Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are a significant investment that will be used for a long time. You must make the right choice.
Our test participants were looking for strollers with great flexibility and a smooth ride across all terrains. They also tested whether the models were easy-to-fold and move.
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 advanced from the behemoth vintage 1980s models that many older generations might have recalled. Nowadays, they're sleek and support various customization options to make traveling with children more enjoyable for all involved.
For parents who have infants or toddlers, double strollers that include a car seat can be extremely useful in getting them from A to B. Some of the most modern strollers feature frames that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats. They can be utilized by children from birth until they reach the age of kindergarten. These are typically more expensive than a standard double stroller frame, however they also come with the convenience of an integrated car seat system and an ample undercarriage basket that can accommodate both car seats.
Parents with fewer children may opt for a single-to-double stroller that is more simple and less expensive. These types of frames are typically lighter in weight, and some moms have shared with us that they're still using their old stroller even after their children have outgrew it.
The compact fold is a excellent feature of the smallest double strollers that we've tested. They can fit into spaces that larger strollers aren't able to and are usually more maneuverable when folded.
Finally, most of the compact double strollers we've tested come with a decent-sized sunshade, though coverage varies from nothing to a cocoon-like covering. If you're on a tight budget then you may want to check out secondhand strollers on auction sites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure to check the stroller for signs of wear prior to buying it.
Weight
Parents should take into consideration their budget and whether the stroller will fit into their family's needs when purchasing a double stroller. For instance, a lightweight stroller may not have enough storage space for bulky bags or other equipment. It might not have a canopy that is large enough or other features to make it easier to use on long trips.
The most reliable double strollers are sturdy and easy to move and ensure that the children remain at ease in their seats and do not move around while riding. In our tests for comfort, we prefer strollers that have adjustable seatbacks and leg rests with padding. The best double strollers also offer reclining seating positions that let kids relax on long trips.
Innovative designs and thoughtful features have made strollers that can be used in various ways more popular than ever. Some of the best options can accommodate multiple car seat installation and provide an extended range of seating configurations from birth to preschool years. Some are so light they can be used for jogging or traveling.
When selecting a compact double-stroller, it is important to consider whether the stroller can be pushed through narrow doors and other spaces. Most older models of side-byside strollers and tandem strollers have an overall wideness that makes them incompatible with numerous doors. The most effective double strollers are generally smaller than the standard models, and can be easily pushed through doors that are standard.
You should also think about whether you require a stroller that has additional features such as cups holder and a snack tray. These are helpful for longer trips, but they can add weight and cost to the double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller is designed to fold compactly, easily fitting in tight spaces and making it easy to store. A light design makes it easy to carry and maneuver.
Consider the places and times you will be using a double stroller. The answer to these questions will help you identify the essential features. If you intend to run with your stroller, you'll need one that has an easy suspension so that it can glide over rough roads and uneven terrain.
Take into consideration the age and temperament of your children, too. If they are near in age, then a side-by-side stroller might be the best choice. However, if they're at different stages of development then a tandem model may be more suitable for your needs.
A double stroller is costly however, the investment will pay dividends over time. A quality model that suits your family's needs can simplify the process of traveling with kids. It also provides you and your children with years of convenience.
If this link limited with storage space, consider a small double stroller that can accommodate both 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 canopies as well as an attached storage bin and a tray for the child with cup holders. This lightweight, affordable stroller folds easily and can be carried using only one hand. You should be aware that you must remove the second seat from the majority of double modular strollers when folding.
Maneuverability
The most suitable double strollers for small spaces are easy to maneuver, and they have wheels that glide smoothly across any surface. These strollers also feature comfortable, reclining seats and ample storage space for children's gear. Many of these strollers are compatible with toddler and infant seats as well as car seat carriers. These features make these strollers an ideal option for families looking for one stroller that can be used for multiple purposes.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who offers advice to parents on strollers and travel gear, recommends choosing a lightweight stroller that is easy to push. She advises that strollers that are heavy can cause frame fatigue and injuries. If your stroller is heavy and difficult for you to push, you can add an extra ride-along option or decrease the number of children.
A few of the double strollers we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for instance, can carry two infant car seats or toddler seats simultaneously and can be converted to a three-seat layout with the addition of RumbleSeat. It also comes with a fashionable design with an inline design, foam-filled tires that don't be flat and an adjustable telescoping handlebar. Its seat belts are simple to adjust and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades feature peekaboo windows.
Other models have seating flexibility, which makes them suitable for multiples, twins or a single older kid and an infant, or a toddler who has a riding scooter (sold separately). These models also come with brakes that are easy to use and the compact fold that fits into the majority of trunks. Some are so light that they can be transported up and down stairs. They require minimal assembly. The Joovy Caboose, however, requires some tools and was the most difficult build in our tests.
Safety
The top double strollers are outfitted with multiple safety features. They come with adjustable handlebars that provide an ergonomic grip, as well as a wide base so it won't tip over when the children jump out of their seats. The canopy is large enough to cover both kids during rainstorms. They're also simple to use, according to Alli Cavasino who is a certified child passenger safety technician. "Look for an easy oneor two-step fold that is easy to carry and has a clear, obvious where to place the straps," she advises.
The tiniest of double strollers can be pushed easily through doors, which is a major benefit if you have a small car or limited living space. The smallest models are significantly lighter than normal double strollers, making them much easier to carry from one location to another. No needing to strain your arms or back while carrying an oversized stroller on your shoulder.
Parents of children who are close in age may choose an asymmetrical stroller such as our top option for the Joovy Kooper X2, which has two child seats that can be adjusted for the width and recline independently. We discovered that the seats are very comfortable and recline was easy and easy. Each seat has one lever. It also comes with a large storage basket, a one-step linked parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue when stopping), and some of the best harnesses in our tests.
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, could be a good fit. It can accommodate two infant car seats and comes with two seats that have been modified which function as bassinets older kids--and can be adapted to accommodate a riding platform for an even older sibling.