Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are a significant investment that will be used for many years. It is important to choose carefully.
Our test participants looked at strollers that have excellent flexibility and smooth rides on any terrain. They also checked if they were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers on market, ranging from side-by-side to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The type of stroller has evolved from the vintage 1980s models some older millennials might remember. These days, they're sleek and come with a range of customizations that make traveling with kids more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents who have infants or toddlers, double strollers that include car seats is a great option for transporting them from A to B. Some of the most advanced strollers available feature frames that can hold two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats allowing them to be used from birth until the time 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 could choose a single-to-double-stroller that is simpler and less expensive. These frames are typically lighter in weight, and a few moms have even told us they're still using their old stroller even after their children have outgrew it.
Another excellent feature of some of the smaller double strollers we've tested is the compact fold. They can fit in spaces where larger strollers wouldn't and are often easier to maneuver once folded.
Finally, most of the small double strollers we've tested come with a decent-sized sunshade, but the it's possible to have nothing to a cocoon-like covering. For families on a budget it's worth looking at second-hand strollers on websites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's a stroller that will meet your family's needs--just be sure to examine the stroller for signs of wear and tear before making a decision to purchase one.
Weight
Parents should consider their budget and if the stroller will be a good fit for their family's lifestyle when purchasing a double stroller. For instance, a lightweight stroller might not have enough space for large bags or other gear. It might also not have the capacity to cover a large area or other features that would make the stroller easier to use for long trips.
The best double strollers are strong and easy to move and ensure that the children stay at ease in their seats and do not move around when they ride. In our tests for comfort we give higher marks to strollers with adjustable seatbacks and leg rests that are cushioned. The best double strollers offer reclined seats that allow children to relax on long rides.
Innovative designs and clever features make strollers that can be used in a variety of ways more popular than ever. double stroller with infant car seat are able to accommodate multiple car seat installation and offer a wide range of seating configurations from infant to preschool. Some are light enough to jog or travel.
When choosing a small double-stroller it is essential to consider whether the stroller can be pushed through narrow doorways and other spaces. Older models of tandem strollers and side-byside strollers are usually too wide to fit through many doors. The most compact double strollers tend to be narrower than standard models and can be pushed right into most standard doorways with ease.
You should also think about whether you need a stroller that has additional features, such as cups holder and a snack tray. These are useful for longer trips but 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 keep in storage. In addition, a light design ensures that it will be easy to move and carry.
Consider the places and times you will use a double stroller. The answer to these questions will help you decide the essential features. If you intend to run with your stroller, you'll need one with an elongated suspension so that it can easily glide across rough terrain and pavement.
Also, think about the temperament and age of your children. If they are of the same age, a side by side stroller may be the most suitable option. However, if they're in different stages of development it is possible that a tandem stroller would be better suited for your requirements.
A double stroller is expensive, but it is an investment that will pay off in the long run. Investing in a quality model that meets your family's needs will make travelling with children easier, and it will also give years of comfort to you and your kids.
If you're limited in storage space, double strollers are a great option. It can accommodate 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 has two canopy options, a storage bin that attaches, and a tray for the child with cup holders. This budget-friendly stroller comes with an easy and quick fold and can be carried by one hand. It is important to note, however, that most double modular strollers require that you remove the second seat when folding them.
Maneuverability
The best double strollers for small children are easy to maneuver and have smooth, responsive wheels that glide across all types of surfaces. These strollers also come with comfortable, reclining seats as well as ample storage space for kids' gear. Many of these strollers are also compatible with infant and toddler seats, as well as car seat carriers. These features make them a perfect choice for families who want one stroller that can grow with their family.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who provides parents with advice on travel gear and strollers she suggests selecting a lightweight stroller that is easy for children to push. "Strollers that are too heavy can lead to frame fatigue and injuries," she says. If your stroller is heavy and difficult to push, add a ride-along or reduce the number of children.
A few of the smaller double strollers we tested could accommodate multiple infant car seat carriers. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for instance, can accommodate two infant car seats or toddler seats simultaneously and converts to a three-seat configuration with the help of the RumbleSeat. It also comes with a fashionable design with an inline design, foam-filled tires that won't go flat, and a telescoping handlebar that can be adjusted. The seat belts are simple to adjust and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades come with peekaboo windows.
Other models provide seating flexibility, which makes them suitable for multiples, twins or a single older kid and an infant, or a toddler with a scooter (sold separately). They also come with brakes that are easy to use and a surprisingly compact fold that fits in the majority of trunks. Some are so light that they can be transported up and down stairs. Most require only a few pieces of assembly although the Joovy Caboose requires some tools and took the longest to construct in our tests.
Safety
The best double strollers come with numerous safety features, such as adjustable handlebars for a comfortable grip and a broad base that won't tip over when the children get out of their seats. They also have large canopy that can be used to protect both children and even the rain. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She claims they are simple to use. "Look for an easy one- or two-step fold that's easily carried, and that has a clear, easy place to put the straps," she advises.
The tiniest of double strollers that are compact can fit easily through doors, which is a major benefit for those with a small car or limited living space. The smallest models are also considerably lighter than normal double strollers, which makes them easier to lug from one place to another--no needing to strain your arms or back when you carry an oversized stroller on your shoulder.
Parents who have kids close in age may choose the side-by-side stroller, such as our top choice for the Joovy Kooper X2, which includes two child seats that can be adjusted for recline and width separately. We discovered that the seats are very comfortable, and the reclining was quick 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 a few of our most popular harnesses.
If you have children that are from each other in terms of age, then a stroller that sits and stands, such as our top pick, the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, might be a good fit. It accepts two infant car seats, and also 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 to accommodate a sibling of a similar age.