Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is a major investment, and one that you will use for years. It is important to choose carefully.
Our testers were looking for strollers with amazing flexibility and a smooth ride across all terrains. They also examined whether they were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are a variety of styles of double strollers available on the market, ranging from side-byside to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The category has advanced from the massive 1980s models that a few older generations might have recalled. Nowadays they're sleek and offer various customization options to make the experience of traveling with kids more enjoyable for all involved.
For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller with car seats is a great option for bringing them from one point to B. Some of the most advanced strollers on the market have a single frame that can hold two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats, allowing them to be used from birth until children reach the age of kindergarten. They're generally more expensive than a basic double stroller frame, but they also come with the convenience of an integrated car seat system and an ample undercarriage basket that can accommodate both car seats.
Parents with fewer children may prefer a simple and less expensive single-to-double stroller. These frames are typically lighter in weight, and some mothers have told us they're still using their old stroller even after their children have outgrew it.
The compact fold is another great feature of some the smallest double strollers that we've tried. They can be tucked away in places that larger strollers cannot and are usually easier to maneuver when folded.
In addition, all of the small double strollers we've tested have a large sunshade, but the it's possible to have nothing to a cocoon cover. For families on a budget, 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 needs--just be certain to check any used stroller carefully for signs of wear and tear prior to committing to buying one.
Weight
When shopping for a small double stroller, parents need to be aware of the amount they wish to pay and if it will fit their family's lifestyle. A stroller that is light, for example, may not have the storage space to accommodate large bags or additional gear. It might not have a big canopy, or other features to make it more comfortable to use on long journeys.
The best double strollers are simple to maneuver and sturdy, to ensure that children remain in a comfortable position and not move around in their seats. In our tests for comfort, we award higher marks to strollers with adjustable leg rests and padded seatbacks. The top double strollers offer reclining seating positions that allow kids to relax during long rides.
Strollers that can be used for a variety of purposes are becoming more popular than ever, due to their innovative designs and clever features. Some of the most effective options are able to accommodate multiple car seat installations and provide an extended range of seating options for children from birth to preschool years. Others are even lightweight enough for jogging or even travel with.
When selecting a compact double-stroller it is crucial 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 large to pass through the majority of doors. The best small double strollers are usually narrower than traditional models and can be easily pushed into most standard doorways with ease.
Another thing to consider is whether you require a stroller with additional features like a cup holder or snack tray. These can be handy for longer excursions, but they add to the total weight and cost of a double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller can be folded compactly to fit into tiny spaces. It is also easy to keep in storage. Additionally, cheap double stroller guarantees that it will be easy to maneuver and carry.
Before you choose a stroller that is small take note of where you will be using it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you identify the features that are the most important. If you're planning to run with the stroller, you'll want one with an easy suspension so that it can glide smoothly over rough surfaces and pavement.
Also, consider the temperament and age of your children. If they are near in age, then a side-by-side stroller could be the best. If they are in different stages of development, then a tandem stroller may be the best choice for you.
A double stroller can be costly however, the investment will pay dividends over time. A good model that is suitable for your family's needs can simplify the process of traveling with kids. It also provides you and your children with years of convenience.
If you're short on storage space, a double stroller is an excellent option. It can hold infant car seats as well as toddlers. Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon can accommodate twins and is a great option for families with two children. It comes with two canopy options, an attachable storage bin and a tray for the child with cup holders. This lightweight, budget-friendly stroller is easy to fold and can be carried using just one hand. It is worth noting, however, that most double modular strollers require that you remove the second seat when folding them.
Maneuverability
The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and feature smooth and responsive wheels that glide over any surface. These strollers also come with comfortable, reclining seats as well as plenty of storage space for your kids' toys. Additionally some of these strollers can accommodate car seat carriers as well as infant toddler seats. These features make them a perfect option for families that want a single stroller that can grow with their family.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and travel gear expert who advises parents on strollers and other gear. She suggests selecting a light, easy-to-push model. She says that heavy strollers can cause frame fatigue and injuries. If your stroller is heavy and difficult for you to push, consider adding a ride-along or reduce the number of children.
Some double strollers we tested are able to accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for instance, can accommodate two infant car seats or toddler seats at once and can convert to a three-seat configuration with the help of the RumbleSeat. It also features a chic, inline design, foam-filled tires that can't go flat and a telescoping handlebar with an adjustable height. The seat buckles are among the most simple to unfasten and fasten and its UPF 50+ sunshades feature peekaboo windows.
Other models have seating versatility, making them suitable for twins, multiples, an older child who is a single person, an infant or toddler with a riding scooter (sold separately). They also come with easy-to-use brakes and a surprisingly compact fold that can fit into the majority of trunks. Some are so lightweight that they can be transported up and down stairs. They require minimal assembly. The Joovy Caboose however, requires some tools and was the most difficult build in our tests.
Safety
The best double strollers have numerous safety features, such as 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 large canopy that protect both kids even the rain. They're also easy to use, according to Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician. "Look for an easy, one- or two-step fold that is easy to carry and has a clear place where the straps can be placed," she says.
The most compact double strollers fit through doorways with ease--a major benefit for those with a small car or limited living space. The smallest models also weigh less than traditional double strollers. This makes them easier to transport from one location to the next.
Parents of children of the same age may prefer a stroller with a side-by-side feature like our top pick: the Joovy Kooper X2, that has two child seats which can be adjusted individually for recline and size. In our tests, we discovered that the seats are very comfortable and recline was easy and simple. Each seat is equipped with a single lever. It also has a large storage basket, a built-in parking brake that's one-step (to reduce fatigue in hands when stopping) and some of our most popular harnesses.
If you have children who are from each other in age, a sit-and-stand stroller like our top choice, the UPPAbaby Vista Double, could be a good fit. It can be used with two infant car seats, and it also has two modified seats that serve as bassinets.