Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is a major purchase, and it's one you'll be using for years. This is why you must pick wisely.
Our test participants were looking for strollers that had excellent flexibility and a smooth ride across any terrain. They also tested whether the strollers were easy to fold and maneuver.
Size
There are a variety of styles of double strollers on market, ranging from side-byside to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The type of stroller has changed from the old 1980s designs that older millennials may remember. Nowadays, they are sleek and come with a range of features that make travelling with kids more enjoyable for all.
For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller with car seat is a great option for getting them from point A to B. Some of the most sophisticated strollers available feature frames that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats, making them suitable for use from birth up until kids reach the age of kindergarten. They are generally more expensive than a standard double stroller frame, however they also offer the convenience of a built-in car seat system and an ample undercarriage basket that can accommodate both car seats.
Parents with fewer children could opt for a single-to-double stroller that is simpler and less expensive. These types of frames are typically lighter in weight, and a few moms have even told us they're still using their old stroller after their children outgrew it.
The compact fold is a fantastic feature of some of the tiniest double strollers we've tried. They can be tucked away where larger strollers wouldn't and are often more maneuverable once folded.
Additionally, the majority of compact double strollers we've tested have a large sunshade, although the it's possible to have nothing to a cocoon-like covering. For families on a budget you should look into secondhand strollers on sites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's a model that meets your family's needs. Just be sure to examine the stroller for signs of wear and tear before committing to buying one.
Weight
Parents should take into consideration their budget and if the stroller is suitable for their family's needs when purchasing a double stroller. A stroller that is lightweight, for example, may not have the storage space to accommodate bulky 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 journeys.
The most comfortable double strollers are easy to maneuver and durable, so that children can remain comfortable and not be confined to their seats. Strollers that have padded seatbacks as well as adjustable leg rests get higher scores in our tests of comfort than strollers without. The top double strollers come with reclined seats that allow kids to relax on long rides.
Innovative designs and clever features are making strollers that can be used in a variety of ways more popular than ever. Some of the top strollers can fit multiple car seats and provide a wide range of seating options from birth through preschool. Some are so light that they can be used for jogging or traveling.
One of the most important factors to take into consideration when selecting a small double stroller is whether it can be able to pass through doors and other narrow spaces. Older models of tandem strollers and side-by-side strollers are typically too large to pass through the doors of many. The best small double strollers, however, are usually narrower than traditional models and can be easily pushed into most standard doorways easily.
Another thing to think about is whether you require a stroller that has additional features like a cup holder, or a snack tray. These are useful for longer trips, but they will add weight and expense to the double stroller.
Folding
A compact double stroller can fold compactly, easily fitting into tight spaces and making it easy to store. In addition, a lightweight design guarantees that it will be easy to maneuver and carry.
Before you decide on a small double stroller, think about where you will be using it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you determine the essential features. If you intend to run with your stroller, you'll need one that has a smooth suspension so it can easily glide across rough surfaces and pavement.
Be aware of the age and temperament of your children too. If they're of the same age and have similar temperaments, a tandem stroller might be the best option. If they are at different stages of development, then an incline stroller could be more suitable for you.
A double stroller is expensive, but the investment will pay off over time. A high-quality model that meets your family's needs can make traveling with kids easier. It also provides you and your children with years of convenience.
If you are limited in storage space, consider a compact double stroller that can accommodate both infant car seats as well as toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is ideal for families with two children, and it can even accommodate twins. It features dual canopies as well as a storage bin which can be attached, as well as an infant tray with cup holders. This budget-friendly stroller also offers an easy and quick fold, and it can be carried by one hand. You should be aware that you must remove the second seat of the majority of double modular strollers before folding.
Maneuverability
The best double strollers for small children are easy to maneuver and come with smooth and responsive wheels that can glide across all types of surfaces. These strollers have reclined seats that are comfortable and have plenty of storage space for your child's gear. Many of these strollers are compatible with infant and toddler seats and car seat carriers. These features make these strollers a great choice for families that want one stroller that can be used for multiple purposes.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and a travel gear expert who counsels parents on strollers and other equipment. She suggests selecting a light, easy-to-push model. She warns that heavy strollers can cause frame fatigue and injuries. If your stroller is too heavy and difficult for you to push, consider adding an extra ride-along option or decrease the number of children.
strollers double strollers of the small double strollers we tried 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 configuration by using the add-on RumbleSeat. It also has a chic inline design with foam-filled tires which won't flatten and an adjustable telescoping handbar. Its seat belts are easy to adjust and remove, and its UPF 50+ sunshades come with peekaboo 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 a toddler riding the scooter (sold separately). They also come with brakes that are easy to use and a surprisingly compact fold that can fit into the majority of trunks. Some are so light they can be transported up and down stairs. Most require little assembly. The Joovy Caboose, however, requires a few tools and was among the most difficult to build during our tests.
Safety
The top double strollers are outfitted with multiple safety features. They have adjustable handlebars, which provide an ergonomic grip, as well as a large base to ensure it won't fall over when children leap out of their seats. They also have generous canopies that cover both kiddos in even the rain. They're also very easy to use, says Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician. "Look for an easy one- or two-step fold that's easily carried and has a clear, easy place to put the straps," she advises.
The most compact strollers be pushed through doors effortlessly. This is an excellent advantage if you live a small apartment or have a car that isn't as big. The smallest models are also considerably lighter than standard double strollers, making them easier to lug 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 older than their age could consider the side-by-side stroller, such as our top choice one, the Joovy Kooper X2, which has 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 simple and easy by using a single lever on each seat. It also has a huge storage basket and a one-step connected parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue when stopping) and some of the most comfortable harnesses we have tested.
If your children are different ages, a sit-and- stand stroller, like our top choice, the UPPAbaby v2 double, may be an ideal choice. It accepts two infant car seats, and also has a pair of modified seats that function as bassinets for older kids--and can be adapted to accommodate a riding board for an even older sibling.