Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are a big investment that you'll use for a long time. It is important to choose carefully.
Our test participants were looking for strollers with amazing flexibility and a smooth ride across all terrains. They also inspected whether the models were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are many styles of double strollers on the market that include tandem, side-byside (single-file) and wagons. The category has evolved from the behemoth vintage 1980s models that many older generation millennials may remember. Today, they're sleek and support various options for customization to make traveling with children more enjoyable for everyone involved.
For parents of toddlers or infants, a double stroller and car seats is a great option for getting them from point A to point B. Some of the most advanced strollers on the market have frames that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats which allows them to be used from birth up until kids reach kindergarten age. These are typically more expensive than a simple double stroller with bassinet stroller frame, however they also offer the convenience of a built-in car seat system and a large undercarriage basket which can accommodate both car seats.
Parents with fewer children may choose a single-to-double-stroller that is more simple and less expensive. These frames tend to be lighter, and some moms still utilize their original stroller after their children have outgrown it.
The compact fold is another fantastic feature of some of the smallest double strollers that we've test. They can fit in spaces where larger strollers wouldn't and are generally more maneuverable once 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. If you're on a tight budget it's a good idea to look for second-hand strollers that are available on websites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure to inspect the stroller for signs of wear prior to buying it.
Weight
When shopping for a small double stroller, parents need to consider how much they want to pay and if it is a good fit for their family's lifestyle. For example, a lightweight stroller might not have enough storage space for bulky bags or extra gear. It may also not have a an expansive canopy or other features that would make it easier to use on long trips.
The most reliable double strollers are durable and easy to maneuver and ensure that the children stay comfortably in their seats and don't move around when they ride. In our tests of comfort we prefer strollers with adjustable leg rests and padded seatbacks. The top double strollers provide reclining seating options that allow kids to relax during long rides.
Innovative designs and clever features have made strollers that can be used in various ways more popular than ever. Some of the top strollers can accommodate multiple car seats and provide an array of seating options from birth through preschool. Some are so light that they can be used for jogging or traveling.
When choosing a small double stroller it is essential to consider whether the stroller can be pushed through narrow doorways and other spaces. The older models of tandem strollers as well as side-by-side strollers are typically too large to pass through many doors. The top tandem strollers are usually narrower than the traditional models, and are able to be carried through the majority of doors.
Another thing to consider is whether you need a stroller with additional features such as a cup holder or snack tray. These are helpful for longer trips but will add weight and expense to the double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller folds compactly to fit in small spaces. It is also easy to keep in storage. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry and maneuver.
Before you decide on a small double stroller consider where you'll use it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you decide the essential features. For instance, if intend to use the stroller for running then you'll want to choose one with a an elongated suspension that can glide over rough and uneven terrain.
Also, take into consideration the temperament and age of your children. If they're of the same age and temperament, a side-by-side stroller may be the most suitable option. However, if they are at different stages of development it is possible that a tandem stroller would be better suited to your requirements.
A double stroller may be expensive, but it's an investment that will pay off in the long in the long. Investing in a quality model that meets your family's needs will make travelling with children easier and will offer years of convenience for both of you.
If you are limited in storage space, you might want to consider a small double buggy with carrycot stroller that can fit both infant car seats and toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is a great choice for families with two children and can accommodate twins. It comes with two canopies, an attachable storage bin, and a child's tray with cup holders. This budget-friendly stroller also offers an easy and quick fold, and it can be pushed by one hand. It is important to note, however, that most double modular strollers require you to take off the second seat before folding them.
Maneuverability
The best small double single pushchair strollers are easy to maneuver and have smooth, responsive wheels that can glide across all types of surfaces. These strollers also come with comfortable, reclining seats and ample storage space for your kids' toys. Additionally they can accommodate car seat carriers and infant toddler seats. These features make them a perfect 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 offers advice to parents on strollers and other travel gear. She recommends selecting a lightweight, easy-to push model. She says that heavy strollers can cause frame fatigue and injuries. If your stroller is heavy and difficult for you to push, consider adding a ride-along 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 carry two infant car seats or toddler seats at once and can convert to a three-seat layout by using the add-on RumbleSeat. It also features a stylish inline design with foam-filled tires that won't flatten and an adjustable handbar that can be telescoping. The seat belts are simple to adjust and remove, and its UPF 50+ sunshades have peekaboo windows.
Other models provide seating flexibility, which makes them suitable for twins, multiples, an older child who is a single person, an infant, or a toddler with a scooter (sold separately). These models also have brakes that are easy to use and a compact fold that fits into most trunks. Some are light enough to be able to carry up and down the stairs. They require minimal assembly. The Joovy Caboose, however, requires a few tools and was among the most difficult to construct during our tests.
Safety
The best double strollers are equipped with numerous safety features. They come with adjustable handlebars, which provide the user with a comfortable grip and an extra wide base that will not tip over when children leap out of their seats. They also have large canopy that protect both kids even rainstorms. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She claims they are easy to use. "Look for a simple one or two-step fold that is easy to carry and has a place where the straps can be positioned," she says.
The tiniest of compact double strollers fit through doorways with ease--a major benefit for those with a small car or limited living space. The smallest models are significantly lighter than normal double strollers, which makes them easier to lug from one location to another. No needing to strain your arms or back while carrying a heavy stroller over your shoulder.
Parents who have kids who are close to their age can consider a side-by-side stroller like our top choice for the Joovy Kooper X2, which includes two child seats which can be adjusted for the width and recline independently. In our tests, we found that the seats were very comfortable, and recline was easy and simple. Each seat is equipped with a single lever. It also has a large storage basket, an integrated parking brake that is one-step (to reduce fatigue in hands when stopping) and a few of our best harnesses.
If you have children who are from each other in age, a sit-and-stand stroller like our top pick, the UPPAbaby Vista Double, may be a good choice. It can be used with two car seats for infants, and it has a pair modified seats that double as bassinets.