Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are an investment that will last for many years. You should choose wisely.
Our testers looked at strollers that offer great flexibility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also checked whether the models were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are a variety of styles of double strollers on market, ranging from side-by-side to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The type of stroller has changed from the old 1980s models some older millennials may remember. Nowadays, they are sleek and offer a variety of features that make travelling with kids more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents who have infants or toddlers, a double stroller that includes a car seat can be extremely useful in transporting them from A to B. Some of the most sophisticated strollers available feature frames that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats allowing them to be used from birth up until kids reach kindergarten age. They're generally more expensive than double stroller frames, however they include a car seat system and a large undercarriage basket.
Parents who don't have multiple children may prefer a simple, less-expensive single-to-double stroller. These strollers are typically lighter and some moms utilize their original stroller after their children have outgrown it.
Another excellent feature of a number of the smallest double strollers we've tested is the compact fold. They can be tucked away where larger strollers wouldn't and are generally easier to maneuver once folded.
In addition, all terrain double stroller of the small double strollers we've tested feature a nice-sized sunshade, but the coverage varies from nothing to a cocoon cover. If you're on a tight budget then you may want to look into second-hand strollers for sale on websites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure to check the stroller for signs of wear before purchasing it.
Weight
When looking for a compact double stroller, parents need to consider how much they want to spend and if it will fit their family's lifestyle. For example, a lightweight stroller may not have enough storage space for bulky bags or other gear. It may also not have a an expansive canopy or other features that make it easier to take on long journeys.
The best double strollers are durable and easy to move that helps ensure that children are at ease in their seats and don't shift around while riding. Strollers that have padded seatbacks as well as adjustable leg rests score higher marks in our comfort tests than those that do not have. The best double strollers offer reclined seats that allow children to relax on long rides.
Innovative designs and clever features make strollers that can be used in a variety of ways more popular than ever. Some of the most effective options can accommodate multiple car seat installation and offer a variety of seating configurations from the beginning of childhood to preschool. Some are so light they can be used for running or even for traveling.
When choosing a small double stroller, it is important to know if the stroller can be pushed through narrow doorways and other spaces. The majority of older models of side by side double stroller-byside strollers and tandem strollers have an overall wideness that makes them incompatible with many doors. The most compact double strollers are usually narrower than traditional models and can be easily pushed into most standard doorways with ease.
Another thing to consider is whether you need a stroller that has additional features such as a cup holder or snack tray. These are great for longer trips, but they will add weight and expense to the double stroller.
Folding
A compact double stroller can fold compactly to fit into tiny spaces. It is also easy to keep in storage. Additionally, its lightweight double pushchair design guarantees that it will be easy to maneuver and transport.
Before you pick a small double stroller consider where you'll use it and how often. These questions will help you determine which features are most important. For instance, if you are planning to run in the stroller then you'll want to look for one with a smooth suspension that will glide across rough and paved terrain.
Also, think about the age and temperaments of your children. If they are of the same age and have similar temperaments, a tandem stroller might be the best option. If they are in different stages of development, then a tandem style may be better suited to your requirements.
A double stroller may be expensive, but it is an investment that will pay dividends in the long run. The purchase of a top-quality model that fits your family's needs will make travelling with children easier, and it will also offer years of convenience for you and your children.
If you have limited storage space, consider a small double stroller that can accommodate both infant car seats and toddlers. Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon can accommodate twins and is a great option for families with two children. It comes with two canopy options as well as an attached storage bin as well as a tray for children with cup holders. This lightweight, affordable stroller folds easily and can be carried with only one hand. It is worth pointing out, however, that most 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 come with smooth and responsive wheels that can glide across any surface. These strollers feature reclined seats that are comfortable and ample storage space for your children's gear. A lot of these strollers are compatible with infant and toddler seats and car seat carriers. These features make them a perfect choice for families who want one stroller that can grow with their family.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who offers advice to parents on travel gear and strollers, recommends choosing a lightweight model that is easy to push. She says that heavy strollers can cause frame fatigue and injuries. "If your stroller feels heavy and difficult to push, consider including a ride-along board, or reduce the number of kids in the seat."
Many of the compact double pushchair from birth strollers we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for example, can hold two infant car seats or toddler seats at once and can convert into a three-seater configuration with the help of the RumbleSeat. It also has a chic inline design with foam-filled tires which won't flatten, as well as an adjustable telescoping handbar. The seat buckles are one of the easiest to secure and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades have windows that peek out.
Other models are available with a variety of seating options. They can be used with twins, triplets, an older child and an infant, or a toddler riding a scooter (sold separately). They also have easy-to-use brakes and a surprisingly compact fold that can fit into the majority of trunks. Some are so light that they can be carried up and down stairs. And most require little assembly however the Joovy Caboose requires some tools and took the longest to build in our tests.
Safety
The best double strollers have many safety features, including adjustable handlebars that give you a comfortable grip, and a large base that won't tip over when the kids get up from their seats. The canopies are big enough to protect both children during rainstorms. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says they're easy to use. "Look for an easy one or two-step fold that is easy to carry and has a space where the straps can be placed," she says.
The tiniest strollers are able to be pushed through doors effortlessly. This is a great benefit if you live in a small apartment or have a limited car. The smallest models are also considerably lighter than normal double strollers, which makes them easy to move from one location to the next. No needing to strain your arms or back when you carry the heavy stroller over your shoulder.
Parents of children who are who are close to their age can consider the side-by-side stroller, such as our top choice, the Joovy Kooper X2, which has two child seats that can be adjusted for the width and recline independently. In our testing, we found the seats to be extremely comfortable, and recline to be quick and intuitive with just one lever on each seat. It also has a huge storage basket and a one-step connected parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue when stopping) and some of the most comfortable harnesses in our tests.
If you have kids far from each other in terms of age, then a stroller that sits and stands, such as our top pick, the UPPAbaby Vista Double, may be a good fit. 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 a sibling who is even older.