Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is a significant investment, and it’s one you’ll use for a long time. You should choose wisely.
Our test participants were looking for strollers with amazing flexibility and a smooth ride across any terrain. They also examined whether the models were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are many styles of double strollers, including side-by-side, tandem (single-file) and wagons. The category has changed from the classic 1980s models some older millennials might remember. These days, they’re modern and sleek, with a variety of customizations that make traveling with kids more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller and car seats is a great option for getting them from one point to B. Some of the most advanced strollers available feature frames that can hold two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats making them suitable for use from birth until children reach the age of kindergarten. They are generally more expensive than double stroller frames, but they come with an integrated car seat system as well as an enormous undercarriage basket.
Parents with less children can opt for a single-to double-stroller, which is simpler and 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 excellent feature of a few of the smaller double strollers we’ve tested is the compact fold. They can fit in spaces where larger strollers wouldn’t, and they’re often more maneuverable once folded.
The majority of double strollers we tested had a decent sunshade. However, coverage can range from nothing to a cocoon. For budget-conscious families, it’s worth checking out second-hand strollers on websites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there’s an option that fits your family’s needs–just be sure to inspect any used stroller for signs of wear and tear before purchasing one.
Weight
Parents should think about their budget and if the stroller will be a good fit for their family’s lifestyle when looking for a double-small stroller. A stroller that is lightweight, for example, may 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 easier to use on long trips.
The best double strollers are simple to maneuver and sturdy, so that children can remain in a comfortable position and not move around in their seats. In our tests for comfort we give higher marks to strollers with adjustable seatbacks and leg rests with padding. The best double strollers offer reclining seating positions which allow children to unwind during long trips.
Innovative designs and thoughtful features make strollers that can be used in many ways more popular than ever. Some of the most popular strollers can accommodate multiple car seats and offer many seating options from birth to preschool. Some are so light that they can be used for running or even for traveling.
One of the most important factors to take into consideration when selecting a small double stroller is whether it can fit through doorways and other narrow spaces. Most older models of side-by-side strollers and tandem strollers have a wide width that makes them incompatible with numerous doors. The most effective double strollers are typically narrower than the traditional models, and are able to be carried through the majority of doors that are standard.
It is also important to consider whether you require a stroller that has additional features like an holder for your cup and a snack tray. These are great for longer excursions, but they add to the overall weight and cost of a double stroller.
Folding
A compact double stroller folds compactly to fit in small spaces. It is also easy to keep in storage. In addition, a light design ensures that it will be easy to move and carry.
Before you choose a stroller that is small, think about where you will be using it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you identify the features that are the most important. For instance, if you intend to run with the stroller, then you will want to choose one with a a smooth suspension that will glide over pavement and rough terrain.
Take into consideration the age and temperament of your children, too. If they are of similar age, then a tandem stroller could be the best. If they are in different stages of development then an incline stroller could be the best choice for you.
A double stroller may be expensive, but it’s an investment that will pay dividends in the long term. A quality model that suits your family’s needs will help you travel with children more easily. It also provides you and your children with years of convenience.
If you are limited in storage space, the double stroller is a great option. It can hold infant car seats and toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is ideal for families with two children and can hold twins. It comes with two canopy options, a storage bin that is attached, and an infant tray with cup holders. This lightweight, affordable stroller is easy to fold and can be carried using only one hand. It is worth noting that the majority of double modular strollers require you to take off the second seat before folding them.
Maneuverability
The best double strollers for small spaces are easy to maneuver, and they come with wheels that glide effortlessly over any surface. These strollers have reclining seats that are comfortable and have plenty of storage space for your children’s gear. A lot strollers are compatible with infant and toddler seats as well as car seat carriers. These features make these strollers a great option for families looking for one stroller that is multi-purpose.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician as well as a travel gear expert who counsels parents about strollers and travel equipment. She recommends selecting a light, easy-to-push model. “Strollers that are too heavy can lead to frame fatigue and injury,” she says. “If your stroller feels heavy and difficult to push, think about adding a ride-along deck or reduce the number of children in the seat.”
Some of the double strollers that we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for instance, can hold two infant seats or toddler seats at a time, and can be transformed into three seats using the RumbleSeat add-on. It also has a stylish inline design, with foam-filled tires that don’t go flat, and a telescoping handlebar that can be adjusted. Its seat belts are easy to fasten and undo and its UPF 50+ sunshades have peekaboo windows.
Other models have seating versatility, making them suitable for twins, multiples, a single older kid and an infant or toddler who has a riding scooter (sold separately). These models also have easy-to use brakes and a compact fold that fits in most trunks. Some are even light enough to be able to carry up and down stairs. And most require little assembly, though the Joovy Caboose requires a few tools and took the longest time to build in our tests.
Safety
The top double strollers have many safety features, including adjustable handlebars that give you a comfortable grip, and a large base that won’t tip over when the kids get up from their seats. They also have generous canopies that can be used to protect both children and even the rain. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She claims they are easy to use. “Look for an easy one or two-step fold that is easy to carry and has a clear place where the straps can be positioned,” she says.
The narrowest double strollers that are compact can fit through doorways with ease–a major benefit for those with the space of a small car or living space. The smallest models also weigh less than standard double strollers. This makes them easier to transport from one location to the next.
Parents with children who are close to their age can consider the side-by-side stroller, such as our top choice for the Joovy Kooper X2, which has two child seats which can be adjusted for recline and width separately. In our tests, we discovered that the seats are very comfortable, and the recline was smooth and easy. Each seat has one lever. It also has an enormous storage basket, an integrated parking brake that is one step (to reduce fatigue in the hands when stopping) and some of our top harnesses.
If you have children who are apart in age, then a sit-and-stand stroller, like our top choice UPPAbaby Vista v2 double pram stroller, might be a good choice. It is compatible with two infant car seats, and also has two seats that act as bassinets for older children. They can also be modified to accommodate a riding board Ready To Grow Double Stroller accommodate a sibling of a similar age.
