Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is an important purchase, and it's one you'll be using for many years. This is why you must make a wise choice.
Our testers examined strollers that have great flexibility and smooth rides on any terrain. They also tested whether the models were easy-to-fold and move.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers available such as tandem, side-by-side (single-file) and wagons. The type of stroller has changed from the classic 1980s designs that older millennials may remember. These days, they're sleek and offer a variety of options to make traveling with children more enjoyable for all.
For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller and car seat is an excellent option to transport them from point A to B. Some of the most advanced strollers on the market have frames that can hold 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 usually more expensive than double stroller frames, but they come with an integrated car seat system and an enormous undercarriage basket.
Parents with fewer children might prefer a simpler, less-expensive single-to-double stroller. These types of frames are typically lighter in weight, and a few moms have shared with us that they're still using their old stroller years after their children outgrew it.
The compact fold is another great feature of some the smallest double strollers that we've test. They can fit into spaces larger strollers can't and are usually more maneuverable when folded.
The majority of double strollers we tested have a decent-sized sunshade. However, the amount of shade coverage can range from nothing to a cocoon. For budget-conscious families it's worth looking at 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 the stroller for signs of wear and tear prior to making a decision to purchase one.
Weight
When shopping for a small double stroller, parents should be aware of the amount they wish to spend and if it's a good fit for their family's lifestyle. A stroller that is light could, for instance, not have the storage space to accommodate large bags or other gear. It may not have a big canopy or other features that make it easier to use on long journeys.
The best double strollers are durable and easy to move and ensure that the children stay comfortably in their seats and don't move around while riding. Strollers with cushioned seatbacks and adjustable leg rests get higher scores in our tests of comfort than those that do not have. The top double strollers provide reclining seating options that allow kids to relax during long trips.
Strollers that can be used to serve a variety of functions are more popular than ever thanks to innovative designs and thoughtful features. Some of the best strollers can fit multiple car seats and offer a wide range of seating options from birth to preschool. Some are even lightweight enough to run or even travel with.
One of the most important aspects to take into consideration when selecting a small double stroller is whether it will be able to pass through doors and other tight spaces. Often, older models of side-byside strollers and tandem strollers have an overall wideness which makes them incompatible with the majority of doors. The most effective small double strollers, however, are usually narrower than traditional models and can be easily pushed into most standard doorways easily.
You should also consider whether you require a stroller that has additional features, such as an holder for your cup and a snack tray. These can be handy for longer trips, but they can add to the weight and cost of a double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller can be folded compactly to fit into small spaces. It is also easy to store. A light design makes it easy to carry and move.
Think about the frequency and location you will use a double stroller. The answer to these questions will help you decide the essential features. If you plan to run with the stroller, you'll want one that has an elongated suspension so that it can glide smoothly over rough terrain and pavement.
Also, consider the age and temperaments of your children. If they are of similar age, then a side-by-side stroller could be the best. However, if they are at different stages of development, then a tandem style may be better suited to your requirements.
A double stroller is expensive however, the investment will pay off in the long run. The purchase of a top-quality model that fits your family's needs will make travel with children easier and will offer years of convenience for you and your kids.
If you are limited in storage space, the double stroller is an excellent option. It can accommodate both toddlers and infant car seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is an excellent choice for families with two children, and it can even accommodate twins. It comes with two canopy options and a storage bin that attaches, and a tray for the child with cup holders. This budget-friendly, lightweight stroller is easy to fold and can be carried with only one hand. It is worth noting that the majority of double modular strollers require you to remove the second seat before folding them.
Maneuverability
The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and come with smooth, responsive wheels that glide across all types of surfaces. They also have comfortable, reclining seats and ample storage space for your kids' toys. Additionally, many of these strollers can accommodate car seat carriers and infant toddler seats. These features make these strollers an ideal option for families looking for one stroller that is multi-purpose.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and a travel gear expert who counsels parents on strollers and other travel equipment. She recommends selecting a lightweight, easy-to push model. "Strollers that are too heavy can lead to frame fatigue and injuries," she says. If your stroller is too heavy and difficult to push, you can add an extra ride-along option or decrease the number of children.
A few of the double strollers that we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for example can hold two infant seats or toddler seats at once and can be transformed into a 3-seat configuration using the RumbleSeat add-on. It also comes with a fashionable inline design with foam-filled tires which won't flatten and an adjustable handbar that can be telescoping. Its seat belts are easy to adjust and remove, and its UPF 50+ sunshades feature peekaboo windows.
Other models offer seating configuration versatility, making them suitable for multiples, twins, one older child and an infant, or a toddler with a riding scooter (sold separately). These models also feature brakes that are easy to use and an incredibly compact fold that can fit into most trunks. Some are so light that they can be carried up and down stairs. They also require minimal assembly, though the Joovy Caboose requires a few tools and took the longest to construct in our tests.
Safety
The best double strollers come with many safety features, including adjustable handlebars to give you a good grip, and a large base that won't tip over when the kids get up from their seats. They also have generous canopies that can be used to protect both children and even the rain. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says they are easy to use. "Look for simple one- or two-step fold that is easy to carry and has a clear place where the straps can be positioned," she says.
The most double strollers that are compact can fit through doorways with ease--a major benefit for those with the space of a small car or living space. The smallest models also weigh less than standard double strollers. This makes them easier to transport from one place to the next.
Parents of children of similar ages can prefer an X-style stroller that is side by side like our top choice: the Joovy Kooper X2, that includes two child seats that can be individually adjusted to recline and width. In our testing we discovered that the seats are extremely comfortable, and the recline was smooth and intuitive. Each seat has a single lever. tandem double stroller comes with a large storage basket as well as a one-step linked parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue while stopping) and some of the best harnesses in our tests.
If your children are different ages, a sit-and stand stroller, such as our top pick UPPAbaby v2 double, is an ideal choice. It can fit two car seats for infants and it comes with a pair of modified seats that double as bassinets.