Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is a major purchase, and it's one that you will use for many years. You should choose wisely.
Our testers were looking for strollers with great flexibility and a smooth ride across all terrains. They also checked whether the strollers were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers such as tandem, side-by-side (single-file) and wagons. The style has changed from the old 1980s designs that older millennials might remember. Nowadays, they are sleek and come with a range of customizations that make traveling with kids more enjoyable for all.
For parents of toddlers or infants, a double stroller that includes a car seat is a great option for bringing them from point A to B. Some of the most sophisticated strollers on the market feature a single frame that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats allowing them to be used from birth until children reach kindergarten age. They're generally more expensive than a basic double stroller frame, but they also come with the convenience of a built-in car seat system and a large undercarriage basket which can hold both car seats.
Parents who don't have multiple children may prefer a simple one-to-double stroller that is less expensive. These types of frames are typically lighter in weight, and some moms have even told us they're still using their original stroller after their children outgrew it.
Another great feature of some of the smaller double strollers we've tried is their compact fold. They can fit in spaces where larger strollers won't, and they're often easier to maneuver once folded.
Most of the double strollers we tested had a decent sunshade. However, the amount of shade coverage can vary from a bare spot to an entire cocoon. If you're looking for a bargain then you may want to check out secondhand strollers on auction websites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure to inspect the stroller for signs of wear before purchasing it.
Weight
Parents should consider their budget and if the stroller will fit into the family's lifestyle before purchasing a double stroller. For example, a lightweight stroller may not have enough storage space for bulky bags or other gear. It might not have a canopy that is large enough or other features that make it more convenient to use during long trips.
The best double strollers are simple to maneuver and durable, so that children can remain in a comfortable position and not move around in their seats. In our tests for comfort, we award higher marks to strollers that have adjustable seatbacks and leg rests that are cushioned. The best double strollers also provide reclining seating options that allow kids to relax during long rides.
Innovative designs and clever features are making strollers that can be used in many ways more popular than ever. Some of the best strollers can accommodate multiple car seats and provide an array of seating options for babies through preschool. Some are lightweight enough to run or travel.
One of the most important factors to take into consideration when selecting a small double stroller is whether it can be able to pass through doors and other tight spaces. Most older models of side-byside strollers and tandem strollers are wide in general which makes them incompatible with many doors. The best small double strollers, however, tend to be smaller than the traditional models and can be pushed right into most standard doorways easily.
Another thing to think about is whether you require a stroller with additional features like a cup holder or snack tray. These are great for longer trips, but they add to the weight and cost of the double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller can fold compactly, easily fitting into tight spaces and making it easy to put away. Additionally, its lightweight design makes it possible for it to be easy to maneuver and transport.
Consider the frequency and location you will use a double stroller. These questions will help you decide the most important features. For instance, if you plan to use the stroller for running you'll need to choose one with a an easy suspension that can glide over rough and uneven terrain.
Also, take into consideration the temperament and age of your children. If they are near in age, then a side-byside stroller may be best. However, if they're in different stages of development, it is possible that a tandem stroller would be better suited for your needs.
A double stroller may be expensive, but it is an investment that will pay off in the long run. The purchase of a top-quality model that fits your family's needs will make travel with kids easier and will offer years of convenience for both of you.
If you are limited in storage space, think about a compact double stroller that can fit both infant car seats as well as toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is a great choice for families with two children and can accommodate twins. It comes with two canopies, an attachable storage bin, and a child's tray with cup holders. This lightweight, budget-friendly stroller is easy to fold and can be carried with only one hand. double pram pushchair is important to know that you must remove the second seat of the majority of double modular strollers when folding.
Maneuverability
The most suitable double strollers for small spaces are easy to maneuver, and have wheels that glide smoothly across any surface. These strollers also feature comfortable, reclining seats and plenty of storage space for your kids' toys. A lot of these strollers are compatible with toddler and infant seats, as well as car seat carriers. These features make them a great choice for families who want one stroller that can expand with their family.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and a travel gear expert who offers advice to parents on strollers and other travel gear. She recommends selecting a lightweight, easy-to push model. "Strollers that are too heavy could lead to frame fatigue and injuries," she says. If your stroller is too heavy and difficult for you to push, you can add a ride-along feature or reduce the number of children.
Many of the compact double strollers we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for instance, can accommodate two infant car seats or toddler seats at once and can convert to a three-seat configuration with the addition of RumbleSeat. It also features a stylish inline design with foam-filled tires that will not flatten, and an adjustable handbar that telescopically adjusts. Its seat belts are simple to adjust and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades come with windows that can be seen through.
Other models come with multiple seating configurations. They can be used with twins, triplets, an older child and an infant or a toddler riding a scooter (sold separately). These models also come with brakes that are simple to use and the compact fold that fits into the majority of trunks. Some are so light that they can be carried up and down stairs. And most require little assembly, though the Joovy Caboose requires some 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 wide base that won't tip when the kids jump out of their seats. They also have large canopy that protect both kids rain or storms. They're also simple to use, according to Alli Cavasino who is a certified child-passenger safety technician. "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 tiniest of double strollers can be pushed through doors with ease, which is a huge benefit for those with a small car or limited living space. The smallest models also weigh less than standard double strollers. This makes them easier to transport from one place to the next.
Parents with children of the same age may prefer a side by side stroller like our top choice one: the Joovy Kooper X2, that includes two child seats that can be individually adjusted for recline and size. In our tests, we discovered that the seats are extremely comfortable, and recline was easy and intuitive. Each seat is equipped with only one lever. It also comes with an enormous storage basket, a parking brake that is one-step (to reduce fatigue in hands when stopping) and a few of our most popular harnesses.
If your children are different ages, a sit-and stand stroller, like our top choice 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.