Buying a Small Double Stroller
double push chair strollers are a big investment that will last for many years. You must make the right choice.
Our testers were looking for strollers that had amazing mobility and smooth rides across all terrains. They also inspected whether the strollers were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers on the market, ranging from side-byside to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The category has evolved from the massive 1980s models that a few older generation millennials may remember. Today they're sleek and come with various options for customization to make travel with children more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents of toddlers or infants, a double stroller with car seat is a great option for getting them from point A to point B. Some of the most advanced strollers have one frame that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats. They can be utilized by children from birth until they reach kindergarten age. They're generally more expensive than a standard double stroller frame, however they also provide the convenience of a built-in car seat system and an ample undercarriage basket that can accommodate both car seats.
Parents with less children can choose a single-to-double buggy that converts to single-stroller that is less complicated and more affordable. These strollers are generally lighter in weight, and some mothers have told us they're still using their old stroller years after their children outgrew it.
Another excellent feature of some of the tiniest double strollers we've tested is the compact fold. They can fit into spaces that larger strollers aren't able to and are usually easier to maneuver when folded.
Finally, most of the small double strollers we've tested have a large sunshade, although the coverage varies from nothing to a cocoon cover. For families on a budget, 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 any used stroller for signs of wear and tear prior to purchasing one.
Weight
When choosing a small double stroller, parents need to be aware of the amount they wish to spend and whether it will fit their family's lifestyle. For instance, a lightweight stroller might not provide enough storage space for bulky bags or other equipment. It might also not have the capacity to cover a large area or other features that make the stroller more convenient to use on long trips.
The most reliable double strollers are strong and easy to maneuver, which helps to ensure that children are comfortably in their seats and do not move around while riding. In our tests of comfort we prefer strollers that have adjustable seatbacks and leg rests that are cushioned. The best double strollers offer reclined seats that allow children to unwind on long rides.
Strollers that can be used to serve a variety of functions are more popular than ever, due to their innovative designs and thoughtful features. Some of the most effective options can accommodate multiple car seat configurations and offer a wide range of seating options from birth to preschool years. Some are even lightweight enough for jogging or travel.
When choosing a small double stroller, it is important to consider whether the stroller can fit through narrow doors and other spaces. The majority of older models of side-byside strollers and tandem strollers have a wide width that makes them incompatible with many doors. The most compact double strollers tend to be narrower than standard models and can be easily pushed into doors of all sizes with ease.
You should also consider whether you need a stroller that has additional features like cups holder and a snack tray. These are useful for longer trips but will add weight and expense to a double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller can be folded compactly to fit into small spaces. It is also easy to store. In addition, a light design guarantees that it will be easy to move and carry.
Before you pick a small double stroller take note of where you will be using it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you determine the features that are most important. If you plan to run with the twin stroller side by side, you'll need one with an easy suspension so that it can easily glide across rough terrain and pavement.
Take into consideration the age and temperament of your children too. If they are near in age, then a side-by-side stroller may be best. If they are at different stages of development, then a tandem stroller may be more suitable for you.
A double stroller is costly but it will pay off over time. Making the investment in a high-quality model that fits your family's needs will make travel with kids easier, and it will also offer years of convenience for you and your kids.
If you are limited in storage space, consider a small double stroller that can fit both infant car seats as well as toddlers. Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon can accommodate twins and is a great option for families with two children. It comes with two canopies as well as an attached storage bin, and a child's tray with cup holders. This budget-friendly, lightweight stroller folds up easily and can be carried with just one hand. It is worth pointing out that the majority of double modular strollers require that you remove the second seat when folding them.
Maneuverability
The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and have smooth and responsive wheels that glide over all kinds of surfaces. They also have comfortable, reclining seats and plenty of storage space for your kids' toys. Many of these strollers are compatible with toddler and infant seats as well as car seat carriers. These features make them a perfect choice for families who want a single stroller that will expand with their family.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and travel gear expert who advises parents on strollers and other travel gear. She suggests choosing a lightweight, easy-to-push model. "Strollers that are too heavy can cause frame fatigue and injury," she says. "If your stroller is weighing too much and difficult to push, you might consider adding a ride-along board or reduce the number of children in the seat."
A few of the double strollers that we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for instance, can hold two infant seats or toddler seats at once and can be transformed into three seats with the RumbleSeat add-on. It also features a chic design with an inline design, foam-filled tires that won't be flat and a telescoping handlebar with an adjustable height. The seat buckles are one of the easiest to secure and remove, and its generous UPF 50+ sunshades feature window-like windows.
Other models come with different seating configurations. They can be used for twins, triplets, an older child and an infant or the toddler who is riding on a scooter (sold separately). They also come with brakes that are easy to use and a compact fold that fits in most trunks. Some are even light enough to schlep up and down stairs. They also require minimal assembly however the Joovy Caboose requires a few tools and took the longest to construct in our tests.
Safety
The best double strollers are equipped with numerous safety features. They have adjustable handlebars, which provide a comfortable grip, and a wide base so it won't tip over when the children leap out of their seats. They also have large canopy that can be used to protect both children and rain or storms. They're also easy to use, says Alli Cavasino who is a certified child passenger safety technician. "Look for an easy oneor two-step fold that can be easy to carry and has a clear, easy place to put the straps," she advises.
The narrowest compact strollers can be pushed through doors effortlessly. This is an excellent advantage if you live in an apartment that is small or have a limited car. The smallest models weigh less than traditional double strollers. This makes them easier to transport from one place to the next.
Parents with children older than their age could consider a side-by-side stroller like our top option one, the Joovy Kooper X2, which features two child seats which can be adjusted for width and recline individually. In our tests, we found the seats to be extremely comfortable and recline to be easy and simple with just one lever on each seat. It also comes with an ample storage basket, an integrated parking brake that's one-step (to reduce fatigue in the hands when stopping) and some of our top harnesses.
If your children are different ages, a sit-and- stand stroller, such as our top pick UPPAbaby v2 double, may be an ideal choice. It can accommodate two infant car seats and comes with two seats that have been modified which function as bassinets older kids--and can be adapted to accommodate the use of a riding board for an even older sibling.