Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is a significant investment, and one you'll use for a long time. That's why it's important to pick wisely.
Our test participants looked at strollers that provide excellent flexibility and smooth rides on any terrain. They also inspected whether the models were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are many different styles of double strollers available on the market, from side-by-side to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The category has advanced from the massive 1980s models that many older generation millennials may remember. Today, they're sleek and support various customization options to make traveling with children more enjoyable for all involved.
For parents of toddlers or infants, a double stroller that includes a car seats is a great option for getting them from point A to B. Some of the most advanced strollers available feature a single frame that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats, which allows them to be used from birth until children reach the age of kindergarten. They're generally more expensive than a standard double stroller frame, but they also provide the convenience of a built-in car seat system and a large undercarriage basket which can hold both car seats.
Parents who don't have multiple children might prefer a simpler, less-expensive single-to-double stroller. These frames are usually lighter and some moms use their stroller after their children have outgrown it.
Another great feature of a number of the tiniest double strollers we've tested is their compact fold. They can fit in spaces that larger strollers aren't able to and are usually more compact when folded.
Additionally, the majority of small double strollers we've tested have a large sunshade, but the coverage varies from nothing to a cocoon cover. If you're looking for a bargain then you may want to look into second-hand strollers for sale on sites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure to check the stroller for signs of wear before buying it.
Weight
Parents should take into consideration their budget and whether the stroller will be a good fit for their family's lifestyle when shopping for a double small stroller. A lightweight stroller, for example, may not have the storage space to accommodate large bags or additional gear. It might not have a canopy that is large enough or other features to make it more comfortable to use on long trips.
The most reliable double strollers are sturdy and easy to maneuver that helps ensure that children are comfortably in their seats and don't shift around while riding. In our tests for comfort we award higher marks to strollers that have adjustable seatbacks and leg rests with padding. The best double strollers also offer reclining seating positions that allow kids to unwind on long walks.
Innovative designs and thoughtful features have made strollers that can be used in many ways more popular than ever. The best models are able to accommodate multiple car seat configurations and provide an extended range of seating options for children from the beginning of childhood to preschool. Others are even light enough to jog or travel.
When choosing a small double stroller, it is important to determine if the stroller will fit through narrow doorways and other spaces. Most older models of side-by-side strollers as well as tandem strollers are wide in general which makes them incompatible with the majority of doors. The most effective double strollers are typically shorter than the typical models, and can be carried through the majority of standard doorways.
Another thing to think about is whether you'll need a stroller that has additional features like a cup holder, or a snack tray. These are useful for longer trips but can add weight and cost to the double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller can be folded compactly to fit into tiny spaces. It is also easy to store. Additionally, its lightweight design guarantees that it will be easy to maneuver and transport.
Before you pick a small double stroller consider where you will be using it and how often. These questions will help you determine the most important features. For instance, if you plan to run with the stroller then you'll want to choose one with a an elongated suspension that can glide over rough and uneven terrain.
Also, think about the age and temperaments of your children. If they are of similar age, 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 expensive, but the investment will pay off over time. A quality model that suits your family's needs will simplify the process of traveling with kids. It will also provide you and your children with years of comfort.
If you have limited storage space, consider a small double stroller which can accommodate both infant car seats as well as toddlers. Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon can accommodate twins and is a great option for families with two children. It features dual canopies, a storage bin that attaches, and an infant tray with cup holders. tandem double stroller -friendly stroller also offers an easy and quick fold, and it can be carried with just one hand. You should be aware that you must remove the second seat from most double modular strollers when folding.
Maneuverability
The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and have smooth and responsive wheels that glide over any surface. These strollers come with reclined seats that are comfortable and plenty of storage space for your kids' equipment. Many of these strollers are compatible with infant and toddler seats and car seat carriers. These features make these strollers an ideal choice for families that want a single, multi-purpose stroller.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and a travel gear expert who counsels parents on strollers and other gear. She recommends choosing a lightweight, easy-to-push model. "Strollers that are too heavy can cause frame fatigue and injury," she says. If tandem double stroller is heavy and difficult to push, consider adding a ride-along feature or reduce the number of children.
Many of the compact double strollers we tried can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for instance, can accommodate two infant car seats or toddler seats simultaneously and converts to a three-seat configuration with the addition of RumbleSeat. It also has a stylish inline design, with foam-filled tires that don't be flat, and a telescoping handlebar that can be adjusted. The seat belts are simple to secure and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades come with windows that can be seen through.
Other models come with multiple seating configurations. They can be used with twins or triplets, as well as an older child and an infant or a toddler riding a scooter (sold separately). These models also have brakes that are simple to use and an incredibly compact fold that can fit into the majority of trunks. Some are light enough to schlep up and down stairs. They also require minimal assembly however the Joovy Caboose requires a few tools and took the longest time to build in our tests.
Safety
The top double strollers are outfitted with multiple safety features. They have adjustable handlebars that give you the user with a comfortable grip and a large base to ensure it won't fall over when children get out of their seats. The canopies are big enough to protect both children during rainstorms. They're also 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 clear place where the straps can be placed," she says.
The narrowest double strollers can be pushed through doors with ease, which is a huge advantage 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 of children who are older than their age could consider a side-by-side stroller like our top pick, the Joovy Kooper X2, which features two child seats that can be adjusted to the width and recline independently. In our testing the seats we found them to be extremely comfortable, and recline to be easy and simple by using a single lever on each seat. It also has an ample storage basket, an integrated parking brake that is one-step (to reduce fatigue in hands when stopping) and a few of our most popular harnesses.
If your children are of different ages, a sit-and- stand stroller, such as our top pick the UPPAbaby V2 double, may be a good option. It can fit two car seats for infants and it comes with a pair of modified seats that can be used as bassinets.