Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are an investment that you’ll use for many years. That’s why you need to choose carefully.
Our test participants looked at strollers that provide incredible mobility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also inspected whether the strollers were easy to fold and maneuver.
Size
There are many different styles of double strollers available on the market, ranging from side-byside to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The category has evolved from the massive 1980s models that many older generation millennials may remember. Today, they’re sleek and support a range of customizations to make traveling with kids more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller and car seat is a great option to transport them from one point to B. Some of the most modern strollers feature a single frame which 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 are generally more expensive than double stroller frames, but they come with an integrated car seat system and an enormous undercarriage basket.
Parents with fewer children may opt for a single-to-double stroller that is less complicated and more affordable. These strollers are typically lighter and some moms utilize their original stroller after their children have outgrown it.
The compact fold is a excellent feature of the tiniest double strollers we’ve test. They can fit in spaces that larger strollers aren’t able to and are generally easier to maneuver when folded.
In addition, all of the small double strollers we’ve tested feature a nice-sized sunshade, though coverage can vary from almost nothing to a cocoon-like covering. If you’re on a tight budget it’s a good idea to look into second-hand strollers on auction websites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure you check the stroller for wear and tear prior to purchasing it.
Weight
When shopping for a small double stroller, parents must consider how much they want to pay and if it will fit their family’s lifestyle. For example, a lightweight stroller might not have enough storage space for bulky bags or extra gear. It may not have a large canopy, or other features to make it easier to use on long trips.
The best double strollers are durable and easy to maneuver, which helps to ensure that children are at ease in their seats and don’t shift around when they ride. In our tests of comfort, we prefer strollers that have adjustable seatbacks and leg rests with padding. The top double strollers have reclining seats that allow children to relax on long rides.
Strollers that can be used for a variety of purposes are becoming more popular than ever before, because of their innovative designs and thoughtful features. The best models can accommodate multiple car seat configurations and offer a variety of seating options for children from the beginning of childhood to preschool. Some are so light they can be used for running or even for traveling.
When choosing a small double stroller it is crucial to know if the stroller will fit through narrow doors and other spaces. Most older models of side-byside strollers and tandem strollers are wide in general that makes them unsuitable for the majority of doors. The most compact double strollers tend to be narrower than standard models and can be pushed right into the majority of doors easily.
Another thing to consider is whether you need a stroller that has additional features like a cup holder, or a snack tray. These are great for longer excursions, but they add to the total 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. Additionally, its lightweight design guarantees that it will be easy to maneuver and transport.
Before you decide on a small double stroller, think about where you will be using it and how often. These questions will help you determine the most important features. For instance, if you plan to use the stroller for double Car Seat stroller running, then you will want to look for one with an elongated suspension that can glide across rough and paved terrain.
Be aware of the age and temperament of your children, too. If they are of similar age, then a side-by-side stroller may be best. If they are in different stages of development then a tandem style may be better suited for your needs.
A double stroller can be costly however, the investment will pay off over time. The purchase of a top-quality model that fits your family’s needs will make traveling with children easier, and it will also offer years of convenience for both of you.
If you are limited in storage space, you might want to consider a small double stroller that can accommodate both toddler car seats and infant car seats. Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon can accommodate twins and is a great option for families with two children. It has two canopy options, a storage bin that can be attached, as well as a tray for the child with cup holders. This lightweight, budget-friendly stroller folds easily and can be carried using just one hand. It is worth pointing out that the majority of double modular strollers require that you remove the second seat prior to folding them.
Maneuverability
The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and feature smooth, supple wheels that glide over any surface. These strollers come with reclining seats that are comfortable and ample storage space for your kids’ equipment. Many of these strollers are also compatible with infant and toddler seats as well as car seat carriers. These features make them a great option for families that want a single stroller that will expand with their family.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician as well as a travel gear expert who advises parents about strollers and travel gear. She recommends selecting a lightweight, 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, you can add a ride-along feature or reduce the number of children.
Many of the compact 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 at once and converts to a three-seat configuration with the help of the RumbleSeat. It also has a stylish inline design, with foam-filled tires that can’t be flat and an adjustable telescoping handlebar. Its seat belts are simple to secure and remove, and its UPF 50+ sunshades have windows that can be seen through.
Other models come with multiple seating configurations. They can be used for twins, triplets, an older child and an infant, or the toddler who is riding a scooter (sold separately). They also come with brakes that are easy to use and a relatively compact fold that can fit into most trunks. Some are so light they can be transported up and down stairs. And most require little assembly although the Joovy Caboose requires some tools and took the longest time to construct in our tests.
Safety
The most reliable double strollers come with numerous safety features. They have adjustable handlebars that provide a comfortable grip, and an extra wide base that won’t tip over when the children get out of their seats. The canopy is large enough to cover both kids in rainstorms. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says they’re simple to use. “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 most compact double strollers fit easily through doors, which is a major benefit for those with a small car or limited living space. The smallest models weigh less than normal double travel stroller strollers. This makes them easier to transport from one location to the next.
Parents with children of the same age may choose an X-style stroller that is side by side one of our top pick: the Joovy Kooper X2, that features two child seats that can be adjusted individually to recline and width. In our tests, we discovered that the seats were extremely comfortable, and recline was easy and easy. Each seat is equipped with one lever. It also comes with a massive 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 sitting-and- stand stroller, like our top pick, the UPPAbaby v2 double, may be a good option. It accepts two infant car seats and has two seats which function as bassinets older children. It can also be modified to accommodate a riding platform to accommodate a sibling of a similar age.
