Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are a big investment that will be used for many years. That's why you need to choose carefully.
Our testers were looking for strollers with great mobility and smooth rides across any terrain. They also examined whether the models were easy to fold and maneuver.
Size
There are a variety of styles of double strollers on market, ranging from side-by-side to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The category has evolved from the behemoth vintage 1980s models that many older generations might have recalled. Nowadays, they're sleek and support 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 getting them from point A to point B. Some of the most modern strollers have a single frame which can accommodate two infant car seat or convertible toddler seats. This allows them to be used by children from birth until they reach kindergarten age. They are generally more expensive than a simple double stroller frame, however they also offer the convenience of an integrated car seat system as well as a spacious undercarriage basket that can hold 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 still use their stroller after their children have outgrown it.
Another great feature of a number of the smaller double strollers we've tested is their compact fold. They can fit into spaces that larger strollers aren't able to and are generally more compact when folded.
Finally, most of the compact double strollers we've tested have a large sunshade, though coverage varies from nothing to a cocoon-like covering. If you're on a budget it's a good idea to check out secondhand strollers that are available on websites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure to check the stroller for signs of wear prior to buying it.
Weight
When choosing a small 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 example, a lightweight stroller may not have enough space to store bulky bags or other gear. It also might not have a large canopy or other features that make the stroller more convenient to use on long trips.
The best double strollers are easy to maneuver and durable, to ensure that children remain comfortable and not get out of their seats. Strollers with padded seatbacks and adjustable leg rests earn higher marks in our comfort tests than those without. The top double strollers have reclined seats that allow children to unwind on long rides.
Innovative designs and thoughtful features make strollers that can be used in various ways more popular than ever. The best models can accommodate multiple car seat installations and offer a variety of seating options for children from birth to preschool years. Some are so light that they can be used for running or even for traveling.
When selecting a compact double-stroller it is essential to know if the stroller will fit through narrow doorways and other spaces. Often, older models of side-by-side strollers and tandem strollers have a wide width that makes them unsuitable for the majority of doors. The best double strollers are generally smaller than the standard models, and can be carried through the majority of doors.
Another thing to think about is whether you need a stroller that has additional features like a cup holder or snack tray. These are useful for longer trips, but they can add weight and cost to a double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller that folds compactly, easily fitting in tight spaces and making it easy to store. A light design makes it easy to carry and move.
Before you decide on a stroller that is small take note of where you'll use it and how often. These questions will help you decide what features are essential. For instance, if plan to run in the stroller, then you will want to look for one with a smooth suspension that will glide over rough and uneven terrain.
Consider the age and temperament of your children as well. If they are of similar age and temperament, a side-by-side stroller might be the best option. If they are in different stages of development, then a tandem model may be more suitable for your needs.
A double stroller is costly however, the investment will pay off in the long run. A high-quality model that meets your family's needs will help you travel with children more easily. It will also provide you and your children with years of convenience.
If you're limited with storage space, you might want to consider a small double stroller that can fit both toddler car seats and infant car seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is an excellent choice for families with two children and can accommodate twins. It has dual canopies, an attachable storage bin, and a child's tray with cup holders. This budget-friendly stroller also offers an easy and quick fold, and it can be carried by one hand. It is worth pointing out, however, that most double modular strollers require that you remove the second seat before folding them.
Maneuverability
The best double strollers designed for small spaces are easy to maneuver and they come with wheels that glide smoothly over any surface. These strollers have reclining seats that are comfortable and plenty of storage space for your child's gear. A lot of these strollers are compatible with toddler and infant seats as well as car seat carriers. These features make these strollers an ideal option for families who want a single, multi-purpose stroller.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who advises parents on strollers and travel gear She suggests choosing a light stroller that is easy for children to push. double pram stroller that are too heavy could cause frame fatigue and injuries," she says. If your stroller is heavy and difficult to push, you can add an extra ride-along option or decrease the number of children.
Several of the small double strollers we tried can accommodate multiple infant car seat carriers. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for instance, can accommodate two toddler or infant seats at a time, and can be transformed into three seats with the RumbleSeat add-on. It also has a stylish, inline design, foam-filled tires that don't go flat, and a telescoping handlebar with an adjustable height. Its seat belts are simple to adjust and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades have peekaboo windows.
Other models come with a variety of seating options. They can be used with twins or triplets, as well as an older child and an infant, or the toddler who is riding a scooter (sold separately). They also have easy-to-use brakes and a surprisingly compact fold that can fit into most trunks. Some are so light that they can be carried up and down stairs. They require minimal assembly. The Joovy Caboose, however, requires some tools and was the most difficult build in our tests.
Safety
The best double strollers are equipped with numerous safety features. They come with adjustable handlebars that give you a comfortable grip, and an extra wide base that won't fall over when children leap out of their seats. The canopies are large enough to accommodate both kids in rainstorms. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says they're easy to use. "Look for simple one or two-step fold that is easy to carry and has a 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 if you have an incredibly small car or a tiny living space. The smallest models are significantly lighter than normal double strollers, which makes them easy to move from one location to the next. double single pushchair straining your arms and back as you sling the heavy stroller over your shoulder.
Parents who have kids close in age may choose an asymmetrical stroller such as our top option for the Joovy Kooper X2, which has two child seats which can be adjusted for the width and recline independently. We discovered that the seats were very comfortable and recline was easy and easy. Each seat has a single lever. It also has an enormous storage basket, a parking brake that is one step (to reduce fatigue in the hands while stopping) and some of our best harnesses.
If you have kids far apart in age, then a stroller that sits and stands, such as our top choice, the UPPAbaby Vista Double, could be a good choice. It accepts two infant car seats and comes with two seats that have been modified that function as bassinets for older children. It can also be modified to accommodate a riding board to accommodate a sibling of a similar age.