Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is a significant purchase, and it's one that you will use for a long time. This is why you must pick wisely.
Our test participants were looking for strollers with great mobility and smooth rides across any terrain. They also examined whether the models were easy-to-fold and move.
Size
There are a variety of styles of double strollers on the market, ranging from side-by-side to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The style has changed from the classic 1980s designs that older millennials may remember. Nowadays, they are modern and sleek, with a variety of options to make traveling with kids more enjoyable for all.
For parents with 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 advanced strollers on the market feature frames that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats which allows them to be used from birth until the time children reach kindergarten age. They're generally more expensive than a double stroller frame but offer an integrated car seat system, as well as an enormous undercarriage basket.
Parents with less children can opt for a single-to-double stroller that is more simple and less expensive. These strollers are generally lighter in weight, and some moms have shared with us that they're still using their old stroller even after their children have outgrew it.
Another excellent feature of some of the tiniest double strollers we've tested is the compact fold. They can fit in spaces that larger strollers can'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 varies from nothing to a cocoon covering. If you're on a tight budget, you might want to look into second-hand strollers that are available on 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 be aware of the amount they wish to pay and if it is a good fit for their family's lifestyle. A stroller that is light could, for instance, not have enough storage to accommodate bulky bags or other equipment. It might not have a big canopy, or other features to make it more convenient to use during long trips.
The best double strollers are easy to maneuver and sturdy, to ensure that children remain comfortable and not move around in 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 come with reclined seats that allow kids to take a break during long rides.
Innovative designs and clever features make strollers that can be used in various ways more popular than ever. Some of the most popular strollers can fit 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.
When choosing a small double stroller it is crucial to know if the stroller can fit through narrow doorways and other spaces. Most older models of side-by-side strollers as well as tandem double buggy strollers have a wide width which makes them incompatible with numerous doors. The top tandem strollers are usually shorter than the typical models, and are able to be carried through the majority of standard doorways.
Another thing to consider is whether you require a stroller that has additional features like a cup holder, or a snack tray. These are great for longer trips, but they add weight and cost to the double car seat stroller stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller (find out here) can fold compactly, easily fitting into tight spaces and making it easy to put away. In addition, a lightweight design makes it possible for it to be easy to move and carry.
Before you choose a small double stroller consider the location you intend to use it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you determine the features that are the most important. If you plan to run with your stroller, you'll need one with a smooth suspension so it can easily glide across rough terrain and pavement.
Also, take into consideration the age and temperaments of your children. If they're of the same age, a side by side stroller may be the most suitable option. If they are in different stages of development, then an incline stroller could be more suitable for you.
A double stroller is costly, but it's an investment that pays off in the long term. A high-quality model that meets your family's needs can simplify the process of traveling with kids. It will also provide you and your children with a lifetime of comfort.
If you are limited in storage space, think about a small double stroller that can fit both toddler car seats and infant car seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is a great choice for families with two children and can hold twins. It features dual canopies and a storage bin that is attached, and a tray for the child with cup holders. This lightweight, budget-friendly stroller folds easily and can be carried with only one hand. It is important to note that the majority of double modular strollers require you to take off the second seat before folding them.
Maneuverability
The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and feature smooth and responsive wheels that glide over all types of surfaces. These strollers have reclined seats that are comfortable and ample storage space for your children's gear. Many strollers are compatible with toddler and infant seats as well as car seat carriers. These features make them a great choice for families who want a single stroller that will expand with their family.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician as well as a travel gear expert who advises parents about strollers and travel gear. She recommends choosing a lightweight, easy-to-push model. "Strollers that are too heavy can cause frame fatigue and injury," she says. "If your stroller feels heavy and difficult to push, consider including a ride-along board, or reduce the number of children in the seat."
Some double strollers that we tested are able to accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for instance, can accommodate two infant seats or toddler seats at once and can be converted to three seats with the RumbleSeat add-on. It also features a chic inline design, with foam-filled tires that won't go flat, and a telescoping handlebar that can be adjusted. The seat belts are simple to fasten and undo and its UPF 50+ sunshades have windows that peek out.
Other models come with multiple seating configurations. They can be used with twins or triplets, as well as an older child and an infant or an infant riding on a scooter (sold separately). These models also have brakes that are easy to use and the compact fold that fits in most trunks. Some are so light they can be carried up and down stairs. And most require little assembly, though the Joovy Caboose requires some tools and took the longest time to build in our tests.
Safety
The top double strollers are outfitted with numerous safety features. They have 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. The canopy is large enough to cover both kids in rainstorms. They're also simple to use, according to Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician. "Look for an easy one or two-step fold that is easy to carry and has a place where straps can be put," 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 also much lighter than normal lightest double stroller strollers, which makes them easier to lug from one location to the next. No more straining your arms and back as you sling a heavy stroller over your shoulder.
Parents of children who are who are close to their age can consider an asymmetrical stroller such as our top option, the Joovy Kooper X2, which features two child seats that can be adjusted to recline and width separately. In our tests, we discovered that the seats are extremely comfortable, and recline was easy and simple. Each seat has one lever. It also has a large storage basket, an integrated parking brake that is one step (to reduce fatigue in the hands when stopping) and some of our most popular harnesses.
If you have children that are from each other in terms of age, then a sit-and-stand stroller like our top pick, the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, may be a good choice. It accepts two infant car seats and comes with two seats which function as bassinets older kids--and can be adapted to accommodate a riding platform for an even older sibling.