Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is a significant investment, and it's one you'll use for a long time. You must make the right choice.
Our test participants looked at strollers that offer excellent flexibility and smooth rides on any terrain. They also inspected whether the strollers were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are many styles of double strollers such as tandem, side-by-side (single-file) and wagons. The type of stroller has changed from the classic 1980s models that older millennials might remember. These days, they're sleek and offer a variety of features that make travelling with children more enjoyable for all.
For parents who have infants or toddlers, double strollers that include car seats is a great option for transporting them from A to B. Some of the most advanced strollers feature one frame that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats. This allows them to be utilized by children from birth until they reach the age of kindergarten. These are usually more expensive than double stroller frames but offer an integrated car seat system as well as a large undercarriage basket.
Parents with fewer children might want a simple, less-expensive single-to-double stroller. These strollers are typically lighter, and some moms still use their original stroller even after their children have outgrown it.
Another advantage of some of the smallest double strollers we've tested is the compact fold. They can be tucked away where larger strollers won't, and they're often easier to maneuver once folded.
Most of the double strollers that we tested come with a decent-sized sunshade. However, the amount of shade coverage can vary from zero to an entire cocoon. If you're on a budget, you might want to check out secondhand strollers for sale on websites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure to check the stroller for signs of wear before purchasing it.
Weight
When looking for a compact double stroller, parents need to be aware of the amount they wish to spend and whether it will fit their family's lifestyle. For instance, a lightweight stroller might not have enough storage space for bulky bags or other equipment. It may not have a large canopy, or other features to make it more comfortable to use on long journeys.
The best double stroller s are strong and easy to move and ensure that the children stay at ease in their seats and don't shift around when they ride. In our tests for comfort, we prefer strollers that have adjustable seatbacks and leg rests that are cushioned. The best double strollers offer reclining seating positions which allow children to take a break on long rides.
Innovative designs and thoughtful features are making strollers that can be used in many ways more popular than ever. The best models are able to accommodate multiple car seat installation and offer a variety of seating options from the beginning of childhood to preschool. Some are so light that they can be used for jogging or for travel.
When choosing a small double-stroller, it is important to know if the stroller can be pushed through narrow doorways and other spaces. Most older models of side-by-side strollers as well as tandem strollers have a wide width that makes them incompatible with many doors. The best tandem strollers are usually smaller than the standard models, and can be easily pushed through standard doorways.
Another thing to think about is whether you require a stroller that has additional features such as a cup holder or snack tray. These are helpful for longer trips, but they will add weight and expense to the double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller that folds compactly, easily fitting into tight spaces and making it easy to store. A light design makes it easy to carry and move.
Before you pick a stroller that is small, think about where you will be using it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you determine the features that are most important. For instance, if you intend to use the stroller for running, then you will want to look for one with an easy suspension that can glide across rough and paved terrain.
Be aware of the age and temperament of your children as well. If they're of the same age and temperament, a side-by-side stroller may be the most suitable option. However, if they are at different stages of development it is possible that a tandem stroller would be better suited for your requirements.
A double stroller can be expensive, but it is an investment that will pay dividends in the long term. Investing in a quality model that fits your family's needs will make traveling with kids easier, and it will also give years of comfort to you and your kids.
If you're short on storage space, a double stroller is an excellent option. It can hold both infant car seats and toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is a great choice for families with two young children and can hold twins. It comes with two canopies and a storage bin that can be attached, and a child's tray with cup holders. This budget-friendly, lightweight stroller is easy to fold and can be carried with just one hand. You should be aware that you must remove the second seat on most double modular strollers when folding.
Maneuverability
The most suitable double strollers for small spaces are easy to maneuver, and they come with wheels that glide effortlessly over any surface. These strollers feature reclined seats that are comfortable and have plenty of storage space for your child's equipment. A lot of these strollers are also compatible with toddler and infant seats as well as car seat carriers. These features make them a perfect option for families looking for a single stroller that can expand with their family.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and a travel gear expert who offers advice to parents on strollers and other gear. She suggests selecting a lightweight, easy-to push model. "Strollers that are too heavy can lead to frame fatigue and injuries," she says. "If your stroller is weighing too much and difficult to push, consider adding a ride-along deck or reduce the number of children in the seat."
Some of the double strollers we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for example, can hold two infant car seats or toddler seats simultaneously and can be converted to a three-seat configuration by using the add-on RumbleSeat. It also features a stylish inline design with foam-filled tires which won't flatten and an adjustable telescoping handbar. The seat buckles are among the easiest to unfasten and fasten and its UPF 50+ sunshades come with windows that peek out.
Other models have seating versatility, making them suitable for multiples, twins or a single older kid and an infant, or a toddler with a riding scooter (sold separately). They also come with easy-to-use brakes and a relatively compact fold that can fit into most trunks. Some are so lightweight that they can be transported up and down stairs. They require minimal assembly. The Joovy Caboose however, requires a few tools and was among the most difficult to build during our tests.
Safety
The top double strollers have multiple safety features, including adjustable handlebars for a comfortable grip, and a large base that won't tip when the children get out of their seats. They also have generous canopies that cover both kiddos in rain or storms. They're also very easy to use, says Alli Cavasino who is a certified child passenger safety technician. "Look for simple one or two step fold that is easy to carry and has a clear place where the straps can be placed," she says.
The narrowest compact strollers can fit through doors with ease. This is a great advantage if you live in an apartment that is small or have a limited car. The smallest models are significantly lighter than traditional double strollers, which makes them easier to lug from one location to the next. No needing to strain your arms or back as you sling an oversized stroller on your shoulder.
Parents of children of the same age may opt for a stroller with a side-by-side feature one of our top choice: the Joovy Kooper X2, that includes two child seats that can be adjusted individually to recline and width. In our testing, we found the seats to be extremely comfortable and the reclining to be simple and easy by using a single lever on each seat. It also has an ample storage basket, a built-in parking brake that is one-step (to reduce fatigue in the hands while stopping) and some of our best harnesses.
If you have children that are apart in age, then a sit-and-stand stroller, like our top pick, the UPPAbaby Vista Double, may be a good fit. It can be used with two car seats for infants, and it has a pair modified seats that can be used as bassinets.