Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is a major purchase, and it's one you'll be using for a long time. You should choose wisely.
Our testers looked at strollers that have excellent flexibility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also checked whether the models were easy to fold and maneuver.
Size
There are many styles of double strollers available, including side-by-side, tandem (single-file) and wagons. The type of stroller has evolved from the vintage 1980s models that older millennials may remember. Today, they are sleek and offer a variety of customizations that make traveling with kids more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents with infants or toddlers to take along, a double stroller that includes car seats can be extremely useful in transporting them from A to B. Some of the most advanced strollers come with frames that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats. This lets them be used by children as young as until they reach kindergarten age. These are usually more expensive than double stroller frames but they come with an integrated car seat system, as well as an enormous undercarriage basket.
Parents who don't have multiple children might want a simple and less expensive single-to-double stroller. These strollers are typically lighter, and some moms still utilize their original stroller after their children have outgrown it.
The compact fold is another fantastic feature of some of the smallest double strollers that we've tried. They can fit in spaces larger strollers can't and are usually more maneuverable when folded.
Finally, most of the compact double strollers we've tested feature a nice-sized sunshade, but the it's possible to have nothing to a cocoon-like covering. If you're on a tight budget then you may want to check out secondhand strollers on auction websites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure to inspect the stroller for wear and tear prior to purchasing it.
Weight
Parents should think about their budget and if the stroller is suitable for their family's needs when looking for a double-small stroller. For instance, a light stroller might not provide enough space for large bags or other gear. It might not have a canopy that is large enough or other features to make it easier to use on long journeys.
The most reliable double strollers are strong and easy to maneuver that helps ensure that the children remain comfortable in their seats and don't shift around when they ride. In our comfort tests we award higher marks to strollers with adjustable seatbacks and leg rests with padding. The top double strollers come with reclined seats that allow children to take a break during long rides.
Strollers that can be used for a variety of purposes are more popular than ever due to their innovative designs and thoughtful features. Some of the most popular strollers can be used with several car seats and offer an array of seating options for babies through preschool. Some are even light enough to jog or even travel with.
One of the most important things to take into consideration when selecting a small double stroller is whether it will fit through doorways and other narrow spaces. The majority of older models of side-by-side strollers and tandem strollers have a wide width that makes them unsuitable for numerous doors. The top double strollers are generally narrower than the traditional models, and are able to be pushed through most doors that are standard.
You should also consider whether you require a stroller that has additional features like an holder for your cup and a snack tray. These are great for longer excursions, but they add to the weight and cost of the double stroller.
Folding
A compact double stroller can fold compactly, fitting easily into tight spaces and making it easy to put away. In addition, a light design makes it possible for it to be easy to move and carry.
Before you choose a small double stroller consider where you will be using it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you decide the features that are the most important. If you plan to run with the stroller, you'll want one that has an elongated suspension so that it can glide smoothly over rough surfaces and pavement.
Also, take into consideration the temperament and age of your children. If they're of the same age and have similar temperaments, a tandem stroller could be the best option. However, 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 is costly, but it's an investment that pays off in the long in the long. Investing in a quality model that fits your family's needs will make travelling with kids easier, and it will also give years of comfort to you and your kids.
If you are limited in storage space, consider a compact double stroller that can accommodate both toddler car seats and infant car seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is a great choice for families with two small children and can hold twins. It comes with two canopy options and a storage bin that can be attached as well as a tray for children with cup holders. This budget-friendly, lightweight stroller is easy to fold and can be carried with only one hand. It is worth noting, however, that most double modular strollers require you to take off the second seat prior to folding them.
Maneuverability
The most suitable double strollers for small spaces are easy to maneuver and they come with wheels that glide effortlessly over any surface. These strollers have seating that reclines and plenty of storage space for your child's equipment. Many of these strollers are also compatible with toddler and infant seats as well as car seat carriers. These features make these strollers an ideal option for families who want one stroller that can be used for multiple purposes.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and a travel gear expert who offers advice to parents on strollers and other travel equipment. She suggests selecting a light, easy-to-push model. "Strollers that are too heavy could lead to frame fatigue and injury," she says. "If your stroller is heavy and difficult to push, you might consider adding a ride-along deck or reduce the number of children in the seat."
A few of the double strollers that we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seats. extra resources , for instance, can hold two toddler or infant seats at the same time and can be converted into three seats with the RumbleSeat add-on. It also features a chic design with an inline design, foam-filled tires that can't go flat and a telescoping handlebar with an adjustable height. Its seat belts are simple to secure and remove, and its UPF 50+ sunshades have windows that peek out.
Other models are available with different seating configurations. They can be used with twins or triplets, a larger child and an infant, or an infant riding on a scooter (sold separately). They also have easy-to-use brakes and a relatively compact fold that can fit into the majority of trunks. Some are so light they can be carried up and down 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 have many safety features, including adjustable handlebars to give you a good grip, and a large base that won't tip when the children get out of their seats. The canopy is large enough to accommodate both kids in the event of rain. They're also easy to use, according to Alli Cavasino who is a certified child-passenger safety technician. "Look for a simple one- or two step fold that is easy to carry and has a clear place where the straps can be positioned," she says.
The tiniest of compact double strollers fit through doors with ease, which is a huge benefit if you have the space of a small car or living space. The smallest models are much lighter than traditional double strollers, which makes them easy to move from one location to the next. No needing to strain your arms or back while carrying the heavy stroller over your shoulder.
Parents who have kids close in age may choose a side-by-side stroller like our top option, the Joovy Kooper X2, which features two child seats that can be adjusted to width and recline individually. In our tests the seats we found them to be very comfortable and the recline to be easy and simple with just one lever on each seat. It also comes with a large storage basket as well as a one-step linked parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue while stopping), and some of the most comfortable harnesses we've tested.
If you have children who are from each other in age, a sit-and-stand stroller, like our top choice UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, may be a good choice. It can fit two car seats for infants, and it has a pair modified seats that double as bassinets.