Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are a big investment that will be used for many years. That's why it's important to choose carefully.
Our testers examined strollers that offer incredible flexibility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also examined whether the strollers were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are many styles of double pushchair with car seat strollers available such as tandem, side-by-side (single-file) and wagons. The category has advanced from the behemoth vintage 1980s models that many older generation millennials may remember. Today they're sleek and offer a range of customizations to make the experience of traveling with children more enjoyable for everyone involved.
For parents with infants or toddlers to take along, an extra stroller that has car seats can be extremely useful in taking them from A B. Some of the most advanced strollers available feature a single frame that can hold two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats, which allows them to be used from birth until children reach kindergarten age. These are usually more expensive than double stroller frames but offer an integrated car seat system and a large undercarriage basket.
Parents with fewer children might prefer a simpler one-to-double stroller that is less expensive. These strollers are typically lighter and some moms utilize their original stroller after their children have outgrown it.
The compact fold is a excellent feature of the tiniest double strollers we've tested. They can be tucked away that larger strollers can't and are generally easier to maneuver once folded.
In addition, all of the small double strollers we've tested come with a decent-sized sunshade, although the coverage varies from nothing to a cocoon cover. If you're on a tight budget then you may want to check out secondhand strollers on auction websites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure you check the stroller for signs of wear before buying it.
Weight
When looking for a compact double stroller, parents should be aware of the amount they wish to pay and if it will fit their family's lifestyle. For example, a lightweight twin umbrella stroller might not have enough space to store bulky bags or extra gear. It may not have a big canopy or other features to make it more comfortable to use on long trips.
The most comfortable double strollers are easy to maneuver and durable, to ensure that children remain in a comfortable position and not move around in their seats. In our tests for comfort we award higher marks to strollers that have adjustable seatbacks and leg rests with padding. The best double strollers have reclining seating positions that let kids unwind on long walks.
Innovative designs and thoughtful features are making strollers that can be used in many ways more popular than ever. The best models are able to accommodate multiple car seat installation and offer a variety of seating options for children from infant to preschool. Some are even light enough to jog or even travel with.
When choosing a small double stroller (click to read), it is important to know if the stroller will fit through narrow doors and other spaces. Most older models of side-byside strollers and tandem strollers have a wide width that makes them unsuitable for numerous doors. The best small double strollers tend to be narrower than standard models and can be easily pushed into the majority of doors with ease.
Another thing to think about is whether you require a stroller that has additional features such as a cup holder or snack tray. These are useful for longer trips, but they will add weight and expense to a double stroller.
Folding
A compact double stroller is designed to fold compactly, easily fitting into tight spaces and making it easy to put away. Its lightweight twin stroller design makes it easy to carry and maneuver.
Before you decide on a small double stroller consider where you will be using it and how often. These questions will help you determine what features are essential. For example, if you plan to run in the twin stroller side by side you'll need to find one with an elongated suspension that can glide over pavement and rough terrain.
Consider the age and temperament of your children too. If they are of the same age and have similar temperaments, a tandem stroller could be the best option. If they are in different stages of development, an incline stroller could be the best choice for you.
A double stroller is costly, but it's an investment that pays off in the long run. Investing in a quality model that is suited to your family's needs will make travelling with children much easier, and it will also give years of comfort to you and your children.
If you're limited with storage space, think about a small double stroller that can accommodate infant car seats as well as toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is ideal for families with two children, and it can even hold twins. It has dual canopies, 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 by one hand. It is important to know that you must remove the second seat on the majority of double modular strollers before folding.
Maneuverability
The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and feature smooth and responsive wheels that can glide across all kinds of surfaces. These strollers also feature comfortable, reclining seats and ample storage space for kids' toys. A lot of these strollers are also compatible with infant and toddler seats as well as car seat carriers. These features make them an ideal choice for families who want a single stroller that will grow with their family.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and a travel gear expert who advises parents on strollers and other equipment. She suggests choosing a lightweight, easy-to-push model. "Strollers that are too heavy can lead to frame fatigue and injuries," she says. "If your stroller is weighing too much and difficult to push, think about including a ride-along board, or reduce the number of kids in the seat."
A few of the smaller double strollers we tried can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for example can hold two toddler or infant seats at a time, and can be transformed into a 3-seat configuration using the RumbleSeat add-on. It also has a chic inline design with foam-filled tires that won't flatten, as well as an adjustable telescoping handbar. Its seat belts are easy to secure and remove, and its UPF 50+ sunshades have peekaboo windows.
Other models offer seating configuration flexibility, which makes them suitable for twins, multiples, one older child and an infant, or a toddler with a scooter (sold separately). They also come with easy-to-use brakes and a surprisingly compact fold that fits in most trunks. Some are light enough to be able to carry up and down the stairs. They also require minimal assembly however the Joovy Caboose requires some tools and took the longest time to construct in our tests.
Safety
The top double strollers have multiple safety features, including adjustable handlebars that give you a comfortable grip, and a large base that won't tip over when the kids jump out of their seats. The canopies are big enough ready to grow double stroller accommodate both kids in the event of rain. They're also very easy to use, says 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 most compact strollers pass through doors easily. This is a huge benefit if you live in an apartment that is small or have a car that isn't as big. The smallest models also weigh less than normal double strollers. This makes them easier to carry from one location to the next.
Parents who have kids close in age may choose a side-by-side stroller like our top choice one, the Joovy Kooper X2, which has two child seats which can be adjusted for the width and recline independently. In our testing the seats, we found them to be extremely comfortable, and recline to be quick and intuitive with just one lever on each seat. It also comes with a massive storage basket as well as a one-step linked parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue while stopping), and some of the most comfortable harnesses we've tested.
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 Double, may be a good fit. It accepts two infant car seats and comes with a pair of modified seats that act as bassinets for older kids--and can be adapted to accommodate a riding board for a sibling who is even older.