Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is a significant purchase, and it's one that you will use for many years. You should choose wisely.
Our testers looked at strollers that offer great mobility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also inspected whether the models were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are many styles of double strollers available such as tandem, side-by-side (single-file) and wagons. The category has advanced from the behemoth vintage 1980s models that many older generation millennials may remember. Today they're sleek and come with various customization options to make the experience of traveling with kids more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller that includes a car seat is a great option for getting them from point A to B. Some of the most advanced strollers on the market feature frames that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats allowing them to be used from birth up until kids reach kindergarten age. These are typically more expensive than a basic double stroller frame, but they also come with the convenience of an integrated car seat system as well as a large undercarriage basket which can hold both car seats.
Parents with fewer children might want a simple one-to-double stroller that is less expensive. These strollers are typically lighter, and some moms still use their original stroller even after their children have outgrown it.
Another excellent feature of some of the tiniest double strollers we've tested is their compact fold. They can be tucked away in places that larger strollers cannot, and are often more maneuverable when folded.
Finally, most of the small double strollers we've tested feature a nice-sized sunshade, although the coverage can vary from almost nothing to a cocoon covering. If you're on a tight budget it's a good idea to look for second-hand strollers that are available on sites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure to inspect the stroller for signs of wear prior to buying it.
Weight
When choosing a small double stroller, parents need to think about how much they would like to spend and if it is a good fit for their family's lifestyle. For example, a lightweight stroller might not provide enough space to store bulky bags or other gear. It might not have a big canopy, or other features to make it more convenient to use during long journeys.
The best double strollers are easy to maneuver and durable, so that children can remain comfortable and not move around in their seats. Strollers with cushioned seatbacks and adjustable leg rests get higher scores in our tests of comfort than strollers without. The top double strollers offer reclining seating positions that allow kids to take a break during long trips.
Innovative designs and clever features make strollers that can be used in many ways more popular than ever. Some of the best strollers can fit multiple car seats and provide an array of seating options from birth to preschool. Some are so light they can be used for jogging or for travel.
When selecting a compact double-stroller it is crucial to determine if the stroller will fit through narrow doorways and other spaces. The older models of tandem strollers and side-byside walkers are often too wide to fit through many doors. The top tandem strollers are usually shorter than the typical models, and can be carried through the majority of doors.
You should also consider whether you require a stroller that has additional features such as a cup holder and snack tray. These are helpful for longer trips but can add weight and cost to the double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller can be folded compactly to fit into small spaces. It is also easy to keep in storage. Additionally, its lightweight design makes it possible for it to be easy to maneuver and transport.
Think about where and how often you will use a double stroller. The answer to these questions will help you decide the features that are most important. If you're planning to run in the stroller, you'll want one with an elongated suspension so that it can easily glide across rough roads and uneven terrain.
Consider the age and temperament of your children as well. If they are near in age, then a side-byside stroller might be the best choice. If they are at different stages of development, the tandem stroller might be better suited to your needs.
A double stroller is expensive however, the investment will pay off over time. Investing in a quality model that is suited to your family's needs will make travel with children easier and will offer years of convenience for you and your kids.
If you're short on storage space, a double stroller is a great option. It can accommodate 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 canopies and a storage bin that can be attached and 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 important to note that the majority of double modular strollers require you to remove the second seat prior to folding them.
Maneuverability
The best double strollers for small children are easy to maneuver and feature smooth, responsive wheels that glide over any surface. These strollers feature reclining seats that are comfortable and ample storage space for your child's equipment. Many of these strollers are also compatible with toddler and infant seats as well as car seat carriers. These features make these strollers an ideal choice for families that want one stroller that can be used for multiple purposes.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who advises parents on strollers and travel gear, recommends choosing a lightweight model that is easy to push. "Strollers that are too heavy can cause frame fatigue and injuries," she says. If your stroller is too heavy and difficult to push, you can add an extra ride-along option or decrease the number of children.
Several of the small double strollers we tried can 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 into a three-seater configuration by using the add-on RumbleSeat. It also comes with a fashionable inline design with foam-filled tires which won't flatten, as well as an adjustable handbar that telescopically adjusts. Its seat belts are easy to secure and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades have windows that peek out.
Other models are available with different seating configurations. They can be used with twins or triplets, as well as an older child and an infant, or the toddler who is riding a scooter (sold separately). These models also come with easy-to use brakes and a compact fold that fits into the majority of trunks. Some are so light that they can be transported up and down stairs. The majority of them require little assembly. The Joovy Caboose, however, requires some tools and was among the most difficult 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 when the children get out of their seats. They also come with large canopy that cover both kiddos in rain or storms. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says they're easy to use. "Look for a one- or two-step fold that's easy to carry and has a clear, easy place to put the straps," she advises.
The narrowest compact strollers can be pushed through doors effortlessly. This is a great benefit if you live in an apartment that is small or have a car that isn't as big. The smallest models are considerably lighter than standard double strollers, making them easy to move from one place to another--no need to strain your arms and back while carrying the heavy stroller over your shoulder.
Parents who have kids who are close to their age can consider a side-by-side stroller like our top pick for the Joovy Kooper X2, which includes two child seats which can be adjusted for recline and width separately. In our testing the seats, we found them to be extremely comfortable, and the reclining to be simple and easy with just a single lever on each seat. It also has a huge storage basket and a one-step connected parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue when stopping), and some of the most comfortable harnesses in our tests.
If your children are different ages, a sit-and- stand stroller, like our top pick UPPAbaby v2 double, is an ideal choice. It can fit two car seats for infants, and it has a pair modified seats that serve as bassinets.