Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is a significant purchase, and it’s one you’ll use for many years. You should choose wisely.
Our test participants were looking for strollers that had amazing mobility and smooth rides across all terrains. They also checked whether the strollers were easy to fold and maneuver.
Size
There are many different styles of double strollers available on the market, ranging from side-by-side 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 offer various options for customization to make travel with children more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents of toddlers or infants, a double stroller and car seat is an excellent option to transport them from point A to B. Some of the most advanced strollers on the market feature a single frame that can hold two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats, which allows them to be used from birth until the time children reach kindergarten age. They are generally more expensive than a basic double stroller frame, but they also come with the convenience of a built-in car seat system and an ample undercarriage basket that can accommodate both car seats.
Parents with fewer children may prefer a simple, 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 great feature of a few of the smaller double strollers we’ve tested is their compact fold. They can fit in spaces larger strollers can’t and are usually more maneuverable when folded.
In addition, all of the small double strollers we’ve tested feature a nice-sized sunshade, but the it’s possible to have nothing to a cocoon cover. For budget-conscious families, it’s worth checking out second-hand strollers available on sites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there’s a stroller that will meet your family’s requirements. Make sure to examine the stroller for signs of wear and tear before committing to buying one.
Weight
Parents should think about their budget and whether the stroller will fit into the family’s lifestyle before looking for a double-small stroller. A stroller that is lightweight twin stroller, for example, may not have enough storage to accommodate large bags or other equipment. It may not have a big canopy, or other features to make it more comfortable to use on long journeys.
The best double strollers are simple to maneuver and sturdy, to ensure that children remain comfortable and not get out of their seats. In our tests of comfort, we prefer strollers with adjustable seatbacks and leg rests that are cushioned. The top double strollers offer reclining seating positions which allow children to unwind during long rides.
Strollers that can be used for a variety of purposes are more popular than ever before, because of their innovative designs and thoughtful features. Some of the top strollers can fit multiple car seats and provide many seating options for babies through preschool. Others are even light enough to jog or even travel with.
When choosing a small double stroller it is crucial to determine if the stroller can fit through narrow doors and other spaces. Older models of tandem strollers as well as side-by-side strollers are usually too large to pass through the majority of doors. The best double strollers are typically narrower than the traditional models, and are able to be carried through the majority of standard doorways.
Another thing to think about is whether you need an additional feature on your stroller such as a cup holder or snack tray. These can be handy for longer excursions, but they add to the overall weight and cost of a double stroller.
Folding
A compact double stroller can fold compactly, fitting easily into tight spaces and making it easy to put away. A light design makes it easy to carry and move.
Before you decide on a small double stroller take note of the location you intend to use it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you determine the essential features. If you plan to run with your stroller, you’ll want one with a smooth suspension so it can easily glide across rough roads and uneven terrain.
Also, take into consideration the temperament and age of your children. If they are of the same age, a side by side stroller might be the best option. If they are in different stages of development then the tandem stroller might be better suited to your needs.
A double stroller can be expensive, but it is an investment that pays off in the long in the long. Making the investment in a high-quality model that meets your family’s needs will make travel with kids easier, and it will also offer years of convenience for you and your children.
If you have limited storage space, consider a small double stroller that can accommodate both infant car seats as well as toddlers. Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon can accommodate twins and is an excellent option for families with two children. It comes with two canopy options, an attachable storage bin, and a child’s tray with cup holders. This stroller is budget-friendly and offers an easy and quick fold, and it can be carried with just one hand. It is important to know that you must remove the second seat of most double modular strollers when folding.
Maneuverability
The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and have smooth and responsive wheels that glide across all kinds of surfaces. These strollers also feature comfortable, reclining seats and plenty of storage space for your kids’ toys. A lot of these strollers are also compatible with toddler and infant seats as well as car seat carriers. These features make these strollers an ideal choice for families that want a single, multi-purpose stroller.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who advises parents on strollers and travel equipment She suggests choosing a light stroller that is easy for children to push. “Strollers that are too heavy can lead to frame fatigue and injury,” she says. “If your stroller feels heavy and difficult to push, think about adding a ride-along board or reduce the number of children in the seat.”
Many of the compact double strollers we tested could accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for example, can hold two infant car seats or toddler seats at once and can convert to a three-seat configuration with the help of the RumbleSeat. It also features a stylish inline design with foam-filled tires that will not flatten, and an adjustable telescoping handbar. Its seat buckles are among the most simple to secure and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades have peekaboo windows.
Other models come with multiple seating configurations. They can be used with twins, triplets, an older child and an infant, or a toddler riding the scooter (sold separately). They also have easy-to-use brakes and a relatively compact fold that fits into the majority of trunks. Some are so light they can be carried up and down stairs. And most require little assembly, though the Joovy Caboose requires a few tools and took the longest to construct in our tests.
Safety
The best double strollers come with numerous safety features, such as adjustable handlebars that give you a comfortable grip and a broad base that doesn’t fall over when the kids get up from their seats. They also have large canopy that protect both kids even rainstorms. They’re also easy to use, says Alli Cavasino who is a certified child passenger safety technician. “Look for an easy one or two step fold that is easy to carry and has a space where the straps can be placed,” she says.
The most compact double umbrella stroller strollers fit easily through doors, which is a major benefit if you have an incredibly small car or a tiny living space. The smallest models are also significantly lighter than standard lightweight double pushchair strollers, making them easier to lug from one location to the next. No more straining your arms and back as you sling an oversized stroller on your shoulder.
Parents who have kids close in age may choose a side-by-side stroller like our top option, 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 recline to be simple and easy with just a single lever on each seat. It also comes with a massive storage basket and a one-step connected parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue while stopping) and some of the most comfortable harnesses we’ve tested.
If your children are different ages, a sit and stand double stroller-and stand lightweight double Pushchair stroller, such as our top pick, the UPPAbaby v2 double, could be an ideal choice. It is compatible with two infant car seats and has two seats that act as bassinets for older children. They can also be modified to accommodate the use of a riding board to accommodate a sibling of a similar age.