Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are a significant investment that will last for many years. You should choose wisely.
Our test participants looked at strollers that provide excellent flexibility and smooth rides on any terrain. They also checked whether the strollers were easy to fold and maneuver.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers that include tandem, side-byside (single-file) and wagons. The style has evolved from the vintage 1980s models some older millennials may be familiar with. These days, they're sleek and offer a variety of features that make travelling with kids more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller and car seats is a great option for bringing them from point A to B. Some of the most sophisticated strollers on the market feature frames that can hold two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats, which allows them to be used from birth until the time children reach the age of kindergarten. They're generally more expensive than a standard double stroller frame, however they also provide the convenience of a built-in car seat system as well as a large undercarriage basket which can hold both car seats.
Parents with fewer children may prefer a simple one-to-double stroller that is less expensive. These strollers are generally lighter in weight, and a few mothers have told us they're still using their old stroller years after their children outgrew it.
The compact fold is another excellent feature of the smallest double strollers that we've test. They can be tucked away where larger strollers won't and are often easier to maneuver once folded.
The majority of double strollers we tested have a decent-sized sunshade. However, the amount of shade coverage can vary from zero to a cocoon. If you're on a budget then you may want to check out secondhand strollers on auction sites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure to check the stroller for wear and tear prior to buying it.
Weight
When choosing a small double stroller, parents need to 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 lightweight could, for instance, not have enough storage space to accommodate large bags or other gear. It might also not have a large canopy or other features that would make the stroller more convenient to use on long trips.
The most comfortable double strollers are easy to maneuver and sturdy so that children can remain in a comfortable position and not be confined to their seats. In our comfort tests, we give higher marks to strollers with adjustable seatbacks and leg rests with padding. The best double strollers offer reclining seats that allow children to take a break during long rides.
Strollers that can be used for a variety of reasons are becoming more popular than ever because of their innovative designs and thoughtful features. Some of the top strollers can accommodate several car seats and offer many seating options for babies through preschool. Some are lightweight enough for jogging or even travel with.
When selecting a compact double-stroller it is crucial to determine if the stroller will fit through narrow doors and other spaces. Often, older models of side-byside strollers and tandem strollers have a wide width which makes them incompatible with the majority of doors. The most effective tandem strollers are usually shorter than the typical models, and are able to be easily pushed through doors that are standard.
You should also think about whether you require a stroller that has additional features, such as a cup holder and snack tray. These can be handy for longer trips, but they add to the overall weight and cost of the double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller folds compactly to fit into small spaces. It is also easy to store. In addition, a light design makes it possible for it to be easy to maneuver and transport.
Before you choose a stroller that is small take note of the location you intend to use it and how often. These questions will help you decide which features are most important. For instance, if you plan to run in the stroller, then you will want to choose one with a a smooth suspension that will glide over pavement and rough terrain.
Be aware of the age and temperament of your children too. If they are close in age, then a side-by-side stroller may be best. If they are in different stages of development, the tandem stroller might be better suited to your needs.
A double stroller can be costly however, the investment will pay dividends over time. Making the investment in a high-quality model that is suited to your family's needs will make travel with children easier and will provide years of convenience for you and your children.
If you are limited in storage space, consider a compact double stroller that can fit both infant car seats as well as toddlers. Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon can accommodate twins and is an excellent option for families with two children. It features dual canopies and a storage bin that is attached, and a tray for the child with cup holders. This lightweight, budget-friendly stroller folds easily and can be carried using only one hand. Be aware that you have to remove the second seat on most double modular strollers when folding.
Maneuverability
The most effective small double strollers are easy to maneuver and come with smooth, supple wheels that glide across all types of surfaces. These strollers have reclining seats that are comfortable and have plenty of storage space for your kids' equipment. Additionally, many of these strollers can accommodate car seat carriers and infant toddler seats. These features make these strollers an ideal choice for families that want one stroller that can be used for multiple purposes.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who advises parents on travel gear and strollers She suggests choosing a light model that is easy to push. "Strollers that are too heavy can lead to frame fatigue and injuries," she says. If lightweight twin stroller is heavy and difficult to push, you can add a ride-along feature or reduce the number of children.
Several of the small double strollers we tested could accommodate multiple infant car seat carriers. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for instance, can hold two infant seats or toddler seats at once and can be converted into 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 easy to secure and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades have windows that peek out.
Other models offer seating configuration versatility, making them suitable for multiples, twins, a single older kid and an infant or toddler with a riding scooter (sold separately). They also have easy-to-use brakes and a surprisingly compact fold that fits into most trunks. Some are even lightweight enough to schlep up and down stairs. They require minimal assembly. The Joovy Caboose, however, requires some tools and was among the most difficult to build during our tests.
Safety
The best double strollers come with multiple safety features, including adjustable handlebars for a comfortable grip and a broad base that won't tip when the kids get up from their seats. The canopies are large enough to protect both children in rainstorms. They're also easy to use, according to Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician. "Look for a oneor two-step fold that can be easy to carry and provides a clear and easy location to put the straps," she advises.
The most double strollers can be pushed through doorways with ease--a major benefit if you have an incredibly small car or a tiny living space. The smallest models are significantly lighter than normal double strollers, which makes them much easier to carry from one location to another. No needing to strain your arms or back when you carry an oversized stroller on your shoulder.
Parents who have kids older than their age could consider an asymmetrical stroller such as our top option for the Joovy Kooper X2, which features two child seats that can be adjusted for the width and recline independently. In our tests the seats, we found them to be extremely comfortable and recline to be simple and easy by using a single lever on each seat. It also has an ample storage basket, a parking brake that's one-step (to reduce fatigue in the hands when stopping) and some of our top harnesses.
If your children are different ages, a sit-and- stand stroller, like our top pick, the UPPAbaby v2 double, could be an ideal choice. It can accommodate two infant car seats and has two seats which function as bassinets older children. They can also be modified to accommodate the use of a riding board for an even older sibling.