Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is a significant purchase, and it's one that you will use for many years. You should choose wisely.
Our testers examined strollers that have great flexibility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also examined whether the models were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are many different styles of double strollers on the market, from side-by-side to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The category has advanced from the massive 1980s models that many older generation millennials may remember. Today they're sleek and come with a range of customizations to make travel with children more enjoyable for everyone involved.
If you have a child or toddlers to take along, an extra stroller that has a car seat can be incredibly useful for getting them from A to B. Some of the most sophisticated strollers on the market have frames that can hold two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats, allowing them to be used from birth until children reach the age of kindergarten. They're generally more expensive than double stroller frames, but offer 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 usually lighter and some moms utilize their original stroller after their children have outgrown it.
double buggy sale of some of the smaller double strollers we've tested is their compact fold. They can fit into spaces that larger strollers cannot, and are often easier to maneuver when folded.
In addition, all of the compact double strollers we've tested feature a nice-sized sunshade, but the coverage can vary from almost nothing to a cocoon covering. If you're looking for a bargain it's a good idea to check out secondhand strollers that are available on websites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure you check the stroller for signs of wear prior to buying it.
Weight
Parents should take into consideration their budget and whether the stroller will be a good fit for their family's needs when purchasing a double stroller. A stroller that is light, for example, may not have the storage space to accommodate large bags or additional gear. It also might not have a large canopy or other features that make it easier to use for long trips.
The most reliable double strollers are sturdy and easy to move and ensure that children are comfortable in their seats and don't move around while riding. In our tests of comfort, we give higher marks to strollers with adjustable seatbacks and leg rests with padding. The best double strollers also offer reclining seating positions that allow kids to take a break on long trips.
Strollers that can be used for a variety of purposes are becoming more popular than ever due to their innovative designs and clever features. Some of the best strollers can accommodate multiple car seats and provide an array of seating options from birth to preschool. Some are so light they can be used for running or even for traveling.
When choosing a small double-stroller it is essential to know if the stroller can fit through narrow doorways and other spaces. Often, older models of side-by-side strollers and tandem strollers have a wide width that makes them incompatible with many doors. The best double strollers are generally smaller than the standard models, and are able to be pushed through most standard doorways.
Another thing to consider is whether you require a stroller with additional features like a cup holder or snack tray. These are great for longer excursions, but they add to the weight and cost of a double stroller.
Folding
A compact double stroller can be folded compactly to fit into small spaces. It is also easy to store. Additionally, its lightweight design guarantees that it will be easy to maneuver and carry.
Before you pick a small double stroller, think about where you'll use it and how often. These questions will help you determine what features are essential. For instance, if you intend to run with the stroller then you'll want to choose one with a an easy suspension that can glide over rough and uneven terrain.
Take into consideration the age and temperament of your children, too. If they're of the same age and temperament, a side-by-side stroller might be the best option. If they are in different stages of development, a tandem stroller may be better suited to your needs.
A double stroller may be costly, but it's an investment that will pay off in the long in the long. A high-quality model that meets your family's needs will make traveling with kids easier. It also provides you and your children with years of comfort.
If you have limited storage space, think about a compact double stroller that can accommodate both infant car seats as well as toddlers. Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon can accommodate twins and is an excellent option for families with two children. It comes with two canopy options and a storage bin that attaches, and a tray for the child with cup holders. This stroller is budget-friendly and offers an easy and quick fold and can be pushed by one hand. It is worth pointing out, however, that most 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 they come with wheels that glide effortlessly over any surface. These strollers come with reclined seats that are comfortable and have plenty of storage space for your children's equipment. In addition some of these strollers can accommodate car seat carriers as well as infant toddler seats. These features make them a perfect choice for families who want one stroller that can grow with their family.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who offers advice to parents on strollers and travel gear, recommends choosing a lightweight model that is easy to push. She advises that strollers that are heavy can cause frame fatigue and injuries. "If your stroller feels heavy and difficult to push, you might consider adding a ride-along deck or reduce the number of kids in the seat."
A few of the smaller double strollers we tried can accommodate multiple infant car seat carriers. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for instance, can hold two infant seats or toddler seats at the same time and can be converted to three seats using the RumbleSeat add-on. It also has a stylish inline design, with foam-filled tires that don't go flat, and an adjustable telescoping handlebar. Its seat belts are simple to secure and remove, and its UPF 50+ sunshades come with windows that can be seen through.
Other models have seating that is flexible, making them suitable for twins, multiples, one older child and an infant, or a toddler who has a riding scooter (sold separately). They also have easy-to-use brakes and a relatively compact fold that can fit into most trunks. Some are light enough to schlep up and down steps. The majority of them require little assembly. The Joovy Caboose, however, requires a few tools and was the most difficult to construct during our tests.
Safety
The best double strollers are equipped with multiple safety features. They come with adjustable handlebars that give you an ergonomic grip, as well as a large base to ensure it won't fall over when children leap out of their seats. The canopy is large enough to accommodate both kids in rainstorms. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says they are easy to use. "Look for a simple one or two-step fold that is easy to carry and has a clear place where the straps can be positioned," she says.
The tiniest of double strollers can be pushed easily through doors, which is a major benefit if you have a small car or limited living space. The smallest models also weigh less than normal double strollers. This makes them easier to carry from one location to the next.
Parents with children older than their age could consider the side-by-side stroller, such as our top pick for the Joovy Kooper X2, which includes two child seats that can be adjusted for recline and width separately. In our tests the seats we found them to be extremely comfortable, and the reclining to be simple and easy by using 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 have tested.
If you have children that are from each other in age, a sit-and-stand stroller, like our top pick, the UPPAbaby Vista Double, might be a good choice. It can accommodate two car seats for infants, and it also has two modified seats that can be used as bassinets.