Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are a significant investment that will last for a long time. That’s why you need to choose carefully.
Our testers were looking for strollers with excellent flexibility and a smooth ride across any terrain. They also tested whether the models were easy-to-fold and move.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers on market, ranging from side-byside to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The category has changed from the old 1980s designs that older millennials may remember. These days, they’re sleek and come with a range of customizations that make traveling with children more enjoyable for all.
For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller and car seat is an excellent option for getting them from point A to B. Some of the most modern strollers have a single frame which can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats. This lets them be used by children as young as until they reach kindergarten age. These are typically more expensive than a basic double stroller frame, however they also come with the convenience of an integrated car seat system, as well as a spacious undercarriage basket that can hold both car seats.
Parents who don’t have multiple children might want a simple one-to-double stroller that is less expensive. These strollers are typically lighter, and some moms still use their stroller after their children have outgrown it.
The compact fold is a fantastic feature of some of the tiniest double strollers we’ve test. They can fit into spaces that larger strollers cannot and are usually more compact when folded.
In addition, all of the small double strollers we’ve tested feature a nice-sized sunshade, although the coverage varies from nothing to a cocoon covering. For budget-conscious families you should look into secondhand strollers on sites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there’s a stroller that will meet your family’s needs. Just be sure to inspect any used stroller for signs of wear and tear prior to committing to buying one.
Weight
When shopping for a small double stroller, parents need to think about how much they would like to spend and if it’s a good fit for their family’s lifestyle. A stroller that is lightweight is one example. It may not have enough storage to accommodate bulky bags or additional gear. It may not have a canopy that is large enough, or other features to make it more convenient to use during long trips.
The best double Stroller double strollers are easy to maneuver and sturdy so that the children can remain comfortable and not be confined to their seats. Strollers with padded seatbacks and adjustable leg rests get higher scores in our comfort tests than strollers without. The best double strollers also have reclining seating positions that allow kids to relax on long trips.
Strollers that can be used for a variety of reasons are becoming more popular than ever before, due to their innovative designs and clever features. Some of the most effective options are able to accommodate multiple car seat installations and offer a variety of seating options for children from infant to preschool. Some are so light they can be used for jogging or traveling.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a compact double stroller is whether it can be able to pass through doors and other tight spaces. Often, older models of side-by-side strollers as well as tandem strollers have an overall wideness that makes them incompatible with the majority of doors. The most compact double strollers tend to be smaller than the traditional models and can be easily pushed into most standard doorways easily.
Another thing to consider is whether you need an additional feature on your stroller such as a cup holder or snack tray. These are useful for longer trips but can add weight and cost to the double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller that folds compactly, easily fitting into tight spaces and making it easy to store. In addition, a lightweight design guarantees that it will be easy to maneuver and carry.
Before you choose a small double stroller, think about the location you intend to use it and how often. These questions will help you determine the most important features. If you plan to run with your stroller, you’ll need one with an elongated suspension so that it can easily glide across rough surfaces and pavement.
Also, think about the age and temperaments of your children. If they are of similar age, a side by side stroller could be the best option. If they are in different stages of development, the tandem stroller might be more suitable for you.
A double stroller is expensive but it 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 you’re short on storage space, the double stroller is an excellent option. It can hold both infant car seats as well as toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is an excellent choice for families with two children, and it can even hold twins. It features dual canopies as well as a storage bin which is attached, and an infant tray with cup holders. This budget-friendly, lightweight stroller folds easily and can be carried with only one hand. It is worth noting, however, that most double modular strollers require you to take off the second seat when folding them.
Maneuverability
The best double strollers for small double buggy children are easy to maneuver and have smooth, supple wheels that glide across any surface. They also have comfortable, reclining seats and ample storage space for kids’ toys. In addition some of these strollers can accommodate car seat carriers as well as infant toddler seats. These features make them an ideal choice for families who want one stroller that can expand with their family.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and travel gear expert who offers advice to parents about strollers and travel gear. She recommends selecting a lightweight, easy-to push model. She says that heavy strollers can cause frame fatigue and injuries. “If your stroller is heavy and difficult to push, think about adding a ride-along deck or reducing the number of children in the seat.”
A few of the smaller double strollers we tested could accommodate multiple infant car seat carriers. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for example can hold two infant seats or toddler seats at the same time and can be transformed into three seats using the RumbleSeat add-on. It also has a chic inline design with foam-filled tires that won’t flatten and an adjustable telescoping handbar. Its seat belts are easy to adjust and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades come with windows that peek out.
Other models provide seating versatility, making them suitable for twins, multiples, an older child who is a single person, an infant or toddler with a scooter (sold separately). They also have easy-to-use brakes and a relatively compact fold that can fit into most trunks. Some are so lightweight that they can be carried up and down the stairs. Most require little assembly. The Joovy Caboose, however, requires some tools and was among the most difficult to construct during our tests.
Safety
The best double strollers have numerous safety features, such as adjustable handlebars to give you a good grip and a broad base that won’t tip when the kids jump out of their seats. They also have generous canopies that protect both kids even the rain. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says they are simple 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 most double strollers can be pushed easily through doors, which is a major advantage if you have a small car or limited living space. The smallest models weigh less than traditional double strollers. This makes them easier to transport from one location to the next.
Parents of children who are close in age may choose an asymmetrical stroller such as our top choice for the Joovy Kooper X2, which includes two child seats which can be adjusted for width and recline individually. In our testing the seats, we found them to be extremely comfortable and the reclining to be simple and easy with just one lever on each seat. It also has an ample storage basket, a built-in parking brake that’s one-step (to reduce fatigue in hands when stopping) and some of our top harnesses.
If your children are different ages, a sit-and- stand stroller, like our top choice, the UPPAbaby v2 double, could be an option. It can accommodate two infant car seats and has two seats which function as bassinets older kids–and can be adapted to accommodate a riding board for a sibling who is even older.
