Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is a significant purchase, and it’s one you’ll use for a long time. You must make the right choice.
Our test participants looked at strollers that provide excellent mobility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also inspected whether the models were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are many different styles of double strollers on market, from side-by-side to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The category has come a long way from the behemoth vintage 1980s models that many older generations might have recalled. Nowadays, they’re sleek and support various options for customization to make traveling with children more enjoyable for all involved.
For parents who have infants or toddlers to take along, a double stroller that includes a car seat can be extremely useful in taking them from A B. Some of the most sophisticated strollers on the market have a single frame that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats, making them suitable for use from birth until children reach kindergarten age. These are usually more expensive than double stroller frames, however they include a car seat system as well as an enormous undercarriage basket.
Parents with fewer children may opt for a single-to double-stroller, which is less complicated and more affordable. These types of frames are typically lighter in weight, and some moms have even told us they’re still using their original stroller years after their children outgrew it.
The compact fold is another fantastic feature of some of the tiniest double strollers we’ve tested. They can fit in spaces that larger strollers can’t and are often more maneuverable once folded.
Additionally, the majority of small double strollers we’ve tested feature a nice-sized sunshade, but the it’s possible to have nothing to a cocoon cover. If you’re looking for a bargain it’s a good idea to check out secondhand strollers that are available on websites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure to check the stroller for wear and tear prior to purchasing it.
Weight
When shopping for a small double stroller, parents must be aware of the amount they wish to spend and if it’s a good fit for their family’s lifestyle. A stroller that is lightweight could, for instance, not have enough storage to hold large bags or additional gear. It might not have a big canopy or other features that make it more comfortable to use on long trips.
The most reliable double strollers are sturdy and easy to maneuver and ensure that children are comfortably in their seats and don’t shift around when they ride. In our comfort tests we award higher marks to strollers that have adjustable seatbacks and leg rests with padding. The top double strollers come with reclining seats that allow children to take a break during long rides.
Strollers that can be used for a variety of purposes are becoming more popular than ever, because of their innovative designs and clever features. Some of the most effective options are able to accommodate multiple car seat installations and provide an extended range of seating options for children from birth to preschool years. Some are so light they can be used for jogging or traveling.
When choosing a small double stroller it is essential to consider whether the stroller will fit through narrow doors and other spaces. Older models of tandem strollers and side-byside strollers are usually too wide to fit through the doors of many. The best tandem strollers are usually smaller than the standard models, and can be pushed through most doors that are standard.
Another thing to think about is whether you require a stroller that has additional features like a cup holder, or a 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 is designed to fold compactly, fitting easily into tight spaces and making it easy to store. In addition, a lightweight design makes it possible for it to be easy to move and carry.
Before you decide on a small double stroller take note of where you’ll use it and how often. These questions will help you determine which features are most important. If you plan to run with the stroller, you’ll want one that has an easy suspension so that it can glide over rough roads and uneven terrain.
Also, think about the age and temperaments of your children. If they are of similar age, then a side-byside stroller may be best. However, if they’re in different stages of development it is possible that a tandem stroller would be more suitable for your requirements.
A double stroller is expensive however, the investment will pay off over time. Investing in a quality model that meets your family’s needs will make travel with children easier, and it will also provide years of convenience for you and your kids.
If you are limited in storage space, you might want to consider a small double stroller that can fit both infant car seats as well as toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is an excellent choice for families with two small children and can hold twins. It comes with two canopies, an attachable storage bin and a tray for the child with cup holders. This lightweight, affordable stroller folds up easily and can be carried with just one hand. It is important to know that you have to remove the second seat on the majority of double modular strollers when folding.
Maneuverability
The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and have smooth, responsive wheels that glide across all types of surfaces. These strollers also feature comfortable, reclining seats and ample storage space for kids’ gear. A lot strollers are compatible with infant and toddler seats and car seat carriers. These features make them a great choice for families who want a single stroller that will expand with their family.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and a travel gear expert who offers advice to parents on strollers and other equipment. She recommends choosing a lightweight, easy-to-push model. “Strollers that are too heavy could cause frame fatigue and injuries,” she says. “If your stroller is heavy and difficult to push, think about adding a ride-along deck or reducing the number of children in the seat.”
A few of the smaller double strollers we tested could accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for instance, can hold two infant seats or toddler seats at the same time and can be converted into three seats using the RumbleSeat add-on. It also features a chic design with an inline design, foam-filled tires that won’t go flat, and a telescoping handlebar that can be adjusted. Its seat buckles are among the easiest to unfasten and fasten and its UPF 50+ sunshades come with windows that peek out.
Other models are available with multiple seating configurations. They can be used for twins or triplets, a larger child and an infant, or an infant riding on a scooter (sold separately). These models also feature easy-to use brakes and the compact fold that fits into the majority of trunks. Some are so light they can be carried up and down the stairs. Most require only a few pieces of assembly however the Joovy Caboose requires some tools and took the longest to build in our tests.
Safety
The top double strollers are outfitted with multiple safety features. They have adjustable handlebars that provide the user with a comfortable grip and a wide base so it won’t fall over when children jump out of their seats. The canopies are large enough to accommodate both kids in rainstorms. They’re also easy to use, says Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician. “Look for a simple one- or two step fold that is easy to carry and has a place where the straps can be placed,” she says.
The most compact double strollers fit through doorways with ease–a major benefit if you have the space of a small car or living space. The smallest double buggy models are also much lighter than normal double strollers, which makes them easy to move from one place to another–no more straining your arms and back as you sling a heavy stroller over your shoulder.
Parents who have kids older than their age could consider an asymmetrical stroller such as our top choice, the Joovy Kooper X2, which has two child seats that can be adjusted for width and recline individually. We discovered that the seats are very comfortable and recline was easy and intuitive. Each seat is equipped with a single lever. It also has an enormous storage basket, an integrated parking brake that is one step (to reduce fatigue in hands when stopping) and some of our top harnesses.
If you have kids far apart in age, then a stroller that sits and stands, such as our top pick, the UPPAbaby Vista Double, might be a good fit. It can accommodate two infant car seats and has two seats that have been modified which function as bassinets older kids–and can be adapted to accommodate the use of a riding board for a sibling who is even older.