Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are a significant investment that will last for many years. That's why it's important to choose carefully.
Our testers examined strollers that have excellent flexibility and smooth rides on any terrain. They also inspected whether the strollers were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers on the market that include tandem, side-byside (single-file) and wagons. The category has evolved from the massive 1980s models that a few older generation millennials may remember. Today they're sleek and offer a range of customizations to make the experience of traveling with kids more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller and car seats is a great option to transport them from point A to B. Some of the most advanced strollers on the market feature a single frame that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats allowing them to be used from birth until children reach kindergarten age. They are generally more expensive than a double stroller frame but they come with an integrated car seat system as well as a large undercarriage basket.
Parents with fewer children may choose a single-to-double-stroller that is simpler and less expensive. These frames are usually lighter, and some moms still utilize their original stroller after their children have outgrown it.
Another excellent feature of a few of the smaller double strollers we've tried is their compact fold. They can be tucked away where larger strollers wouldn't and are generally easier to maneuver once folded.
In addition, all of the strollers that we've tested feature a nice-sized sunshade, though coverage can vary from almost nothing to a cocoon covering. If you're on a budget it's a good idea to check out secondhand strollers for sale on sites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure you check the stroller for signs of wear prior to purchasing it.
Weight
When choosing a small double stroller, parents must be aware of the amount they wish to spend and if it is a good fit for their family's lifestyle. For example, a lightweight stroller may not have enough space to store bulky bags or other equipment. It might not have a big canopy, or other features to make it more comfortable to use on long trips.
The most reliable double strollers are durable and easy to move that helps ensure that the children stay at ease in their seats and don't shift around while riding. In our tests of comfort, we give higher marks to strollers with adjustable leg rests and padded seatbacks. The top double strollers come with reclined seats that allow children to relax on long rides.
Strollers that can be used for a variety of purposes are becoming more popular than ever before, due to their innovative designs and thoughtful features. Some of the top strollers can be used with multiple car seats and offer a wide range of seating options for babies through preschool. Some are lightweight enough to run or travel.
One of the most important things to take into consideration when selecting a compact double stroller is whether or not it will fit through doorways and other tight spaces. The majority of older models of side-byside strollers and tandem strollers have an overall wideness that makes them incompatible with the majority of doors. The best double strollers are typically shorter than the typical models, and are able to be carried through the majority of standard doorways.
Another thing to think about is whether you'll need a stroller with additional features such as a cup holder or snack tray. These are helpful for longer trips but add weight and cost to a double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller folds compactly to fit into tiny spaces. It is also easy to store. A light design makes it easy to carry and maneuver.
Think about where and how often you will use a double stroller. These questions will help you determine the most important features. If you plan to run with your stroller, you'll need one with an elongated suspension so that it can easily glide across rough surfaces and pavement.
Take into consideration the age and temperament of your children, too. If they're of the same age and temperament, a side-by-side stroller may be the most suitable option. However, if they're in different stages of development then a tandem style may be better suited for your needs.
A double stroller is costly, but it's an investment that will pay off in the long run. A good model that is suitable for your family's needs will help you travel with children more easily. It also provides you and your children with years of comfort.
If you are limited in storage space, the double stroller is a great option. It can hold infant car seats and toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is a great choice for families with two children and can hold twins. It has dual canopies, an attachable storage bin as well as a tray for children with cup holders. This stroller is budget-friendly and offers the ability to fold quickly and easily and can be carried by one hand. It is worth pointing out, however, that most double modular strollers require you to remove the second seat when folding them.
Maneuverability
The most effective small double strollers are easy to maneuver and have smooth, responsive wheels that glide across all kinds of surfaces. These strollers also feature comfortable, reclining seats and plenty of storage space for your children's gear. Many strollers are compatible with infant and toddler seats, as well as car seat carriers. These features make them a great option for families that want a single stroller that will grow with their family.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who offers advice to parents on travel gear and strollers She suggests choosing a light stroller that is easy for children to push. "Strollers that are too heavy can cause frame fatigue and injuries," she says. If your stroller is too heavy and difficult to push, add a ride-along or reduce the number of children.
A few of the double strollers that we tested are able to accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for example, can hold two infant car seats or toddler seats at once and can convert to a three-seat configuration with the help of the RumbleSeat. It also comes with a fashionable inline design with foam-filled tires that won't flatten and an adjustable telescoping handbar. Its seat belts are easy to adjust and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades feature windows that can be seen through.
Other models provide seating that is flexible, making them suitable for multiples, twins or one older child and an infant, or a toddler with a scooter (sold separately). These models also feature brakes that are simple to use and a compact fold that fits in most trunks. Some are so light they can be carried up and down the stairs. They also require minimal 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 numerous safety features. They come with adjustable handlebars that provide the user with a comfortable grip and an extra wide base that will not tip over when children jump out of their seats. single to double pushchair are big enough to cover both kids in the event of rain. They're also simple to use, says Alli Cavasino who is a certified child-passenger safety technician. "Look for a one- or two-step fold that's easily carried, and that has a clear, obvious where to place the straps," she advises.
The narrowest double strollers can be pushed through doors with ease, which is a huge benefit for those with an incredibly small car or a tiny living space. The smallest models also weigh less than normal double strollers. This makes them easier to transport from one location to the next.
Parents of children of similar ages can choose a side by side stroller like our top choice: the Joovy Kooper X2, that has two child seats which can be individually adjusted for recline and size. In our testing, we found the seats to be extremely comfortable, and the recline to be simple and easy with just one lever on each seat. It also comes with an enormous storage basket, a built-in parking brake that is one step (to reduce fatigue in hands when stopping) and some of our most popular harnesses.
If your children are different ages, a sit-and- stand stroller, like our top choice, the UPPAbaby v2 double, may be an option. It can accommodate two infant car seats, and also has two seats that have been modified that act as bassinets for older children. They can also be modified to accommodate a riding board for an even older sibling.