Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is a significant investment, and it's one you'll use for years. You must make the right choice.
Our test participants were looking for strollers that had excellent flexibility and a smooth ride across all terrains. They also tested whether the strollers were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are many different styles of double strollers on market, ranging from side-by-side to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The style has changed from the classic 1980s models some older millennials may be familiar with. Nowadays, they are sleek and come with a range of options to make traveling with kids more enjoyable for everyone.
If you have a child 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 available feature frames that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats making them suitable for use from birth until the time children reach the age of kindergarten. These are typically more expensive than a simple double stroller frame, however they also offer the convenience of an integrated car seat system, as well as an ample undercarriage basket that can accommodate both car seats.
Parents who don't have multiple children might prefer a simpler one-to-double stroller that is less expensive. These frames tend to be lighter and some moms use their stroller after their children have outgrown it.
Another advantage of some of the tiniest double strollers we've tested is their compact fold. They can fit into spaces that larger strollers aren't able to and are generally more compact when folded.
Finally, most of the small double strollers we've tested feature a nice-sized sunshade, though coverage can vary from almost nothing to a cocoon-like covering. For families on a budget, it's worth checking out second-hand strollers available on sites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's an option that fits your family's needs--just be sure to inspect any used stroller for signs of wear and tear before purchasing one.
Weight
When shopping for a small double stroller, parents need to think about how much they would like to pay and if it's a good fit for their family's lifestyle. A lightweight stroller is one example. It may not have the storage space to hold large bags or other equipment. It might also not have an expansive canopy or other features that would make the stroller more convenient to take on long journeys.
The best lightweight double stroller double strollers are easy to maneuver and durable, so that the children can remain comfortable and not be confined to their seats. In our tests of comfort we prefer strollers with adjustable leg rests and padded seatbacks. The best double strollers also offer reclining seating positions that let kids unwind on long rides.
Innovative designs and clever features have made strollers that can be used in a variety of ways more popular than ever. Some of the best options can accommodate multiple car seat configurations and provide an extended range of seating options from infant to preschool. Some are so light they can be used for running or even for traveling.
When choosing a small double stroller it is essential to know if the stroller can be pushed through narrow doorways and other spaces. The older models of tandem strollers and side-by-side walkers are often too wide to fit through the majority of doors. The best small double infant stroller strollers, however, tend to be smaller than the traditional models and can be pushed into most standard doorways easily.
You should also consider whether you require a stroller with additional features such as a cup holder and snack tray. These are great for longer trips, but they can add weight and cost to a double stroller for twins stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller is designed to fold compactly, easily fitting in tight spaces and making it easy to put away. In addition, a light design guarantees that it will be easy to maneuver and carry.
Before you choose a small double stroller take note of the location you intend to use it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you identify the features that are the most important. If you plan to run with your stroller, you'll need one with an easy suspension so that it can easily glide across rough terrain and pavement.
Be aware of the age and temperament of your children too. If they are close in age, then a tandem stroller might be the best choice. However, if they're at different stages of development then a tandem model may be better suited for your requirements.
A double stroller is expensive, but it is an investment that pays off in the long run. A high-quality model that meets your family's needs will help you travel with children more easily. It will also provide you and your children with years of convenience.
If you are limited in storage space, think about a small double stroller that can fit both infant car seats as well as toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is ideal for families with two children, and it can even accommodate twins. It has dual canopies as well as an attached storage bin as well as a tray for children with cup holders. This budget-friendly stroller comes with an easy and quick fold and can be carried with just one hand. It is important to know that you need to remove the second seat of the majority of double modular strollers when folding.
Maneuverability
The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and have smooth, responsive wheels that can glide across all types of surfaces. These strollers come with seating that reclines and have plenty of storage space for your child's gear. A lot strollers are compatible with infant and toddler seats as well as car seat carriers. These features make them a perfect option for families that want 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 selecting a lightweight stroller that is easy to push. "Strollers that are too heavy could cause frame fatigue and injury," she says. If your stroller is heavy and difficult for you to push, you can add a ride-along or reduce the number of children.
A few of the smaller double strollers we tried can accommodate multiple infant car seat carriers. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for instance, can hold two toddler or infant seats at once and can be converted to a 3-seat configuration using the RumbleSeat add-on. It also features a stylish inline design with foam-filled tires which will not flatten, and an adjustable telescoping handbar. The seat buckles are among the easiest to secure and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades have peekaboo windows.
Other models come with different seating configurations. They can be used for twins or triplets, a larger 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 relatively compact fold that fits in most trunks. Some are even light enough to be able to carry up and down stairs. Most require little assembly. The Joovy Caboose however, requires some tools and was among the most difficult build in our tests.
Safety
The most reliable double strollers come with numerous safety features. They have 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 generous canopies that cover both kiddos in even rainstorms. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says they're simple to use. "Look for an easy, one- or two step fold that is easy to carry and has a place where the straps can be positioned," she says.
The narrowest double strollers can be pushed through doorways with ease--a major benefit if you have an incredibly small car or a tiny living space. The smallest models weigh less than standard double strollers. This makes them easier to carry from one location to the next.
Parents with children of the same age may prefer an X-style stroller that is side by side like our top pick: the Joovy Kooper X2, that has two child seats which can be individually adjusted to recline and width. In our tests, we found that the seats were very comfortable and recline was easy and intuitive. Each seat is equipped with only one lever. It also has an ample 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 kids far from each other in age, a stroller that sits and stands, such as our top choice, the UPPAbaby Vista Double, might be a good choice. It can accommodate two infant car seats and has two seats that have been modified which function as bassinets older children. They can also be modified to accommodate a riding board to accommodate a sibling of a similar age.