Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is a major investment, and it's one that you will use for years. That's why you need to choose carefully.
Our testers looked at strollers that have great mobility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also inspected whether the models were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers available, including side-by-side, tandem (single-file) and wagons. The category has evolved from the behemoth vintage 1980s models that many older generations might have recalled. Nowadays they're sleek and offer various options for customization to make the experience of traveling with children more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents who have infants or toddlers in tow, double strollers that include a car seat is a great option for getting them from A to B. Some of the most sophisticated strollers have frames that can accommodate two infant car seat or convertible toddler seats. This allows them to be utilized by children from birth until they reach kindergarten age. They are generally more expensive than double stroller frames, however they include a car seat system, as well as a large undercarriage basket.
Parents who don't have multiple children might prefer a simpler 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.
The compact fold is a great feature of some the smallest double strollers that we've tested. They can fit in spaces larger strollers can't, and are often easier to maneuver when folded.
In addition, all of the small double strollers we've tested come with a decent-sized sunshade, but the coverage can vary from almost nothing to a cocoon-like covering. For families on a budget it's worth looking at second-hand strollers available on sites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's a model that meets your family's needs--just be sure to examine any used stroller for signs of wear and tear before committing to buying one.
Weight
Parents should consider their budget and if the stroller is suitable for their family's lifestyle when shopping for a double small stroller. For instance, a light stroller might not have enough space to store bulky bags or other equipment. It may not have a big canopy or other features that make it easier to use on long journeys.
The most comfortable double strollers are easy to maneuver and durable, so that the children can remain comfortable and not be confined to their seats. Strollers with padded seatbacks and adjustable leg rests get higher marks in our comfort tests than those that do not have. The top double strollers have reclining seating positions that allow kids to relax on long rides.
Strollers that can be used to serve a variety of functions are becoming more popular than ever, due to their innovative designs and thoughtful features. Some of the best options can accommodate multiple car seat installations and offer a variety of seating options from birth to preschool years. Some are so light they can be used for jogging or traveling.
One of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a small double stroller is whether it will fit through doorways and other narrow spaces. Most older models of side-byside strollers and tandem strollers have an overall wideness that makes them incompatible with many doors. The top double strollers are generally smaller than the standard models, and are able to be pushed through most doors that are standard.
Another thing to consider is whether you need a stroller with additional features like a cup holder, or a snack tray. These are useful for longer excursions, but they add to the overall weight and cost of the double stroller.
Folding
A compact double stroller that folds compactly, fitting easily into tight spaces and making it easy to store. In addition, a light design ensures that it will be easy to maneuver and carry.
Consider the places and times you will use a double stroller. These questions will help you decide which features are most important. For example, if you intend to run with the stroller, then you will want to choose one with a an elongated suspension that can glide across rough and paved terrain.
Also, think about the temperament and age of your children. If they are of similar age, then a side-by-side stroller might be the best choice. If they are at different stages of development, the tandem stroller might be better suited to your needs.
A double stroller can be expensive, but it is an investment that will pay off in the long run. The purchase of a top-quality model that fits your family's needs will make travelling with kids easier, and it will also provide years of convenience for both of you.
If you're limited in storage space, the double stroller is an excellent option. It can hold toddlers and infant car seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is a great choice for families with two children and can accommodate twins. It features dual canopies as well as a storage bin which is attached, and a tray for the child with cup holders. strollers double strollers -friendly stroller comes with a quick and simple fold and can be pushed by one hand. Be aware that you need to remove the second seat of the majority of double modular strollers when folding.
Maneuverability
The best double strollers for small children are easy to maneuver and come with smooth, supple wheels that can glide across any surface. These strollers feature seating that reclines and ample storage space for your kids' equipment. Many strollers are compatible with infant and toddler seats as well as car seat carriers. These features make these strollers a great option for families looking for one stroller that is multi-purpose.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who offers advice to parents on travel gear and strollers She suggests choosing a light stroller 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 an extra ride-along option or decrease the number of children.
Many of the compact double strollers we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seat carriers. 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 by using the add-on RumbleSeat. It also features a stylish inline design with foam-filled tires which won't flatten, as well as an adjustable handbar that telescopically adjusts. Its seat buckles are among the most simple to fasten and unfasten and its UPF 50+ sunshades have windows that peek out.
Other models provide seating flexibility, which makes them suitable for twins, multiples, one older child and an infant, or a toddler with a riding scooter (sold separately). These models also feature easy-to use brakes and the compact fold that fits into the majority of trunks. Some are even light enough to schlep up and down steps. And most require little assembly although the Joovy Caboose requires a few tools and took the longest to construct in our tests.
Safety
The top 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 get up from their seats. They also come with large canopy that can be used to protect both children and even the rain. They're also simple to use, says Alli Cavasino who is a certified child passenger safety technician. "Look for a oneor two-step fold that is easy to carry and has a clear, obvious where to place the straps," she advises.
The most compact strollers pass through doors easily. This is a huge advantage if you live in a small apartment or have a car that isn't as big. The smallest models also weigh less than standard double strollers. This makes them easier to carry from one place to the next.
Parents of children of similar ages may opt for a side by side stroller, such as our top pick: the Joovy Kooper X2, that has two child seats which can be adjusted individually for recline and width. In our testing the seats, we found them to be extremely comfortable, and recline to be quick and intuitive with just a single lever on each seat. It also comes with an enormous storage basket, a parking brake that is one-step (to reduce fatigue in the hands when stopping) and a few of our most popular harnesses.
If your children are of different ages, a sit-and stand stroller, like our top pick the UPPAbaby V2 double, is an ideal choice. It can fit two car seats for infants and it has a pair modified seats that serve as bassinets.