Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are an investment that you'll use for many years. It is important to choose carefully.
Our testers were looking for strollers that had great flexibility and a smooth ride across all terrains. They also tested whether the models were easy-to-fold and move.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers available on the market, from side-by-side to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The style has changed from the classic 1980s models some older millennials might remember. 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, double strollers that include a car seat can be extremely useful in transporting them from A to B. Some of the most sophisticated strollers on the market have a single frame that can hold two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats, making them suitable for use from birth until the time children reach kindergarten age. These are usually more expensive than double stroller frames, however they include a car seat system as well as an enormous undercarriage basket.
Parents with less children can choose a single-to-double-stroller that is less complicated and more affordable. These frames are typically lighter in weight, and a few moms have even told us they're still using their old stroller years after their children outgrew it.
The compact fold is another fantastic feature of some of the smallest double strollers that we've tested. They can fit in spaces larger strollers can't and are generally easier to maneuver when folded.
Additionally, the majority of strollers that we've tested feature a nice-sized sunshade, but the it's possible to have nothing to a cocoon cover. For budget-conscious families it's worth looking at second-hand strollers on websites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's an option that fits your family's needs--just be sure to examine any used stroller carefully for signs of wear and tear prior to making a decision to purchase one.
Weight
When choosing a small double stroller, parents must consider how much they want to spend and if it will fit their family's lifestyle. For instance, a light stroller might not provide enough storage space for bulky bags or other equipment. It may not have a big canopy, or other features to make it more convenient to use during long trips.
The best double strollers are simple to maneuver and durable, so that children can remain in a comfortable position and not get out of their seats. In our tests of comfort we award higher marks to strollers with adjustable seatbacks and leg rests that are cushioned. The best double strollers provide reclining seating options that allow kids to take a break during long trips.
Innovative designs and thoughtful features are making strollers that can be used in a variety of ways more popular than ever. The best models can accommodate multiple car seat installation and offer a wide range of seating configurations from infant to preschool. Some are lightweight enough to run or even travel with.
When choosing a small double stroller it is essential to know if the stroller can be pushed through narrow doorways and other spaces. Older models of tandem strollers as well as side-by-side strollers are usually too large to pass through the doors of many. The best double strollers are generally smaller than the standard models, and are able to be pushed through most doors that are standard.
Another thing to consider is whether you require an additional feature on your stroller like a cup holder or snack tray. These are great for longer trips, but they can add weight and cost to the double stroller.
Folding
A compact double stroller folds compactly to fit into tiny spaces. It is also easy to keep in storage. A light design makes it easy to carry and maneuver.
Before you choose a stroller that is small consider where you will be using it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you identify the features that are the most important. If you're planning to run with your stroller, you'll need one with a smooth suspension so it can glide over rough terrain and pavement.
Be aware of the age and temperament of your children as well. If they are of the same age and temperament, a side-by-side stroller may be the most suitable option. However, if they're in different stages of development, then a tandem model may be more suitable for your needs.
A double stroller is costly but it will pay dividends over time. Investing in a quality model that fits your family's needs will make travelling with kids easier and will give years of comfort to you and your kids.
If you're limited in storage space, the double stroller is a great option. It can hold both infant car seats and toddlers. Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon can accommodate twins and is an excellent option for families with two children. It comes with two canopy options and a storage bin that can be attached, and a child's tray with cup holders. This budget-friendly stroller also offers an easy and quick fold and can be carried by one hand. It is important to note, however, that most double modular strollers require you to take off the second seat prior to folding them.
Maneuverability
The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and have smooth, responsive wheels that can glide across any surface. These strollers feature seating that reclines and have plenty of storage space for your children's equipment. Many of these strollers are compatible with infant and toddler seats, as well as car seat carriers. These features make these strollers a great option for families looking for one stroller that can be used for multiple purposes.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who offers advice to parents on travel gear and strollers she suggests selecting a lightweight stroller that is easy to push. "Strollers that are too heavy can lead to frame fatigue and injury," she says. If your stroller is too heavy and difficult for you to push, you can add a ride-along or reduce the number of children.
Some of the double strollers that we tested are able to accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for instance, can accommodate two infant car seats or toddler seats at once and can be converted to a three-seat configuration by using the add-on RumbleSeat. It also comes with a fashionable design with an inline design, foam-filled tires that can't go flat and a telescoping handlebar that can be adjusted. The seat buckles are one of the easiest to secure and remove and its large UPF 50+ sunshades feature windows that peek out.
Other models come with multiple seating configurations. They can be used for twins or triplets, as well as an older child and an infant or a toddler riding the scooter (sold separately). These models also have easy-to use brakes and the compact fold that fits into most trunks. Some are even light enough to schlep up and down steps. The majority of them require little assembly. The Joovy Caboose, however, requires a few tools and was the most difficult to build during our tests.
Safety
The top double strollers are outfitted with numerous safety features. They have adjustable handlebars, which provide an ergonomic grip, as well as a wide base so it will not tip over when children jump out of their seats. The canopy is large enough to accommodate both kids during rainstorms. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She claims they are easy to use. "Look for a one- or two-step fold that's easily carried, and that has a clear, obvious where to place the straps," she advises.
The narrowest compact double strollers fit through doorways with ease--a major benefit for those with the space of a small car or living space. sit n stand double stroller are much lighter than traditional double strollers, which makes them easier to lug from one location to the next. No more straining your arms and back while carrying an oversized stroller on your shoulder.
Parents with children older than their age could consider the side-by-side stroller, such as our top pick one, the Joovy Kooper X2, which features two child seats that can be adjusted for the width and recline independently. In our tests, we discovered that the seats were extremely comfortable, and the reclining was quick and simple. Each seat is equipped with a single lever. It also comes with a large storage basket and a one-step connected parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue when stopping) as well as some of the most comfortable harnesses we've tested.
If you have kids far apart in age, then a sit-and-stand stroller like our top pick, the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, may be a good fit. It can accommodate two infant car seats and comes with a pair of modified seats which function as bassinets older kids--and can be adapted to accommodate the use of a riding board for a sibling who is even older.