Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is an important purchase, and it's one you'll use for years. You should choose wisely.
Our testers looked at strollers that provide excellent flexibility and smooth rides on any terrain. They also examined whether the models were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers on the market, from side-by-side to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The category has evolved from the vintage 1980s models some older millennials may be familiar with. Nowadays, they are modern and sleek, with a variety of options to make traveling with kids more enjoyable for all.
For parents of toddlers or infants, a double stroller with car seats is a great option to transport them from one point to B. Some of the most modern strollers come with frames that can accommodate two infant car seat or convertible toddler seats. They can be utilized by children from birth until they reach kindergarten age. They are generally more expensive than a basic double stroller frame, but they also come with the convenience of a built-in car seat system and a spacious undercarriage basket that can hold both car seats.
Parents who don't have multiple children may prefer a simple, less-expensive single-to-double stroller. These types of frames are typically lighter in weight, and some moms have even told us they're still using their original stroller after their children outgrew it.
Another great feature of a few of the smaller double strollers we've tested is their compact fold. They can fit in spaces larger strollers can't, and are often more compact when folded.
Finally, most of the compact double strollers we've tested come with a decent-sized sunshade, but the it's possible to have nothing to a cocoon cover. For families on a budget it's worth looking at secondhand strollers on sites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's a stroller that will meet your family's requirements. Make sure to examine any used stroller for signs of wear and tear prior to purchasing one.
Weight
Parents should consider their budget and if the stroller will be a good fit for the family's lifestyle before looking for a double-small stroller. A stroller that is lightweight could, for instance, not have enough storage space to accommodate large bags or other equipment. It may not have a large canopy, or other features to make it easier to use on long journeys.
The most comfortable double strollers are easy to maneuver and sturdy, so that children can remain in a comfortable position and not be confined to their seats. Strollers with padded seatbacks and adjustable leg rests get higher marks in our comfort tests than those without. side by side double stroller have reclining seating positions that let kids relax on long walks.
Innovative designs and thoughtful features make strollers that can be used in various ways more popular than ever. Some of the best strollers can accommodate multiple car seats and offer many seating options for babies through preschool. Some are so light they can be used for running or even for traveling.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a compact double stroller is whether or not it will fit through doorways and other narrow spaces. The older models of tandem strollers and side-byside walkers are often too large to pass through the doors of many. The best small double strollers tend to be narrower than standard models and can be pushed into doors of all sizes easily.
Another thing to think about is whether you'll need an additional feature on your stroller like a cup holder or snack tray. These are useful for longer trips, but they will add weight and expense to the double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller can be folded compactly to fit into tiny spaces. It is also easy to keep in storage. Additionally, its lightweight design ensures that it will be easy to maneuver and transport.
Before you choose a small double stroller consider where you will be using it and how often. These questions will help you determine which features are most important. If you're planning to run with your stroller, you'll want one that has a smooth suspension so it can glide over rough surfaces and pavement.
Also, think about the age and temperament of your children. If they are of the same age and have similar temperaments, a tandem stroller may be the most suitable option. If they are in different stages of development, then an incline stroller could be the best choice for you.
A double stroller can be costly, but it's an investment that will pay dividends in the long in the long. Investing in a quality model that fits your family's needs will make traveling with kids easier, and it will also offer years of convenience for both of you.
If you are limited in storage space, think about a small double stroller which can fit 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 comes with two canopies as well as an attached storage bin as well as a tray for children with cup holders. This budget-friendly, lightweight stroller is easy to fold and can be carried with only one hand. It is worth pointing out that the majority of double modular strollers require you to remove the second seat when folding them.
Maneuverability
The most effective small double strollers are easy to maneuver and have smooth, responsive wheels that can glide across all kinds of surfaces. These strollers have seating that reclines and ample storage space for your child's equipment. Many of these strollers are also compatible with infant and toddler seats, as well as car seat carriers. These features make these strollers a great choice for families that want one stroller that is multi-purpose.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who provides parents with advice on strollers and travel gear, recommends choosing a lightweight stroller that is easy to push. "Strollers that are too heavy could lead to frame fatigue and injuries," she says. If your stroller is too heavy and difficult for you to push, add a ride-along feature or reduce the number of children.
Many of the compact double strollers we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seat carriers. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for instance, can accommodate two infant car seats or toddler seats simultaneously and converts to a three-seat layout with the addition of RumbleSeat. It also has a stylish inline design, with foam-filled tires that won't be flat, and a telescoping handlebar with an adjustable height. Its seat buckles are among the most simple to fasten and unfasten and its UPF 50+ sunshades feature window-like windows.
Other models are available with a variety of seating options. They can be used for twins, triplets, an older 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 compact fold that fits in most trunks. Some are even light enough to schlep up and down steps. They require minimal assembly. The Joovy Caboose, however, requires a few tools and was the most difficult to construct during our tests.
Safety
The most reliable double strollers come with a variety of safety features. They come with adjustable handlebars that provide the user with a comfortable grip and a large base to ensure it won't tip over when the children get out of their seats. They also come with large canopy that can be used to protect both children and even rainstorms. They're also easy to use, according to Alli Cavasino who is a certified child-passenger safety technician. "Look for a simple 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 that are compact can fit through doorways with ease--a major advantage if you have a small car or limited living space. The smallest models are considerably lighter than standard double strollers, which makes them much easier to carry from one place to another--no needing to strain your arms or back as you sling a heavy stroller over your shoulder.
Parents of children who are who are close to their age can consider a side-by-side stroller like our top pick, the Joovy Kooper X2, which features two child seats that can be adjusted for recline and width separately. In our tests, we discovered that the seats were very comfortable, and recline was easy and simple. Each seat is equipped with only one lever. It also has an ample storage basket, a built-in parking brake that is one step (to reduce fatigue in the hands when stopping) and a few of our top harnesses.
If your children are of different ages, a sitting-and- stand stroller, such as our top pick the UPPAbaby V2 double, is an ideal choice. It can fit two car seats for infants and it has a pair modified seats that double as bassinets.