Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are a big investment that will last for many years. This is why you must choose carefully.
Our test participants looked at strollers that provide incredible flexibility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also examined whether the models were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are many styles of double strollers that include tandem, side-byside (single-file) and wagons. The type of stroller has evolved from the vintage 1980s designs that older millennials may remember. These days, they're sleek and offer a variety of options to make traveling with children more enjoyable for everyone.
If you have a child or toddlers in tow, a double stroller that includes a car seat is a great option for getting them from A to B. Some of the most sophisticated strollers available feature frames that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats, allowing them to be used from birth until children reach kindergarten age. They are generally more expensive than a standard double stroller frame, but they also come with the convenience of a built-in car seat system and a spacious undercarriage basket that can accommodate both car seats.
Parents with less children can choose a single-to-double-stroller that is more simple and less expensive. These strollers are generally lighter in weight, and a few moms have even told us they're still using their original stroller even after their children have outgrew it.
The compact fold is a excellent feature of the tiniest double strollers we've tried. They can fit in spaces larger strollers can't and are usually easier to maneuver when folded.
Finally, most of the strollers that we've tested come with a decent-sized sunshade, but the it's possible to have nothing to a cocoon-like covering. For budget-conscious families, it's worth checking out second-hand strollers on websites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's an option that fits your family's needs. Just be certain to check the stroller for signs of wear and tear prior to committing to buying one.
Weight
Parents should think about their budget and if the stroller will be a good fit for the family's lifestyle before looking for a double-small stroller. A lightweight stroller is one example. It may not have the storage space to accommodate bulky bags or other equipment. It may not have a large canopy or other features that make it more convenient to use during long trips.
The most reliable double strollers are sturdy and easy to maneuver that helps ensure that the children remain comfortably in their seats and don't move around while riding. Strollers that have padded seatbacks as well as adjustable leg rests score higher scores in our tests of comfort than those that do not have. The best double strollers also provide reclining seating options which allow children to unwind on long trips.
Innovative designs and clever features are making strollers that can be used in various ways more popular than ever. Some of the best options can accommodate multiple car seat installations and offer a variety of seating options for children from birth to preschool years. Some are so light that they can be used for jogging or traveling.
When selecting a compact double-stroller it is essential to determine if the stroller will fit through narrow doors and other spaces. The older models of tandem strollers as well as side-by-side strollers are typically too wide to fit through the majority of doors. The best tandem strollers are usually shorter than the typical models, and are able to be pushed through most doors.
You should also think about whether you require a stroller that has additional features, such as an holder for your cup and a snack tray. These are useful for longer trips, but they will add weight and expense to the double stroller.
Folding
A compact double stroller can fold compactly to fit into small spaces. It is also easy to store. In addition, a lightweight design makes it possible for it to be easy to maneuver and transport.
Think about the places and times you will be using a double stroller. The answer to these questions will help you determine the features that are the most important. For instance, if you are planning to run with the stroller you'll need to find one with an easy suspension that can glide over pavement and rough terrain.
Consider the age and temperament of your children too. If they are of the same age, a side by side stroller may be the most suitable option. If they are at different stages of development, the tandem stroller might be more suitable for you.
A double stroller can be expensive, but it's an investment that will pay off in the long term. A high-quality model that meets your family's needs can make traveling with kids easier. It also provides you and your children with years of comfort.
If you have limited storage space, you might want to consider a small double stroller which can accommodate toddler car seats and infant car seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is an excellent choice for families with two small children, and it can even accommodate twins. click features dual canopies as well as a storage bin which can be attached, as well as an infant tray with cup holders. This lightweight, budget-friendly stroller folds easily and can be carried using only one hand. You should be aware that you have to remove the second seat of the majority of double modular strollers when folding.
Maneuverability
The best double strollers for small children are easy to maneuver and come with smooth, supple wheels that glide over all kinds of surfaces. These strollers come with seating that reclines and plenty of storage space for your child's gear. Many of these strollers are also compatible with toddler and infant seats as well as car seat carriers. These features make these strollers a great choice for families that want a single, multi-purpose stroller.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who offers advice to parents on travel gear and strollers she suggests selecting a lightweight model that is easy to push. She advises that strollers that are heavy can cause frame fatigue and injuries. If your stroller is heavy and difficult to push, you can add a ride-along feature or reduce the number of children.
Some double strollers that we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for example, can hold two infant car seats or toddler seats at once and can be converted to a three-seat layout by using the add-on RumbleSeat. It also features a chic, inline design, foam-filled tires that can't go flat, and a telescoping handlebar that can be adjusted. Its seat buckles are among the most simple to secure and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades have window-like windows.
Other models provide seating flexibility, which makes them suitable for multiples, twins, a single older kid and an infant or toddler with a riding scooter (sold separately). These models also come with brakes that are simple to use and the compact fold that fits into most trunks. Some are even lightweight enough to schlep up and down stairs. Most require little assembly. The Joovy Caboose however, requires a few tools and was among the most difficult to build during our tests.
Safety
The best double strollers are equipped with multiple safety features. They come with adjustable handlebars that provide the user with a comfortable grip and a large base to ensure it won't fall over when children leap out of their seats. They also have large canopy that cover both kiddos in even the rain. They're also simple to use, according to Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician. "Look for an easy one- or two-step fold that is easy to carry and has a clear place where the straps can be placed," she says.
The most double strollers that are compact can fit easily through doors, which is a major benefit for those with an incredibly small car or a tiny living space. The smallest models are considerably lighter than traditional double strollers, which makes them easier to lug from one place to another--no more straining your arms and back as you sling a heavy stroller over your shoulder.
Parents who have kids close in age may choose the side-by-side stroller, such as our top option for the Joovy Kooper X2, which features two child seats that can be adjusted to width and recline individually. In our tests, we discovered that the seats are extremely comfortable, and the reclining was quick and intuitive. Each seat is equipped with only one lever. It also has an enormous storage basket, a parking brake that is one step (to reduce fatigue in the hands while stopping) and some of our most popular harnesses.
If your children are different ages, a sitting-and- stand stroller, such as our top choice the UPPAbaby V2 double, may be an ideal choice. It accepts two infant car seats, and also has a pair of modified seats that function as bassinets for older children. It can also be modified to accommodate a riding board for a sibling who is even older.