Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are an investment that will be used for many years. That's why it's important to pick wisely.
Our testers were looking for strollers with great flexibility and a smooth ride across all terrains. They also tested whether they were easy to fold and maneuver.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers on the market, ranging from side-byside to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The category has evolved from the massive 1980s models that a few older millennials might remember--these days they're sleek and come with various customization options to make traveling with kids more enjoyable for everyone involved.
For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller that includes a car seats is a great option for getting them from one point to B. Some of the most sophisticated strollers feature one frame that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats. This allows them to be utilized by children from birth until they reach the age of kindergarten. They're generally more expensive than a simple double stroller frame, however they also provide the convenience of a built-in car seat system as well as a spacious undercarriage basket that can accommodate both car seats.
Parents with fewer children might want a simple one-to-double stroller that is less expensive. These frames are typically lighter in weight, and some mothers have told us they're still using their original stroller after their children outgrew it.
The compact fold is a excellent feature of the tiniest double strollers we've tried. They can fit in places where larger strollers wouldn't, and they're often more maneuverable once folded.
Most double strollers that we tested had a decent sunshade. However, coverage can vary from zero to an entire cocoon. For families with a tight budget you should look into second-hand strollers on websites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's a model that meets your family's requirements. Make certain to check the stroller for signs of wear and tear prior to purchasing one.
Push Chairs And Prams
When choosing a small double stroller, parents should consider how much they want to spend and whether it will fit their family's lifestyle. For example, a lightweight stroller might not provide enough space for large bags or other gear. It may not have a canopy that is large enough, or other features to make it more comfortable to use on long trips.
The best double strollers are easy to maneuver and sturdy, to ensure that children remain in a comfortable position and not be confined to their seats. In our comfort tests we prefer strollers that have adjustable seatbacks and leg rests with padding. The best double strollers offer reclining seats that allow children to unwind on long rides.
Strollers that can be used for a variety of reasons are more popular than ever thanks to innovative designs and clever features. Some of the best strollers can be used with multiple car seats and offer an array of seating options for babies through preschool. Some are so light they can be used for running or even for traveling.
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a small double stroller is whether or not it will be able to pass through doors and other tight spaces. Older models of tandem strollers as well as side-by-side walkers are often too wide to fit through the doors of many. The top double strollers are typically smaller than the standard models, and are able to be easily pushed through standard doorways.
It is also important to consider whether you require a stroller that has additional features like a cup holder and snack tray. These are useful for longer trips but will add weight and expense to a double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller can be folded compactly to fit into small spaces. It is also easy to keep in storage. Additionally, its lightweight design guarantees that it will be easy to maneuver and carry.
Before you choose a stroller that is small take note of the location you intend to use it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you decide the essential features. If you're planning to run with the stroller, you'll want one that has an easy suspension so that it can easily glide across rough roads and uneven terrain.
Also, take into consideration the age and temperament of your children. If they are of the same age and temperament, a side-by-side stroller might be the best option. If they are in different stages of development, then the tandem stroller might be more suitable for you.
A double stroller may be expensive, but it's an investment that will pay off in the long run. Investing in a quality model that fits your family's needs will make travelling with children much easier, and it will also give years of comfort to you and your children.
If you have limited storage space, consider a compact double stroller that can accommodate infant car seats and toddlers. Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon can accommodate twins and is an excellent option for families with two children. It comes with two canopy options, a storage bin that attaches, and an infant tray with cup holders. This budget-friendly stroller also offers an easy and quick fold and can be pushed by one hand. You should be aware that you must remove the second seat from most double modular strollers when folding.
Maneuverability
The most suitable double strollers for small spaces are easy to maneuver, and have wheels that glide smoothly over any surface. These strollers also feature comfortable, reclining seats and ample storage space for your kids' gear. Additionally, many of these strollers can accommodate car seat carriers as well as infant toddler seats. 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 travel gear expert who advises parents on strollers and other travel equipment. She suggests selecting a light, easy-to-push model. "Strollers that are too heavy can lead to frame fatigue and injuries," she says. If your stroller is too heavy and difficult to push, add a ride-along feature 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 instance, can carry two infant car seats or toddler seats at once and converts to a three-seat layout with the addition of RumbleSeat. It also has a chic inline design with foam-filled tires that will not flatten, and an adjustable handbar that can be telescoping. The seat buckles are one of the easiest to secure and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades come with windows that peek out.
Other models offer seating configuration that is flexible, making them suitable for multiples, twins, an older child who is a single person, an infant or toddler with a riding scooter (sold separately). These models also feature brakes that are easy to use and the compact fold that fits into most trunks. Some are so lightweight that they can be carried up and down stairs. The majority of them require little assembly. The Joovy Caboose however, requires some tools and was among the most difficult to build during our tests.
Safety
The best double strollers are equipped with numerous safety features. They have adjustable handlebars that give you a comfortable grip, and a large base to ensure it won't fall over when children get out of their seats. The canopies are big enough to protect both children during rainstorms. They're also very easy to use, according to Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician. "Look for a one- or two-step fold that's easily carried, and that has a clear, easy location to put the straps," she advises.
The narrowest compact strollers can fit through doors with ease. This is an excellent benefit if you live in an apartment that is small or have a small car. The smallest models also weigh less than traditional double strollers. This makes them easier to carry from one place to the next.
Parents of children who are who are close to their age can consider an asymmetrical stroller such as our top choice one, the Joovy Kooper X2, which includes two child seats which can be adjusted for the width and recline independently. In our tests, we discovered that the seats are extremely comfortable, and recline was easy and intuitive. Each seat is equipped with a single lever. It also comes with a large storage basket, an integrated parking brake that is one-step (to reduce fatigue in the hands when stopping) and some of our most popular harnesses.
If you have children that are from each other in age, a stroller that sits and stands, such as our top pick, the UPPAbaby Vista Double, could be a good fit. It can fit two infant car seats, and it comes with a pair of modified seats that double as bassinets.