Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are a big investment that will be used for many years. You must make the right choice.
Our testers were looking for strollers with amazing mobility and smooth rides over any terrain. They also inspected whether the strollers were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are many different styles of double strollers on market, ranging from side-byside to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The style has evolved from the vintage 1980s models that older millennials may be familiar with. Today, they are sleek and offer a variety of customizations that make traveling with children more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents of toddlers or infants, a double stroller with car seats is a great option to transport them from one point to B. Some of the most advanced strollers have a single frame which can accommodate two infant car seat or convertible toddler seats. This lets them be used by children as young as until they reach kindergarten age. These are usually more expensive than double stroller frames but they come with an integrated car seat system, as well as an enormous undercarriage basket.
Parents who don't have multiple children might prefer a simpler one-to-double stroller that is less expensive. These frames are typically lighter in weight, and some mothers have told us they're still using their old stroller years after their children outgrew it.
The compact fold is another fantastic feature of some of the tiniest double strollers we've tested. They can fit in places where larger strollers wouldn't and are often easier to maneuver once folded.
Finally, most of the strollers that we've tested come with a decent-sized sunshade, although the coverage can vary from almost nothing to a cocoon cover. For budget-conscious families it's worth looking at secondhand strollers on sites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's a stroller that will meet your family's needs. Just be double tandem pushchair to check the stroller for signs of wear and tear prior to making a decision to purchase one.
Weight
Parents should think about their budget and if the stroller will be a good fit for their family's lifestyle when shopping for a double small stroller. For instance, a light stroller might not provide enough space for large bags or other equipment. It might also not have the capacity to cover a large area or other features that would make the stroller easier to use for long trips.
The best double strollers are strong and easy to move, which helps to ensure that the children remain comfortable in their seats and don't move around while riding. In our tests for comfort we give higher marks to strollers that have adjustable seatbacks and leg rests with padding. The top double strollers have reclined seats that allow kids to unwind on long rides.
Innovative designs and thoughtful features are making strollers that can be used in various ways more popular than ever. Some of the best options are able to accommodate multiple car seat configurations and provide an extended range of seating configurations from birth to preschool years. Some are lightweight enough for jogging or even travel with.
When choosing a small double-stroller it is crucial to know if the stroller will fit through narrow doorways and other spaces. The older models of tandem strollers and side-by-side walkers are often too wide to fit through the majority of doors. The most effective small double strollers tend to be narrower than standard models and can be pushed right into doors of all sizes easily.
Another thing to think about is whether you'll need a stroller that has additional features such as a cup holder or snack tray. These can be handy for longer trips, but they add to the overall weight and cost of the double stroller.
Folding
A compact double stroller can be folded compactly to fit into small spaces. It is also easy to keep in storage. In addition, a lightweight design makes it possible for it to be easy to maneuver and transport.
Before you pick a stroller that is small 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 the most important. If you intend to run with the stroller, you'll need one with an easy suspension so that it can glide over rough surfaces and pavement.
Also, think about the age and temperaments of your children. If they are of similar age and have similar temperaments, a tandem stroller could be the best option. If they are in different stages of development, an incline stroller could be better suited to your needs.
A double stroller can be costly however, the investment will pay off in the long run. Making the investment in a high-quality model that meets your family's needs will make traveling with children much easier and will give years of comfort to both of you.
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 a great choice for families with two young children and can hold twins. It comes with two canopies as well as an attached storage bin and a tray for the child with cup holders. This budget-friendly, lightweight stroller is easy to fold and can be carried using only one hand. It is worth pointing out that the majority of double modular strollers require you to remove the second seat prior to folding them.
Maneuverability
The best 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. In addition some of these strollers can accommodate car seat carriers and infant toddler seats. These features make these strollers a great option for families who 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 stroller that is easy to push. "Strollers that are too heavy could lead to frame fatigue and injuries," she says. "If your stroller feels heavy and difficult to push, you might consider including a ride-along board, or reducing the number of children in the seat."
Several of the small double strollers we tried 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 comes with a fashionable inline design with foam-filled tires that will not flatten, and an adjustable handbar that telescopically adjusts. Its seat buckles are among the easiest to fasten and unfasten and its UPF 50+ sunshades come with 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 have easy-to-use brakes and a compact fold that can fit into most trunks. Some are even lightweight enough to schlep up and down the stairs. The majority of them require little assembly. The Joovy Caboose however, requires some tools and was among the most difficult build in our tests.
Safety
The top double strollers are outfitted with a variety of safety features. They have adjustable handlebars, which provide a comfortable grip, and a wide base so it won't fall over when children get out of their seats. The canopy is large 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 an easy one- or two-step fold that's easily carried, and that has a clear, easy where to place the straps," she advises.
The tiniest of double strollers that are compact can fit through doorways with ease--a major benefit for those with a small car or limited living space. The smallest models weigh less than traditional double strollers. This makes them easier to carry from one location to the next.
Parents with children who are close to their age can consider a side-by-side stroller like our top pick one, the Joovy Kooper X2, which has two child seats that can be adjusted for the width and recline independently. We discovered that the seats are extremely comfortable, and the reclining was quick and easy. Each seat is equipped with a single lever. It also has a huge storage basket, a one-step linked parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue when stopping) and some of the best harnesses we've tested.
If you have children who are apart in age, then a sit-and-stand stroller, like our top choice, the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, might be a good fit. It can fit two car seats for infants, and it also has two modified seats that double as bassinets.