Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is an important investment, and one that you will use for years. This is why you must choose carefully.
Our test participants looked at strollers that offer incredible mobility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also examined whether the models were easy-to-fold and maneuver.
Size
There are a variety of styles of double strollers available on the market, ranging from side-byside to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The category has come a long way from the behemoth vintage 1980s models that some elder generation millennials may remember. Today they're sleek and offer a range of customizations to make the experience of traveling with children more enjoyable for all involved.
For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller and car seat is an excellent option for bringing them from one point to B. Some of the most modern strollers have a single frame which can accommodate two infant car seat or convertible toddler seats. This lets them be used by children from birth until they reach the age of kindergarten. These are usually more expensive than double stroller frames but offer an integrated car seat system as well as a large undercarriage basket.
Parents who don't have multiple children might want a simple, less-expensive single-to-double stroller. These frames are typically lighter in weight, and some mothers have told us they're still using their old stroller even after their children have outgrew it.
Another excellent feature of a number of the smallest double strollers we've tested is the compact fold. They can be tucked away where larger strollers wouldn't and are generally more maneuverable once folded.
The majority of double strollers we tested had a decent sunshade. However, the amount of shade coverage can vary from zero to a cocoon. For families with a tight budget it's worth looking at second-hand strollers on websites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's a model that meets your family's needs--just be certain to check any used stroller for signs of wear and tear prior to making a decision to purchase one.
Weight
Parents should think about their budget and whether the stroller will be a good fit for their family's lifestyle when purchasing a double stroller. A lightweight stroller, for example, may not have enough storage space to accommodate bulky bags or additional gear. It may also not have a the capacity to cover a large area or other features that would make the stroller easier to take on long journeys.
The best double strollers are simple to maneuver and sturdy, so that the children can remain comfortable and not be confined to their seats. In our tests for comfort we award higher marks to strollers with adjustable seatbacks and leg rests that are cushioned. The best double strollers have reclining seating positions that allow kids to take a break during long walks.
Strollers that can be used to serve a variety of functions are becoming more popular than ever, thanks to innovative designs and thoughtful features. Some of the most effective options can accommodate multiple car seat configurations and offer a wide range of seating configurations from the beginning of childhood to preschool. Some are so light that they can be used for jogging or for travel.
When selecting a compact double-stroller it is essential 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 incompatible with numerous doors. The best small double strollers tend to be narrower than standard models and can be pushed right into the majority of doors with ease.
Another thing to think about is whether you require a stroller with additional features such as a cup holder or snack tray. These are helpful for longer trips but add weight and cost to a double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller can fold compactly, easily fitting in tight spaces and making it easy to store. In addition, a lightweight design makes it possible for it to be easy to move and carry.
Before you pick a small double stroller take note of where you will be using it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you decide the features that are most important. For example, if you are planning to run in the stroller then you'll want to find one with an easy suspension that can glide across rough and paved terrain.
Take into consideration the age and temperament of your children as well. If they're of the same age and have similar temperaments, a tandem stroller might be the best option. If they are in different stages of development, then the tandem stroller might be better suited to your needs.
A double stroller can be expensive, but it's an investment that pays off in the long term. A good model that is suitable for your family's needs can make traveling with kids easier. It also provides you and your children with years of convenience.
If you are limited in storage space, consider a small double stroller that can accommodate toddler car seats and infant car seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is a great choice for families with two children, and it can even accommodate twins. It comes with two canopy options, an attachable storage bin and a tray for the child with cup holders. This budget-friendly stroller also offers a quick and simple fold and can be carried by one hand. Be aware that you need to remove the second seat on the majority of double modular strollers when folding.
Maneuverability
The best double strollers for small children are easy to maneuver and feature smooth, supple wheels that glide over all kinds of surfaces. These strollers also come with comfortable, reclining seats as well as ample storage space for your kids' gear. Additionally, many of these strollers can accommodate car seat carriers and infant toddler seats. These features make them a perfect option for families that want a single stroller that will grow with their family.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who provides parents with advice on travel gear and strollers she suggests selecting a lightweight model that is easy to push. She warns that heavy strollers can cause frame fatigue and injuries. If your stroller is heavy and difficult for you to push, you can add an extra ride-along option or decrease the number of children.
Several of the small double strollers we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seat carriers. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for instance, can carry two infant car seats or toddler seats at once and can be converted to a three-seat layout with the help of the RumbleSeat. It also features a stylish inline design with foam-filled tires which will not flatten, and an adjustable handbar that telescopically adjusts. Its seat belts are simple to fasten and undo and its UPF 50+ sunshades come with windows that peek out.
Other models offer seating configuration that is flexible, making them suitable for multiples, twins or one older child and an infant or toddler with a riding scooter (sold separately). They also have easy-to-use brakes and a surprisingly compact fold that fits in most trunks. Some are so lightweight that they can be transported up and down stairs. Most require only a few pieces of assembly however the Joovy Caboose requires some tools and took the longest to build in our tests.
Safety
The best double strollers come with multiple safety features, including adjustable handlebars to give you a good grip, and a large base that doesn't fall over when the children get out of their seats. They also have large canopy that cover both kiddos in even rainstorms. They're also simple to use, according to Alli Cavasino who is a certified child-passenger safety technician. "Look for a oneor two-step fold that can be easily carried and has a clear, easy where to place the straps," she advises.
The most compact double strollers fit through doors with ease, which is a huge advantage if you have a small car or limited living space. The smallest models are considerably lighter than normal double strollers, which makes them easier to lug from one location to another. No more straining your arms and back when you carry the heavy stroller over your shoulder.
Parents with children of the same age may prefer a side by side stroller one of our top choice one: the Joovy Kooper X2, that has two child seats which can be adjusted individually for recline and width. In our tests the seats we found them to be extremely comfortable, and the reclining to be quick and intuitive with just a single lever on each seat. 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 double pram stroller have children that are apart in age, then a sit-and-stand stroller like our top pick, the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, may be a good fit. It can accommodate two infant car seats and has a pair of modified seats which function as bassinets older children. They can also be modified to accommodate the use of a riding board for an even older sibling.