Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are a significant investment that will be used for a long time. This is why you must make a wise choice.
Our test participants looked at strollers that have incredible flexibility and smooth rides on any terrain. They also examined whether the strollers were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are many different styles of double strollers available on the market, ranging from side-by-side to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The category has come a long way from the massive 1980s models that some elder generations might have recalled. Nowadays they're sleek and offer various options for customization to make traveling with children more enjoyable for everyone involved.
If you have a child or toddlers, a double stroller that includes car seats can be extremely useful in transporting them from A to B. Some of the most modern strollers have a single frame which can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats. This lets them be utilized by children from birth until they reach the age of kindergarten. These are typically more expensive than a basic double stroller frame, however they also come with the convenience of a built-in car seat system, as well as a large undercarriage basket which can accommodate both car seats.
Parents with less children can opt for a single-to-double stroller that is simpler and less expensive. These frames are typically lighter in weight, and some moms have even told us they're still using their old stroller years after their children outgrew it.
The compact fold is a fantastic feature of some of the smallest double strollers that we've tested. They can fit in spaces that larger strollers aren't able to and are usually easier to maneuver when folded.
The majority of double strollers that we tested come with a decent-sized sunshade. However, the coverage can vary from a bare spot to an entire cocoon. If you're looking for a bargain it's a good idea to look into second-hand strollers on auction websites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure to check the stroller for signs of wear prior to purchasing it.
Weight
When shopping for a small double stroller, parents should consider how much they want to spend and if it is 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 equipment. 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 sturdy and easy to move that helps ensure that the children stay comfortably in their seats and do not move around while riding. Strollers with padded seatbacks and adjustable leg rests get higher scores in our tests of comfort than those without. The best double strollers have reclining seating positions that allow kids to take a break on long walks.
Innovative designs and clever features have made strollers that can be used in a variety of ways more popular than ever. Some of the best options can accommodate multiple car seat configurations and offer a wide range of seating options from infant to preschool. Some are so light that they can be used for running or even for traveling.
When choosing a small double stroller it is crucial to consider whether the stroller can be pushed through narrow doorways and other spaces. Older models of tandem strollers and side-byside walkers are often too wide to fit through the majority of doors. The most effective tandem strollers are usually narrower than the traditional models, and can be carried through the majority of standard doorways.
Another thing to think about is whether you need an additional feature on your stroller like a cup holder, or a snack tray. These are useful for longer excursions, but they add to the weight and cost of a double stroller.
Folding
A compact double stroller can fold compactly to fit into tiny spaces. It is also easy to store. A light design makes it easy to carry and maneuver.
Think about the frequency and location you will be using a double stroller. The answer to these questions will help you determine the essential features. For instance, if you are planning to run with the stroller, then you will want to look for one with an easy suspension that can glide over rough and uneven terrain.
Be aware of the age and temperament of your children as well. If they are near in age, then a side-by-side stroller might be the best choice. However, if they are in different stages of development then a tandem style may be more suitable for your requirements.
A double stroller is costly but it will pay dividends over time. A good model that is suitable for your family's needs can help you travel with children more easily. It can also provide you and your children with years of convenience.
If you're short on storage space, double strollers are a great option. It can accommodate both infant car seats and toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is a great choice for families with two small children and can hold twins. It has two canopy options and a storage bin that attaches, and an infant tray with cup holders. This budget-friendly, lightweight stroller folds easily and can be carried using only one hand. It is worth pointing out, however, that most double modular strollers require that you remove the second seat prior to folding them.
double pushchair designed for small spaces are easy to maneuver, and they have wheels that glide smoothly across any surface. These strollers also come with comfortable, reclining seats as well as ample storage space for your kids' gear. Many of these strollers are also compatible with infant and toddler seats as well as car seat carriers. These features make these strollers an ideal option for families looking for one stroller that is multi-purpose.
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. She advises that strollers that are heavy can cause frame fatigue and injuries. If your stroller is heavy and difficult for you to push, add a ride-along feature or reduce the number of children.
Some double strollers that we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for instance, can hold two toddler or infant seats at the same time and can be converted into three seats using the RumbleSeat add-on. 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 buckles are among the easiest to fasten and unfasten and its large UPF 50+ sunshades come with window-like windows.
Other models provide seating versatility, making them suitable for multiples, twins, an older child who is a single person, an infant, or a 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 even light enough to be able to carry up and down stairs. The majority of them require little assembly. The Joovy Caboose, however, requires a few tools and was among the most difficult to construct during our tests.
Safety
The top double strollers are outfitted with multiple safety features. They come with adjustable handlebars that provide a comfortable grip, and a wide base so it won't tip over when the children jump out of their seats. The canopies are big 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 simple, one- or two step fold that is easy to carry and has a space where straps can be put," she says.
The tiniest of compact double strollers fit easily through doors, which is a major advantage if you have a small car or limited living space. 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 of the same age may opt for a side by side stroller, such as our top pick: the Joovy Kooper X2, that features two child seats that can be adjusted individually for recline and width. In our tests, we discovered that the seats are very comfortable, and the reclining was quick and intuitive. Each seat has one lever. It also has a huge storage basket as well as a one-step linked parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue while stopping) and some of the best harnesses we've tested.
If your children are of different ages, a sit-and stand stroller, like our top choice, the UPPAbaby v2 double, is an option. It can accommodate two infant car seats, and it has a pair modified seats that double as bassinets.