Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is an important investment, and one you'll use for a long time. You must make the right choice.
Our test participants were looking for strollers that had great mobility and smooth rides across all terrains. They also tested whether the models were easy-to-fold and move.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers available such as tandem, side-by-side (single-file) and wagons. The style has evolved from the vintage 1980s models some older millennials may be familiar with. Nowadays, they are sleek and offer a variety of customizations that make traveling with children more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller with car seat is an excellent option for bringing them from point A to B. Some of the most advanced strollers on the market feature a single frame that can hold two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats which allows them to be used from birth until children reach the age of kindergarten. They're generally more expensive than a double stroller frame but they come with an integrated car seat system, as well as an enormous undercarriage basket.
Parents with fewer children may choose a single-to-double-stroller that is more simple and less expensive. These frames are typically lighter in weight, and a few moms have even told us they're still using their original stroller years after their children outgrew it.
The compact fold is a fantastic feature of some of the tiniest double strollers we've test. They can fit in spaces that larger strollers cannot and are usually more maneuverable when folded.
Most double strollers we tested had a decent sunshade. However, coverage can vary from a bare spot to an entire cocoon. For families on a budget, it's worth checking out second-hand strollers available on sites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's a model that meets your family's needs. Just be certain to check any used stroller carefully for signs of wear and tear before making a decision to purchase one.
Weight
When choosing a small double stroller, parents should consider how much they want to pay and if it will fit their family's lifestyle. A stroller that is lightweight, for example, may not have enough storage to accommodate bulky bags or other equipment. It might also not have an expansive canopy or other features that would make the stroller easier to use on long trips.
The best double strollers are durable and easy to move and ensure that children are comfortably in their seats and don't shift around while riding. In our tests of comfort we give higher marks to strollers that have adjustable leg rests and padded seatbacks. The best double strollers also offer reclining seating positions that allow kids to relax during long rides.
Strollers that can be used for a variety of purposes are more popular than ever because of their innovative designs and thoughtful features. The best models can accommodate multiple car seat configurations and provide an extended range of seating options from birth to preschool years. Some are so light they can be used for running or even for traveling.
When choosing a small double-stroller it is crucial to know if the stroller can be pushed through narrow doorways and other spaces. Older models of tandem strollers and side-byside strollers are typically too wide to fit through the doors of many. The best small double strollers, however, are usually narrower than traditional models and can be pushed right into the majority of doors easily.
Another thing to think about is whether you require an additional feature on your stroller like a cup holder, or a snack tray. These are great for longer trips, but they can add weight and cost to a double stroller.
Folding
A compact 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.
Before you choose a small double stroller consider the location you intend to use it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you identify the features that are most important. If you're planning to run with the stroller, you'll need one with 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 of the same age and temperament, a side-by-side stroller may be the most suitable option. If they are in different stages of development, it is possible that a tandem stroller would be more suitable for your needs.
A double stroller may be costly, but it's an investment that will pay dividends in the long run. single to double stroller in a quality model that fits your family's needs will make traveling with children much easier and will provide years of convenience for both of you.
If you're limited in storage space, the double stroller is a great option. It 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 has two canopy options and a storage bin that attaches, and a tray for the child with cup holders. This budget-friendly stroller comes with a quick and simple fold and can be carried with just one hand. It is worth pointing out that the majority of double modular strollers require you to remove the second seat prior to folding them.
Maneuverability
The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and feature smooth, supple wheels that glide over any surface. They also have comfortable, reclining seats as well as ample storage space for children's gear. In addition, many of these strollers can accommodate car seat carriers and infant toddler seats. These features make these strollers a great option for families who want one stroller that is multi-purpose.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who advises parents on travel gear and strollers She suggests choosing a light stroller that is easy for children to push. "Strollers that are too heavy could lead to frame fatigue and injury," she says. If your stroller is too heavy and difficult for you to push, add an extra ride-along option or decrease the number of children.
A few of the smaller double strollers we tried can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for instance, can accommodate two infant seats or toddler seats at a time, and can be converted to three seats using the RumbleSeat add-on. It also features a stylish inline design with foam-filled tires which will not flatten, and an adjustable handbar that telescopically adjusts. Its seat belts are simple to secure and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades feature windows that peek out.
Other models are available with multiple seating configurations. They can be used with twins or triplets, as well as an older child and an infant or a toddler riding a scooter (sold separately). They also come with brakes that are easy to use and a relatively compact fold that fits into most trunks. Some are even lightweight enough to schlep up and down the stairs. Most require little assembly. The Joovy Caboose however, requires a few tools and was the most difficult build in our tests.
Safety
The top double strollers are outfitted with numerous safety features. double infant stroller come with adjustable handlebars, which provide the user with a comfortable grip and a large base to ensure it won't fall over when children jump out of their seats. The canopies are big enough to accommodate both kids in rainstorms. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says they are easy to use. "Look for simple one or two step fold that is easy to carry and has a clear place where straps can be put," she says.
The narrowest compact strollers can fit through doors with ease. This is an excellent advantage if you live in smaller spaces or have a car that isn't as big. The smallest models are also significantly lighter than normal double strollers, which makes them easy to move from one place to another--no needing to strain your arms or back when you carry a heavy stroller over your shoulder.
Parents who have kids who are close to their age can consider the side-by-side stroller, such as our top choice, the Joovy Kooper X2, which features two child seats which can be adjusted for width and recline individually. In our testing we discovered that the seats were extremely comfortable, and the recline was smooth and intuitive. Each seat is equipped with a single lever. It also comes with an enormous storage basket, an integrated parking brake that is one step (to reduce fatigue in hands when stopping) and a few of our top harnesses.
If you have children that are from each other in age, a sit-and-stand stroller, like our top choice, the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, could be a good choice. It can accommodate two infant car seats and has a pair of modified seats which function as bassinets older children. They can also be modified to accommodate a riding platform to accommodate a sibling of a similar age.