comfortable and plenty of storage space for your children's equipment. Many of these strollers are also compatible with toddler and infant seats as well as car seat carriers. These features make these strollers a great choice for families that want one stroller that can be used for multiple purposes.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who advises parents on strollers and travel equipment She suggests choosing a light model that is easy to push. "Strollers that are too heavy could cause frame fatigue and injuries," she says. If your stroller is heavy and difficult for you to push, consider adding a ride-along feature or reduce the number of children.
Many of the compact double strollers we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for instance, can accommodate two infant car seats or toddler seats simultaneously and can convert into a three-seater configuration by using the add-on RumbleSeat. It also comes with a fashionable inline design with foam-filled tires that won't flatten and an adjustable handbar that telescopically adjusts. Its seat belts are easy to adjust and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades come with peekaboo windows.
Other models are available with a variety of seating options. They can be used for twins or triplets, a larger child and an infant, or an infant riding on a scooter (sold separately). These models also come with brakes that are simple to use and an incredibly compact fold that can fit into most trunks. Some are even light enough to be able to carry up and down stairs. Most require little assembly. The Joovy Caboose however, requires a few tools and was among the most difficult build in our tests.
Safety
The top double strollers have many safety features, including adjustable handlebars to give you a good grip and a broad base that won't tip when the kids jump out of their seats. They also have generous canopies that cover both kiddos in even the rain. They're also easy to use, according to Alli Cavasino who is a certified child-passenger safety technician. "Look for a oneor two-step fold that can be easily carried and has a clear, obvious location to put the straps," she advises.
The most double strollers can be pushed through doorways with ease--a major benefit for those with an incredibly small car or a tiny living space. The smallest models also weigh less than traditional double strollers. This makes them easier to carry from one location to the next.
Parents of children who are close in age may choose the side-by-side stroller, such as our top choice for the Joovy Kooper X2, which features two child seats which can be adjusted for width and recline individually. In our tests the seats we found them to be extremely comfortable and recline to be easy and simple with just a single lever on each seat. It also has a large storage basket, an integrated parking brake that is one step (to reduce fatigue in the hands when stopping) and a few of our most popular harnesses.
If your children are of different ages, a sitting-and- stand stroller, like our top pick UPPAbaby v2 double, could be a good option. It can be used with two infant car seats, and it also has two modified seats that can be used as bassinets.