Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are a significant investment that you'll use for a long time. That's why you need to choose carefully.
Our testers examined strollers that offer great flexibility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also tested whether the models were easy-to-fold and maneuver.
Size
There are many styles of double strollers available, including side-by-side, tandem (single double stroller-file) and wagons. The category has changed from the classic 1980s models that older millennials may be familiar with. These days, they're modern and sleek, with a variety of features that make travelling with kids more enjoyable for everyone.
If you have a child or toddlers in tow, an extra stroller that has a car seat can be extremely useful in taking them from A B. Some of the most modern strollers come with a single frame which can accommodate two infant car seat or convertible toddler seats. This lets them be used by children as young as until they reach kindergarten age. These are typically more expensive than a standard double stroller frame, however they also provide the convenience of a built-in car seat system, as well as a large undercarriage basket which can hold both car seats.
Parents with fewer children might prefer a simpler and less expensive single-to-double stroller. These types of frames are typically lighter in weight, and a few moms have even told us they're still using their original stroller years after their children outgrew it.
Another excellent feature of a number of the smaller double strollers we've tested is their compact fold. They can fit in spaces where larger strollers won't, and they're often easier to maneuver once folded.
In addition, all of the small double strollers we've tested have a large sunshade, although the it's possible to have nothing to a cocoon-like covering. For families with a tight budget you should look into secondhand strollers on sites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's a model that meets your family's needs--just be sure to inspect any used stroller carefully for signs of wear and tear prior to committing to buying one.
Weight
Parents should think about their budget and if the stroller will fit into their family's needs when looking for a double tandem pushchair-small stroller. For instance, a light stroller may not have enough space to store bulky bags or other equipment. It may also not have a a large canopy or other features that make the stroller more convenient to use for long trips.
The best double strollers are strong and easy to maneuver that helps ensure that the children stay at ease in their seats and don't move around while riding. In our tests of comfort, we give higher marks to strollers with adjustable seatbacks and leg rests that are cushioned. The top double strollers come with reclining seats that allow children to relax on long rides.
Innovative designs and thoughtful features make strollers that can be used in many ways more popular than ever. Some of the best options are able to accommodate multiple car seat installation and offer a wide range of seating options from the beginning of childhood to preschool. Some are so light that they can be used for running or even for traveling.
When choosing a small cheap double buggy stroller, it is important to know if the stroller can be pushed through narrow doors and other spaces. Most older models of side-byside strollers and tandem strollers have a wide width which makes them incompatible with many doors. The most compact double strollers tend to be narrower than standard models and can be pushed right into the majority of doors easily.
It is also important to consider whether you need a stroller with additional features, such as an holder for your cup and a snack tray. These are useful for longer excursions, but they add to the total weight and cost of the double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller folds compactly to fit into small spaces. It is also easy to keep in storage. Additionally, its lightweight design ensures that it will be easy to move and carry.
Before you pick a small double stroller consider where you'll use it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you decide the features that are the most important. If you plan to run with the stroller, you'll want one with a smooth suspension so it can easily glide across rough terrain and pavement.
Also, consider the age and temperament of your children. If they are near in age, then a tandem stroller may be best. If they are at different stages of development, an incline stroller could be the best lightweight double stroller choice for you.
A double stroller is expensive, but it is an investment that will pay dividends in the long term. The purchase of a top-quality model that fits your family's needs will make traveling with kids easier and will give years of comfort to you and your children.
If you are limited in storage space, think about a small double stroller that can accommodate infant car seats and toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is ideal for families with two children and can hold twins. It comes with two canopies, an attachable storage bin and a tray for the child with cup holders. This lightweight, affordable stroller is easy to fold and can be carried with just one hand. It is important to know that you need to remove the second seat on the majority of double buggy newborn modular strollers before folding.
Maneuverability
The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and come with smooth, supple wheels that can glide across all kinds of surfaces. These strollers have seating that reclines and have plenty of storage space for your child's equipment. A lot of these strollers are compatible with infant and toddler seats as well as car seat carriers. These features make them a perfect option for families looking for a single stroller that will grow with their family.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who offers advice to parents on strollers and travel equipment She suggests choosing a light model that is easy to push. She warns that heavy strollers can cause frame fatigue and injuries. If your stroller is too heavy and difficult to push, consider adding a ride-along or reduce the number of children.
A few of the smaller double strollers we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for instance, can hold two toddler or infant seats at a time, and can be transformed into three seats with the RumbleSeat add-on. It also comes with a fashionable inline design, with foam-filled tires that don't be flat, and a telescoping handlebar with an adjustable height. The seat belts are simple to fasten and undo, and its UPF 50+ sunshades have peekaboo windows.
Other models provide seating that is flexible, making them suitable for twins, multiples, an older child who is a single person, an infant or toddler with a riding scooter (sold separately). These models also come with brakes that are simple to use and the compact fold that fits in most trunks. Some are light enough to transport up and down stairs. Most require little assembly. The Joovy Caboose however, requires some tools and was among the most difficult to construct during our tests.
Safety
The most reliable double strollers come with numerous safety features. They come with adjustable handlebars, which provide a comfortable grip, and a wide base so it will not tip over when children get out of their seats. They also have large canopy that protect both kids rain or storms. They're also easy to use, according to Alli Cavasino who is a certified child-passenger safety technician. "Look for an easy one- or two-step fold that's easily carried and has a clear, obvious location to put the straps," she advises.
The tiniest of double strollers can be pushed through doors with ease, which is a huge benefit for those with a small car or limited living space. The smallest models weigh less than standard double strollers. This makes them easier to transport from one location to the next.
Parents with children of similar ages can opt for a stroller with a side-by-side feature, such as our top pick: the Joovy Kooper X2, that has two child seats which can be individually adjusted for recline and size. In our testing the seats, we found them to be extremely comfortable, and the recline to be simple and easy by using a single lever on each seat. It also has an enormous storage basket, a parking brake that is one step (to reduce fatigue in the hands while stopping) and some of our most popular harnesses.
If you have kids far from each other in age, a stroller that sits and stands, such as our top choice UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, could be a good fit. It is compatible with two infant car seats and comes with a pair of modified seats that act as bassinets for older children. It can also be modified to accommodate a riding board for a sibling who is even older.