Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are a significant investment that will last for a long time. You must make the right choice.
Our testers examined strollers that provide incredible mobility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also tested whether they were easy to fold and maneuver.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers available that include tandem, side-byside (single-file) and wagons. The category has come a long way from the behemoth vintage 1980s models that a few older generations might have recalled. Nowadays they're sleek and offer various customization options to make traveling with kids more enjoyable for everyone involved.
For parents of toddlers or infants, a double stroller that includes a car seats is a great option for bringing them from one point to B. Some of the most advanced strollers available feature a single frame that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats, allowing them to be used from birth until the time children reach kindergarten age. These are typically more expensive than a simple double stroller frame, however they also offer the convenience of a built-in car seat system as well as a large undercarriage basket which can accommodate both car seats.
Parents with less children can opt for a single-to-double stroller that is simpler and less expensive. These frames tend to be lighter and some moms use their original stroller even after their children have outgrown it.
The compact fold is another fantastic feature of some of the tiniest double strollers we've tried. They can fit in spaces that larger strollers aren't able to and are generally easier to maneuver when folded.
In addition, all of the compact double strollers we've tested come with a decent-sized sunshade, though coverage can vary from almost nothing to a cocoon-like covering. For families with a tight budget you should look into second-hand strollers on websites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's a stroller that will meet your family's needs. Just be sure to inspect any used stroller for signs of wear and tear before committing to buying one.
Weight
When looking for a compact double stroller, parents need to think about how much they would like to pay and if it's a good fit for their family's lifestyle. For instance, a lightweight stroller might not have enough storage space for bulky bags or other gear. It might not have a large canopy or other features that make it easier to use on long journeys.
The most reliable double strollers are sturdy and easy to move that helps ensure that the children remain comfortable in their seats and don't shift around when they ride. In our comfort tests we award higher marks to strollers that have adjustable leg rests and padded seatbacks. The top double strollers have reclined seats that allow kids to relax on long rides.
Innovative designs and clever features have made strollers that can be used in a variety of ways more popular than ever. Some of the top strollers can be used with multiple car seats and provide many seating options for babies through preschool. Some are so light they can be used for jogging or traveling.
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a compact double stroller is whether it will fit through doorways and other narrow spaces. The majority of older models of side-by-side strollers as well as tandem strollers have a wide width that makes them incompatible with numerous doors. 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 think about is whether you'll need an additional feature on your stroller such as a cup holder or snack tray. These are helpful for longer trips but will add weight and expense to the double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller is designed to fold compactly, fitting easily into tight spaces and making it easy to store. A light design makes it easy to carry and move.
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. If you intend to run with your stroller, you'll want one that has an easy suspension so that it can glide smoothly over rough surfaces and pavement.
Also, take into consideration the age and temperaments of your children. If tandem double stroller of the same age and have similar temperaments, a tandem stroller could be the best option. If they are in different stages of development, a tandem stroller may be more suitable for you.
A double stroller can be expensive, but it's an investment that will pay dividends in the long term. A high-quality model that meets your family's needs will help you travel with children more easily. It also provides you and your children with years of convenience.
If you are limited in storage space, you might want to consider a small double stroller which can accommodate 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 and a storage bin that attaches, and an infant tray with cup holders. This lightweight, budget-friendly stroller folds easily and can be carried using just one hand. You should be aware that you must remove the second seat of the majority of double modular strollers before folding.
Maneuverability
The most suitable double strollers for small spaces are easy to maneuver, and they have wheels that glide smoothly across any surface. These strollers have reclining seats that are comfortable and plenty of storage space for your child's gear. In addition some of these strollers can accommodate car seat carriers as well as infant toddler seats. These features make them a great option for families looking for a single stroller that can expand with their family.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who advises parents on travel gear and strollers she suggests selecting a lightweight stroller that is easy to push. "Strollers that are too heavy can cause frame fatigue and injuries," she says. "If your stroller is weighing too much and difficult to push, consider adding a ride-along deck or reduce the number of children in the seat."
Some of the double strollers 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 simultaneously and can be converted to a three-seat configuration by using the add-on RumbleSeat. It also comes with a fashionable, inline design, foam-filled tires that don't be flat and a telescoping handlebar with an adjustable height. Its seat belts are easy to secure and remove, and its UPF 50+ sunshades come with peekaboo windows.
Other models come with multiple seating configurations. They can be used with twins, triplets, an older child and an infant, or the toddler who is riding the scooter (sold separately). These models also have easy-to use brakes and an incredibly compact fold that can fit 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 most reliable double strollers come with a variety of safety features. They come with adjustable handlebars that give you the user with a comfortable grip and an extra wide base that will not tip over when children get out of their seats. They also have large canopy that can be used to protect both children and even rainstorms. They're also very easy to use, says Alli Cavasino who is a certified child passenger safety technician. "Look for simple, one- or two-step fold that is easy to carry and has a place where the straps can be placed," she says.
The tiniest strollers are able to pass through doors easily. This is a great benefit if you live in an apartment that is small or have a small car. The smallest models weigh less than normal double strollers. This makes them easier to transport from one place to the next.
Parents of children of similar ages can prefer a side by side stroller like our top pick: the Joovy Kooper X2, that has two child seats which can be adjusted individually to recline and width. In our testing we found that the seats were extremely comfortable, and the reclining was quick and simple. Each seat is equipped with only one lever. It also has a huge storage basket and a one-step connected parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue when stopping), and some of the best harnesses we have tested.
If your children are of different ages, a sit-and- stand stroller, like our top choice, the UPPAbaby v2 double, could be an ideal choice. It accepts two infant car seats and comes with a pair of modified seats which function as bassinets older children. It can also be modified to accommodate the use of a riding board to accommodate a sibling of a similar age.