Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are a significant investment that will be used for a long time. You should choose wisely.
Our test participants looked at strollers that provide excellent flexibility and smooth rides on any terrain. They also tested whether the models were easy-to-fold and move.
Size
There are many different styles of double strollers on market, ranging from side-by-side to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The type of stroller has changed from the old 1980s models some older millennials may remember. These days, they're sleek and come with a range of customizations that make traveling with kids more enjoyable for all.
If you have a child or toddlers in tow, an extra stroller that has a car seat can be extremely useful in getting them from A to B. Some of the most sophisticated strollers on the market feature frames that can hold two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats, allowing them to be used from birth up until kids reach the age of kindergarten. They're 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 fewer children could opt for a single-to-double stroller that is more simple and less expensive. These strollers are typically lighter, and some moms still use their original stroller even after their children have outgrown it.
Another advantage of a few of the smaller double strollers we've tried is their compact fold. They can fit into spaces that larger strollers aren't able to, and are often more compact when folded.
Finally, most of the strollers that we've tested have a large sunshade, but the it's possible to have nothing to a cocoon covering. If you're on a tight budget then you may want to look into second-hand strollers on auction sites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure to inspect the stroller for wear and tear prior to buying it.
Weight
When shopping for a small double stroller, parents need to consider how much they want to spend and whether it is a good fit for their family's lifestyle. A stroller that is lightweight, for example, may not have enough storage to accommodate large bags or other 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 sturdy and easy to move, which helps to ensure that children are comfortably in their seats and don't shift around when they ride. Strollers that have padded seatbacks as well as adjustable leg rests get higher scores in our tests of comfort than strollers without. The top double strollers come with reclined seats that allow kids to take a break during long rides.
Strollers that can be used for a variety of reasons are becoming more popular than ever due to their innovative designs and thoughtful features. The best models are able to accommodate multiple car seat installation and offer a variety of seating options from the beginning of childhood to preschool. Others are even lightweight enough for jogging or even travel with.
When choosing a small double-stroller it is essential to determine if the stroller can be pushed through narrow doors and other spaces. The older models of tandem strollers and side-by-side strollers are usually too large to pass through the doors of many. The best double strollers are typically narrower than the traditional models, and can be easily pushed through doors that are standard.
You should also consider whether you require a stroller that has additional features such as a cup holder and snack tray. These can be handy for longer trips, but they can add to the total weight and cost of the double stroller.
Folding
A compact double stroller folds compactly to fit into tiny spaces. It is also easy to store. In addition, a lightweight design ensures that it will be easy to move and carry.
Consider where and how often you will use a double stroller. The answer to these questions will help you identify the features that are most important. For instance, if plan to run with the stroller, then you will want to choose one with a an easy suspension that can glide over rough and uneven terrain.
Also, think about the age and temperament of your children. If they're of the same age, a side by side stroller might be the best option. If they are in different stages of development, a tandem stroller may be more suitable for you.
A double stroller may be expensive, but it's an investment that pays off in the long term. A quality model that suits your family's needs can help you travel with children more easily. It also provides you and your children with years of comfort.
If double pushchair are limited in storage space, think about a small double stroller that can fit both infant car seats and toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is ideal for families with two small children and can accommodate twins. It features dual canopies as well as a storage bin which attaches, and a tray for the child with cup holders. This budget-friendly stroller comes with the ability to fold quickly and easily and can be pushed by one hand. Be aware that you need to remove the second seat from most double modular strollers when folding.
Maneuverability
The most effective small double strollers are easy to maneuver and come with smooth, responsive wheels that glide over any surface. These strollers also come with comfortable, reclining seats as well as ample 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 an ideal choice for families who want a single stroller that will grow with their family.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and a travel gear expert who advises parents on strollers and other travel equipment. She suggests selecting a lightweight, easy-to push model. She warns that heavy strollers can cause frame fatigue and injuries. If your stroller is too heavy and difficult to push, you can add a ride-along feature or reduce the number of children.
Some of the double strollers we tested are able to accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for example can hold two toddler or infant seats at once and can be converted into a 3-seat configuration using the RumbleSeat add-on. It also comes with a fashionable inline design with foam-filled tires that won't flatten, as well as an adjustable handbar that can be telescoping. The seat buckles are among the most simple to unfasten and fasten and its large UPF 50+ sunshades feature window-like windows.
Other models offer seating configuration that is flexible, making them suitable for twins, multiples, an older child who is a single person, an infant or toddler with a riding scooter (sold separately). They also come with easy-to-use brakes and a surprisingly compact fold that fits into the majority of trunks. Some are even lightweight enough to schlep up and down stairs. They require minimal assembly. The Joovy Caboose however, requires some tools and was among the most difficult build in our tests.
Safety
The top double strollers have multiple safety features, including adjustable handlebars that give you a comfortable grip and a wide base that doesn't fall over when the kids get up from their seats. The canopies are big enough to cover both kids in the event of rain. They're also simple to use, according to Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician. "Look for a oneor two-step fold that can be easily carried and has a clear, easy location to put the straps," she advises.
The most compact double strollers fit easily through doors, which is a major benefit if you have an incredibly small car or a tiny living space. The smallest models also weigh less than traditional double strollers. This makes them easier to transport from one location to the next.
Parents of children of similar ages may opt for an X-style stroller that is side by side like our top choice for the Joovy Kooper X2, that includes two child seats that can be individually adjusted for recline and size. In our testing, we found the seats 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 large 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 your children are different ages, a sit-and stand stroller, like our top choice UPPAbaby v2 double, could be an option. It can accommodate two car seats for infants, and it has a pair modified seats that serve as bassinets.