Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is a significant investment, and one you'll be using for a long time. That's why you need to choose carefully.
Our testers examined strollers that provide great mobility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also tested whether they were easy to fold and maneuver.
Size
There are many styles of double strollers on the market, including side-by-side, tandem (single-file) and wagons. The category has come a long way from the massive 1980s models that many older generation millennials may remember. Today, they're sleek and support various customization options to make the experience of traveling with children more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller that includes a car seats is a great option for getting them from point A to point B. Some of the most modern strollers feature frames that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats. They can be used by children from birth until they 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, as well as a large undercarriage basket which can hold both car seats.
Parents with fewer children might want a simple and less expensive single-to-double stroller. These frames tend to be lighter and some moms use their original stroller even after their children have outgrown it.
The compact fold is a excellent feature of the tiniest double strollers we've tested. They can fit into spaces that larger strollers cannot and are usually easier to maneuver when folded.
In addition, all of the small double strollers we've tested come with a decent-sized sunshade, although the coverage can vary from almost nothing to a cocoon-like covering. For families on a budget you should look into second-hand strollers available on sites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's an option that fits your family's needs. Just be certain to check any used stroller for signs of wear and tear before committing to buying one.
Weight
When looking for a compact double stroller, parents should be aware of the amount they wish to spend and whether it is a good fit for their family's lifestyle. A lightweight stroller could, for instance, not have the storage space to accommodate bulky bags or other equipment. It might not have a large canopy or other features to make it easier to use on long trips.
The best double strollers are simple to maneuver and sturdy, to ensure that children remain comfortable and not be confined to their seats. Strollers with padded seatbacks and adjustable leg rests get higher scores in our comfort tests than those that do not have. The top double strollers have reclining seats that allow children to relax on long rides.
Innovative designs and clever features have made strollers that can be used in a variety of ways more popular than ever. Some of the most effective options are able to accommodate multiple car seat configurations and offer a wide range of seating options from infant to preschool. Some are so light that they can be used for running or even for traveling.
When selecting a compact double-stroller it is essential to know if the stroller can be pushed through narrow doorways and other spaces. Older models of tandem strollers and side-by-side strollers are typically too large to pass through the majority of doors. The best small double strollers, however, tend to be smaller than the traditional models and can be pushed right into the majority of doors with ease.
It is also important to consider whether you require a stroller that has additional features such as cups holder and a snack tray. These are useful for longer excursions, but they add to the weight and cost of a double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller can fold compactly to fit into tiny spaces. It is also easy to store. A light design makes it easy to carry and move.
Before you pick a compact double stroller take note of where you will be using it and how often. double pushchair will help you decide what features are essential. If you plan to run in the stroller, you'll need one with a smooth suspension so it can glide smoothly over rough terrain and pavement.
Consider the age and temperament of your children as well. If they're of the same age and have similar temperaments, a tandem stroller could be the best option. However, if they're in different stages of development, it is possible that a tandem stroller would be better suited to your requirements.
A double stroller can be expensive, but it's an investment that will pay off in the long term. The purchase of a top-quality model that meets your family's needs will make travelling with kids easier, and it will also offer years of convenience for you and your children.
If you have limited storage space, think about a small double stroller which can accommodate both infant car seats as well as toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is ideal for families with two young children and can accommodate twins. It comes with two canopy options as well as a storage bin which attaches, and an infant tray with cup holders. This budget-friendly stroller comes with an easy and quick fold and can be pushed by one hand. Be aware that you have to remove the second seat of the majority of double modular strollers when folding.
Maneuverability
The most effective small double strollers are easy to maneuver and feature smooth and responsive wheels that can glide across any surface. They also have comfortable, reclining seats as well as ample storage space for your kids' gear. Many of these strollers are also compatible with toddler and infant seats as well as car seat carriers. These features make these strollers an ideal option for families who want a single, multi-purpose stroller.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who provides parents with advice on strollers and travel equipment, recommends choosing a lightweight model that is easy to push. She says that heavy strollers can cause frame fatigue and injuries. If your stroller is heavy and difficult to push, consider adding a ride-along feature or reduce the number of children.
Some of the double strollers that we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for instance, can accommodate two toddler or infant seats at a time, and can be converted to a 3-seat configuration using the RumbleSeat add-on. It also has a chic inline design with foam-filled tires that won't flatten and an adjustable handbar that telescopically adjusts. The seat buckles are among the most simple to unfasten and fasten, and its generous UPF 50+ sunshades have peekaboo windows.
Other models provide 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 have easy-to-use brakes and a surprisingly compact fold that fits into the majority of trunks. Some are so lightweight that they can be carried 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 best double strollers have many safety features, including adjustable handlebars that give you a comfortable grip and a broad base that won't tip over when the kids get up from their seats. They also come with large canopy that cover both kiddos in even rainstorms. They're also easy to use, says Alli Cavasino, 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 tiniest strollers are able to pass through doors easily. This is a great advantage if you live an apartment that is small or have a car that isn't as big. The smallest models are also considerably lighter than traditional double strollers, which makes them much easier to carry from one location to another. No more straining your arms and back as you sling an oversized stroller on your shoulder.
Parents of children who are older than their age could consider a side-by-side stroller like our top option, the Joovy Kooper X2, which features two child seats that can be adjusted to the width and recline independently. We found that the seats were very comfortable and the recline was smooth and easy. Each seat has one lever. It also has a huge storage basket, a one-step linked parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue when stopping), and some of the best harnesses we have tested.
If your children are of different ages, a sit-and stand stroller, such as our top pick the UPPAbaby V2 double, could be a good option. It is compatible with two infant car seats, and also has two seats that have been modified that function as bassinets for older kids--and can be adapted to accommodate a riding platform for an even older sibling.