Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is a major purchase, and it's one you'll be using for years. You must make the right choice.
Our testers examined strollers that offer great flexibility and smooth rides on any terrain. They also checked if the models were easy-to-fold and maneuver.
Size
There are many styles of double strollers on the market such as tandem, side-by-side (single-file) and wagons. The category has changed from the classic 1980s models some older millennials may remember. These days, they're sleek and offer a variety of options to make traveling with children more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller and car seat is an excellent option for bringing them from point A to point B. Some of the most advanced strollers come with a single frame which can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats. This allows them to be used by children as young as until they reach the age of kindergarten. They are generally more expensive than double stroller frames but offer an integrated car seat system and a large undercarriage basket.
Parents with fewer children might prefer a simpler, less-expensive single-to-double stroller. These strollers are typically lighter, and some moms still use their stroller 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 more compact when folded.
Most of the double strollers we tested come with a decent-sized sunshade. However, coverage can range from nothing to the size of a cocoon. For budget-conscious families 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 needs. Just be sure to inspect any used stroller for signs of wear and tear before purchasing one.
Weight
Parents should think about their budget and whether the stroller will fit into the family's lifestyle before purchasing a double stroller. For example, a lightweight stroller may not have enough space to store bulky bags or extra gear. It may not have a canopy that is large enough, or other features to make it more convenient to use during long trips.
The most comfortable double strollers are easy to maneuver and sturdy so that children can remain comfortable and not be confined to their seats. In our comfort tests we prefer strollers with adjustable seatbacks and leg rests that are cushioned. The top double strollers have reclined seats that allow kids to unwind on long rides.
Innovative designs and thoughtful features are making strollers that can be used in various ways more popular than ever. Some of the top strollers can be used with several car seats and offer many seating options from birth to preschool. Some are so light they can be used for running or even for traveling.
When choosing a small double stroller it is crucial to consider whether the stroller can be pushed through narrow doorways and other spaces. Older models of tandem strollers and side-byside strollers are usually too large to pass through the doors of many. The best double strollers are generally shorter than the typical models, and can be easily pushed through doors that are standard.
Another thing to think about is whether you require a stroller with additional features such as a cup holder or snack tray. These are useful for longer excursions, but they add to the overall weight and cost of the double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller that folds compactly, easily fitting into tight spaces and making it easy to put away. A light design makes it easy to carry and move.
Consider where and how often you will be using a double stroller. The answer to these questions will help you identify the features that are the most important. For example, if you plan to use the stroller for running then you'll want to look for one with a smooth suspension that will glide over rough and uneven terrain.
Also, think about the age and temperament of your children. If they are of the same age and temperament, a side-by-side stroller could be the best option. However, if they are in different stages of development, it is possible that a tandem stroller would be better suited to your requirements.
A double stroller is expensive, but it's an investment that will pay off in the long in the long. Making the investment in a high-quality model that fits your family's needs will make travel with kids easier, and it will also give years of comfort to you and your children.
If you have limited storage space, you might want to consider a compact double stroller that can accommodate both toddler car seats and infant car seats. Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon can accommodate twins and is a great option for families with two children. It comes with two canopy options and a storage bin that can be attached, as well as an infant tray with cup holders. This budget-friendly stroller also offers the ability to fold quickly and easily and can be pushed by one hand. It is worth noting, however, that most double modular strollers require you to remove the second seat when folding them.
Maneuverability
The best double strollers for small spaces are easy to maneuver, and they have wheels that glide smoothly over any surface. These strollers feature reclined seats that are comfortable and plenty of storage space for your child's gear. Additionally they can accommodate car seat carriers and infant toddler seats. These features make these strollers a great choice for families that want one stroller that can be used for multiple purposes.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who offers advice to parents on strollers and travel gear, recommends choosing a lightweight stroller that is easy to push. She warns that heavy strollers can cause frame fatigue and injuries. If your stroller is too heavy and difficult to push, consider adding an extra ride-along option or decrease the number of children.
Some double strollers we tested are able to accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for example can hold two toddler or infant seats at once and can be converted into three seats using the RumbleSeat add-on. It also comes with a fashionable inline design with foam-filled tires that won't flatten and an adjustable handbar that telescopically adjusts. Its seat belts are easy to secure and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades come with peekaboo windows.
Other models are available with different seating configurations. They can be used with twins or triplets, a larger child and an infant or the toddler who is riding on a scooter (sold separately). These models also feature brakes that are simple to use and a compact fold that fits into the majority of trunks. Some are so light that they can be transported up and down stairs. And most require little assembly however the Joovy Caboose requires some tools and took the longest to construct in our tests.
Safety
The most reliable double strollers come with multiple safety features. They have adjustable handlebars, which provide an ergonomic grip, as well as a large base to ensure it won't tip over when the children leap out of their seats. They also have large canopy that protect both kids even the rain. twin pushchair is a certified child safety technician. She says they are simple to use. "Look for an easy one- or two step fold that is easy to carry and has a space where the straps can be placed," she says.
The most double strollers that are compact can fit through doors with ease, which is a huge advantage if you have an incredibly small car or a tiny living space. The smallest models also weigh less than normal double strollers. This makes them easier to carry from one location to the next.
Parents who have kids close in age may choose an asymmetrical stroller such as our top option for the Joovy Kooper X2, which includes two child seats which can be adjusted for width and recline individually. In our testing the seats, we found them to be extremely comfortable and the recline to be quick and intuitive with just one lever on each seat. It also comes with a massive storage basket as well as a one-step linked parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue while stopping) as well as 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, is an ideal choice. It can accommodate two infant car seats and has two seats that function as bassinets for older children. It can also be modified to accommodate a riding platform for a sibling who is even older.