Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is an important investment, and one you'll use for years. That's why it's important to pick wisely.
Our testers examined strollers that offer great flexibility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also examined whether the strollers were easy to fold and maneuver.
Size
There are many styles of double strollers available such as tandem, side-by-side (single-file) and wagons. The type of stroller has evolved from the vintage 1980s models some older millennials might remember. Nowadays, they are sleek and offer a variety of features that make travelling with children more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller and car seat is an excellent option for bringing them from one point to B. Some of the most advanced strollers on the market feature frames that can hold two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats making them suitable for use from birth up until kids reach the age of kindergarten. These are usually more expensive than double stroller frames however they include a car seat system and a large undercarriage basket.
Parents with fewer children might prefer a simpler and less expensive single-to-double stroller. These frames are usually lighter and some moms use their original stroller even after their children have outgrown it.
Another excellent feature of a few of the smallest double strollers we've tried is their compact fold. They can fit in places where larger strollers won't and are generally easier to maneuver once folded.
The majority of double strollers we tested have a decent-sized sunshade. However, coverage can vary from a bare spot to the size of a cocoon. If you're on a budget it's a good idea to check out secondhand strollers on auction websites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure to check the stroller for signs of wear prior to purchasing it.
Weight
When looking for a compact double stroller, parents must think about how much they would like to spend and if it's a good fit for their family's lifestyle. For instance, a light stroller might not have enough storage space for bulky bags or other equipment. It may not have a canopy that is large enough or other features to make it easier to use on long journeys.
The best double strollers are strong and easy to move and ensure that the children stay comfortable in their seats and don't move around while riding. Strollers with padded seatbacks and adjustable leg rests score higher marks in our comfort tests than those without. The best double strollers also have reclining seating positions that allow kids to relax during long trips.
Strollers that can be used for a variety of purposes are more popular than ever because of their innovative designs and clever features. Some of the most popular strollers can accommodate several car seats and offer many seating options from birth through preschool. Some are so light that they can be used for jogging or traveling.
One of the most important factors to take into consideration when selecting a small double stroller is whether it can be able to pass through doors and other narrow spaces. Most older models of side-by-side strollers and tandem strollers have an overall wideness that makes them unsuitable for many doors. The most effective double strollers are typically smaller than the standard models, and are able to be pushed through most standard doorways.
You should also think about whether you need a stroller that has additional features such as cups holder and a snack tray. These are great for longer excursions, but they add to the overall weight and cost of the double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller can fold compactly to fit in small spaces. It is also easy to store. Additionally, its lightweight design ensures that it will be easy to maneuver and carry.
Before you decide on a compact double stroller take note of where you'll use it and how often. These questions will help you decide which features are most important. For instance, if you intend to run with the stroller you'll need to choose one with a a smooth suspension that will glide over pavement and rough terrain.
Be aware of the age and temperament of your children as well. If they're of the same age and have similar temperaments, a tandem stroller may be the most suitable option. If they are at different stages of development, an incline stroller could be better suited to your needs.
A double stroller is costly but it will pay dividends over time. Investing in a quality model that meets your family's needs will make travel with children easier, and it will also provide years of convenience for you and your children.
If you have limited storage space, you might want to consider a compact double stroller that can fit both infant car seats and toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is an excellent choice for families with two children, and it can even hold twins. It has dual canopies as well as an attached storage bin as well as a tray for children with cup holders. This budget-friendly, lightweight stroller is easy to fold and can be carried using only one hand. It is important to know that you need to remove the second seat on the majority of double modular strollers before folding.
Maneuverability
The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and feature smooth, responsive wheels that glide across all kinds of surfaces. They also have comfortable, reclining seats and plenty of storage space for your kids' gear. In addition they can accommodate car seat carriers and 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 equipment. She suggests selecting a light, easy-to-push model. "Strollers that are too heavy can lead to frame fatigue and injuries," she says. "If your stroller feels heavy and difficult to push, you might consider adding a ride-along board or reduce the number of kids in the seat."
Some double strollers we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for instance, can hold two toddler or infant seats at the same time and can be converted to three seats using the RumbleSeat add-on. It also comes with a fashionable inline design with foam-filled tires which won't flatten, as well as an adjustable handbar that can be telescoping. The seat buckles are among the easiest to unfasten and fasten and its UPF 50+ sunshades feature peekaboo windows.
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 the scooter (sold separately). These models also feature easy-to use brakes and an incredibly compact fold that can fit into most trunks. double stroller for twins are so lightweight that they can be carried up and down stairs. The majority of them require little assembly. The Joovy Caboose however, requires some tools and was the most difficult build in our tests.
Safety
The top double strollers are outfitted with numerous safety features. They come with adjustable handlebars, which provide the user with a comfortable grip and a large base to ensure it won't fall over when children leap out of their seats. The canopies are big enough to cover both kids in the event of rain. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says they're easy to use. "Look for simple one- or two step fold that is easy to carry and has a place where the straps can be placed," she says.
The tiniest of compact double strollers fit through doors with ease, which is a huge benefit if you have the space of a small car or living space. The smallest models weigh less than traditional double strollers. This makes them easier to carry from one place to the next.
Parents who have kids close in age may choose the side-by-side stroller, such as our top pick, the Joovy Kooper X2, which has two child seats that can be adjusted to recline and width separately. In our testing the seats we found them to be very comfortable and the recline to be easy and simple with just a single lever on each seat. It also comes with an ample storage basket, an integrated parking brake that is one-step (to reduce fatigue in the hands when stopping) and a few of our top harnesses.
If your children are of different ages, a sitting-and- stand stroller, such as our top pick the UPPAbaby V2 double, is a good option. It is compatible with two infant car seats, and also has two seats that act as bassinets for older children. They can also be modified to accommodate a riding platform for an even older sibling.