Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are an investment that will last for a long time. You should choose wisely.
Our test participants looked at strollers that have great flexibility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also examined whether the strollers were easy to fold and maneuver.
Size
There are a variety of styles of double strollers on the market, ranging 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 some elder generation millennials may remember. Today they're sleek and offer various customization options to make traveling with kids more enjoyable for everyone involved.
For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller and car seat is a great option for bringing them from point A to B. Some of the most advanced strollers on the market feature a single frame that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats making them suitable for use from birth up until kids reach the age of kindergarten. These are typically more expensive than a standard double stroller frame, but they also provide the convenience of an integrated car seat system as well as a spacious undercarriage basket that can hold both car seats.
Parents with fewer children might prefer a simpler one-to-double stroller that is less expensive. These types of frames are typically lighter in weight, and a few mothers have told us they're still using their old stroller years after their children outgrew it.
Another advantage of a few of the smallest double strollers we've tried is their compact fold. They can fit in places where larger strollers wouldn't, and they're often easier to maneuver once folded.
Finally, most of the small double strollers we've tested have a large sunshade, though coverage varies from nothing to a cocoon cover. For budget-conscious families it's worth looking at secondhand strollers on sites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's an option that fits your family's needs. Just be sure to examine any used stroller carefully for signs of wear and tear prior to committing to buying one.
Weight
Parents should think about their budget and whether the stroller will fit into the family's lifestyle before shopping for a double small stroller. A stroller that is lightweight, for example, may not have the storage space to accommodate large bags or other gear. It might not have a big canopy, or other features to make it more comfortable to use on long trips.
The most reliable double strollers are durable and easy to move, which helps to ensure that children are comfortably in their seats and don't shift around when they ride. Strollers that have padded seatbacks as well as adjustable leg rests score higher marks in our comfort tests than those that do not have. The best double strollers offer reclining seating positions which allow children to relax on long walks.
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 most effective options can accommodate multiple car seat installation and offer a wide range of seating options from birth to preschool years. Some are so light they can be used for jogging or for travel.
One of the most important aspects to take into consideration when selecting a small double stroller is whether or not it will be able to pass through doors and other narrow spaces. Often, older models of side-byside strollers and tandem strollers are wide in general that makes them incompatible with numerous doors. The best tandem strollers are usually shorter than the typical models, and can be easily pushed through doors that are standard.
Another thing to think about is whether you need a stroller with additional features like a cup holder or snack tray. These can be handy for longer trips, but they can add to the overall weight and cost of the double stroller.
Folding
A compact double stroller can be folded compactly to fit into small spaces. It is also easy to keep in storage. In sit n stand double stroller , a lightweight design makes it possible for it to be easy to maneuver and carry.
Think about the places and times you will be using a double stroller. The answer to these questions will help you decide the essential features. For example, if you intend to run with the stroller then you'll want to find 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 of similar age, then a side-by-side stroller could be the best. If they are at different stages of development then the tandem stroller might be more suitable for you.
A double stroller is costly, but the investment will pay off in the long run. The purchase of a top-quality model that is suited to your family's needs will make traveling with children easier and will give years of comfort to you and your kids.
If you are limited in storage space, think about a small double stroller which can fit both infant car seats as well as toddlers. Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon can accommodate twins and is an excellent option for families with two children. It comes with two canopy options and a storage bin that can be attached, as well as a tray for the child with cup holders. This budget-friendly stroller also offers a quick and simple fold and can be carried by one hand. It is important to know that you have to remove the second seat of the majority of double modular strollers before folding.
Maneuverability
The best double strollers for small children are easy to maneuver and have smooth and responsive wheels that glide across any surface. These strollers have reclining seats that are comfortable and plenty of storage space for your children's equipment. In addition they 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, a certified child passenger safety technician who offers advice to parents on travel gear and strollers she suggests selecting a lightweight model that is easy to push. She advises that strollers that are heavy can cause frame fatigue and injuries. "If your stroller feels heavy and difficult to push, you might consider including a ride-along board, or reduce the number of kids in the seat."
A few of the double strollers we tested are able to accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for example, can hold two infant car seats or toddler seats simultaneously and converts to a three-seat configuration with the addition of RumbleSeat. It also comes with a fashionable inline design with foam-filled tires that won't flatten, as well as an adjustable telescoping handbar. The seat belts are simple to adjust and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades come with peekaboo windows.
Other models come with different seating configurations. They can be used for twins or triplets, a larger child and an infant, or the toddler who is riding on a scooter (sold separately). They also come with brakes that are easy to use and a relatively compact fold that fits into most trunks. Some are even lightweight enough to schlep up and down stairs. They also require minimal assembly, though the Joovy Caboose requires some tools and took the longest time to construct in our tests.
Safety
The best double strollers come with many safety features, including adjustable handlebars for a comfortable grip and a wide base that won't tip when the children get out of their seats. They also have large canopy that cover both kiddos in even the rain. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says they're easy to use. "Look for a simple, one- or two-step fold that is easy to carry and has a place where the straps can be positioned," she says.
The most compact strollers fit through doors with ease. This is a great benefit if you live in an apartment that is small or have a small car. The smallest models are also much lighter than standard double strollers, which makes them easy to move from one location to the next. No need to strain your arms and back when you carry an oversized stroller on your shoulder.
Parents with children of the same age may opt for an X-style stroller that is side by side one of our top choice: the Joovy Kooper X2, that features two child seats that can be adjusted individually to recline and width. In our testing, we found the seats to be extremely comfortable and the recline to be easy and simple with just a single lever on each seat. It also has an ample storage basket, an integrated parking brake that is one step (to reduce fatigue in the hands while stopping) and a few of our top harnesses.
If your children are different ages, a sit-and stand stroller, such as our top choice the UPPAbaby V2 double, could be an option. It can accommodate two infant car seats, and also has a pair of modified seats which function as bassinets older children. It can also be modified to accommodate a riding board for an even older sibling.