Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is a significant purchase, and it's one you'll be using for a long time. It is important to choose carefully.
Our test participants were looking for strollers with excellent mobility and smooth rides across all terrains. They also tested whether the strollers were easy to fold and maneuver.
Size
There are many styles of double strollers, including side-by-side, tandem (single-file) and wagons. The category has advanced from the massive 1980s models that many older generation millennials may remember. Today they're sleek and offer various customization options to make travel with children more enjoyable for everyone involved.
For parents who have infants or toddlers in tow, an extra stroller that has a car seat is a great option for transporting them from A to B. Some of the most sophisticated strollers come with frames that can accommodate two infant car seats 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 standard double stroller frame, but they also provide the convenience of a built-in car seat system and a spacious undercarriage basket that can hold both car seats.
Parents with less children can opt for a single-to-double stroller that is more simple and less expensive. These frames are typically lighter in weight, and some moms have even told us they're still using their original stroller years after their children outgrew it.
Another excellent feature of a few of the smaller double strollers we've tested is the compact fold. They can be tucked away that larger strollers can't and are generally easier to maneuver once folded.
Most double strollers we tested had a decent sunshade. However, coverage can vary from zero to the size of a cocoon. For families on a budget you should look into second-hand strollers available on sites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's a model that meets your family's requirements. Make certain to check 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 think about how much they would like to pay and if it's a good fit for their family's lifestyle. A stroller that is light could, for instance, not have enough storage to hold large bags or additional gear. It might not have a canopy that is large enough or other features to make it more convenient to use during long trips.
The best double strollers are sturdy and easy to maneuver, which helps to 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 marks in our comfort tests than strollers without. The top double strollers come with reclined seats that allow kids to unwind on long rides.
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 most popular strollers can fit several car seats and offer many seating options from birth to preschool. Some are even lightweight enough to run or even travel with.
One of the most important things to take into consideration when selecting a compact double stroller is whether it will be able to pass through doors and other narrow spaces. The older models of tandem strollers and side-by-side strollers are usually too large to pass through the doors of many. The top tandem strollers are usually shorter than the typical models, and can be pushed through most standard doorways.
Another thing to consider is whether you require a stroller with additional features like a cup holder or snack tray. These are useful for longer trips, but they can add to the total weight and cost of the double stroller.
Folding
A compact double stroller can fold compactly, fitting easily into tight spaces and making it easy to put away. A lightweight design makes it easy to carry and maneuver.
Consider where and how often you will use a double stroller. The answer to these questions will help you identify the essential features. If you plan to run with the stroller, you'll want one that has an elongated suspension so that it can easily glide across rough roads and uneven terrain.
Consider the age and temperament of your children, too. If they are close in age, then a tandem stroller might be the best choice. However, if they are at different stages of development, then a tandem style may be more suitable for your needs.
A double stroller can be costly however, the investment will pay off over time. The purchase of a top-quality model that is suited to your family's needs will make travel with children much easier and will offer years of convenience for both of you.
If you're short on storage space, the double stroller is an ideal choice. It can hold infant car seats as well as toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is an excellent choice for families with two young children and can hold twins. It has two canopy options as well as a storage bin which can be attached, as well as an infant tray with cup holders. This lightweight, budget-friendly stroller is easy to fold and can be carried with only one hand. You should be aware that you must remove the second seat on the majority of double modular strollers when folding.
Maneuverability
The best double strollers for small children are easy to maneuver and feature smooth, responsive wheels that can glide across all kinds of surfaces. These strollers also feature comfortable, reclining seats and plenty of storage space for your kids' toys. Many of these strollers are compatible with infant and toddler seats, as well as car seat carriers. These features make these strollers a great 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 equipment she suggests selecting a lightweight stroller that is easy to push. "Strollers that are too heavy can cause frame fatigue and injury," she says. If your stroller is too heavy and difficult for you to push, you can add a ride-along feature or reduce the number of children.
A few of the smaller double strollers we tried can accommodate multiple infant car seat carriers. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for instance, can accommodate two infant seats or toddler seats at once and can be converted into three seats using the RumbleSeat add-on. It also comes with a fashionable design with an inline design, foam-filled tires that don't be flat and an adjustable telescoping handlebar. Its seat belts are simple to fasten and undo and its UPF 50+ sunshades have windows that peek out.
Other models come with a variety of seating options. They can be used with twins or triplets, a larger child and an infant or an infant riding the scooter (sold separately). These models also have easy-to use brakes and a compact fold that fits in most trunks. Some are so light that they can be transported up and down stairs. The majority of them require little assembly. The Joovy Caboose, however, requires a few tools and was the most difficult to construct during our tests.
Safety
The best double strollers come with many safety features, including adjustable handlebars for a comfortable grip and a broad base that doesn't fall over when the kids get up from their seats. The canopies are large enough to protect both children in the event of rain. They're also easy to use, according to Alli Cavasino who is a certified child passenger safety technician. "Look for an easy oneor two-step fold that is easily carried and has a clear, easy location to put the straps," she advises.
The most compact strollers pass through doors easily. This is a huge benefit if you live in smaller spaces or have a car that isn't as big. The smallest models are significantly lighter than normal double strollers, making them much easier to carry from one location to another. No needing to strain your arms or back while carrying the heavy stroller over your shoulder.
Parents with children older than their age could consider the side-by-side stroller, such as our top pick, the Joovy Kooper X2, which features two child seats that can be adjusted to width and recline individually. In our tests, we found the seats to be extremely comfortable and the recline to be quick and intuitive by using a single lever on each seat. It also has a huge storage basket, a one-step linked parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue while stopping) as well as some of the most comfortable harnesses we've tested.
If you have kids far from each other in age, a sit-and-stand stroller like our top pick, the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, could be a good fit. It can fit two infant car seats, and it has a pair modified seats that can be used as bassinets.