Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are a significant investment that you'll use for a long time. You must make the right choice.
Our testers were looking for strollers that had great flexibility and a smooth ride across all terrains. They also checked whether the models were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are many different styles of double strollers on the market, ranging from side-byside to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The category has come a long way from the behemoth vintage 1980s models that some elder millennials might remember--these days they're sleek and come with various customization options to make traveling with children more enjoyable for all involved.
For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller with car seat is a great option to transport them from point A to point B. Some of the most modern strollers feature a single frame which can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats. This lets them be used by children as young as until they reach the age of kindergarten. These are typically more expensive than a simple double stroller frame, however they also come with the convenience of an integrated car seat system and a large undercarriage basket which can hold both car seats.
Parents with fewer children might want a simple one-to-double stroller that is less expensive. These frames are typically lighter in weight, and some moms have shared with us that they're still using their original stroller after their children outgrew it.
Another excellent feature of a few of the smallest double strollers we've tested is their compact fold. They can fit in places where larger strollers wouldn't and are generally easier to maneuver once folded.
The majority of double strollers that we tested had a decent sunshade. However, the coverage can vary from zero to a cocoon. If you're looking for a bargain, you might want to check out secondhand strollers on auction sites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure you check the stroller for wear and tear prior to buying it.
Weight
Parents should consider their budget and if the stroller will be a good fit for their family's needs when looking for a double-small stroller. For instance, a lightweight stroller might not have enough storage space for bulky bags or other equipment. It also might not have the capacity to cover a large area or other features that would make the stroller easier to use on long trips.
The best double strollers are easy to maneuver and sturdy, to ensure that children remain comfortable and not be confined to their seats. Strollers with cushioned seatbacks and adjustable leg rests score higher scores in our comfort tests than strollers without. The top double strollers provide reclining seating options that allow kids to unwind on long walks.
Innovative designs and thoughtful features are making strollers that can be used in many ways more popular than ever. Some of the best strollers can accommodate several car seats and offer a wide range of seating options from birth to preschool. Others are even lightweight enough for jogging or travel.
One of the most important factors to take into consideration when selecting a small double stroller is whether it will fit through doorways and other tight spaces. Older models of tandem strollers as well as side-by-side strollers are usually too large to pass through the doors of many. The most effective small double strollers tend to be smaller than the traditional models and can be easily pushed into most standard doorways with ease.
You should also consider whether you require a stroller that has additional features, such as an holder for your cup and a snack tray. These are helpful for longer trips but can add weight and cost to a double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller can be folded compactly to fit in small spaces. It is also easy to store. A lightweight design makes it easy to carry and maneuver.
Before you decide on a small double stroller, 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. If you intend to run in the stroller, you'll need one with an easy suspension so that it can glide over rough terrain and pavement.
Be aware of the age and temperament of your children too. If they are of similar age, then a tandem stroller might be the best choice. If they are at different stages of development, then the tandem stroller might be better suited to your needs.
A double stroller can be costly, but the investment will pay dividends over time. A quality model that suits your family's needs can help you travel with children more easily. It also provides you and your children with a lifetime of comfort.
If you are limited in storage space, think about a small double stroller which can accommodate both infant car seats and toddlers. Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon can accommodate twins and is an excellent option for families with two children. It features dual canopies as well as a storage bin which can be attached, as well as an infant tray with cup holders. This budget-friendly, lightweight stroller folds up easily and can be carried with just one hand. Be aware that you must remove the second seat of most double modular strollers when folding.
Maneuverability
The best double strollers designed for small spaces are easy to maneuver and have wheels that glide smoothly over any surface. These strollers feature seating that reclines and plenty of storage space for your child's equipment. A lot strollers are compatible with infant and toddler seats, as well as car seat carriers. These features make them a great option for families looking for a single stroller that can expand with their family.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and travel gear expert who advises parents on strollers and other equipment. She recommends selecting a lightweight, easy-to push model. read what he said says that heavy strollers can cause frame fatigue and injuries. "If your stroller is weighing too much and difficult to push, consider including a ride-along board, or reduce the number of kids in the seat."
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 simultaneously and can convert into a three-seater configuration with the help of the RumbleSeat. It also features a chic, inline design, foam-filled tires that won't be flat, and a telescoping handlebar that can be adjusted. Its seat belts are easy to adjust and remove, and its UPF 50+ sunshades feature windows that can be seen through.
Other models come with a variety of seating options. They can be used for twins, triplets, an older child and an infant or a toddler riding a scooter (sold separately). They also come with easy-to-use brakes and a compact fold that can fit into most trunks. Some are even light enough to transport up and down steps. Most require only a few pieces of assembly, though the Joovy Caboose requires a few tools and took the longest to construct in our tests.
Safety
The best double strollers are equipped with multiple safety features. They come with adjustable handlebars, which provide an ergonomic grip, as well as an extra wide base that won't tip over when the children leap out of their seats. The canopies are big enough to cover both kids in the event of rain. They're also simple to use, according to Alli Cavasino who is a certified child passenger safety technician. "Look for a 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 a great advantage if you live a small apartment or have a limited car. The smallest models are also much lighter than standard double strollers, which makes them easy to move from one location to the next. No need to strain your arms and back when you carry an oversized stroller on your shoulder.
Parents of children of similar ages may opt for a stroller with a side-by-side feature, such as our top pick: the Joovy Kooper X2, that includes two child seats that can be individually adjusted to recline and width. 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 comes with a large storage basket as well as a one-step linked parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue while stopping) as well as some of the best harnesses in our tests.
If your children are different ages, a sit-and- stand stroller, like our top pick the UPPAbaby V2 double, may be an ideal choice. It can be used with two car seats for infants and it comes with a pair of modified seats that can be used as bassinets.