Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are a big investment that you'll use for a long time. This is why you must pick wisely.
Our testers examined strollers that have great mobility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also checked whether the models were easy to fold and maneuver.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers available on the market, ranging from side-by-side to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The style has changed from the classic 1980s designs that older millennials might remember. Nowadays, they are modern and sleek, with a variety of features that make travelling with kids more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller with car seats is a great option for bringing them from point A to point B. Some of the most modern strollers feature frames that can accommodate two infant car seat or convertible toddler seats. They can be utilized by children from birth until they reach kindergarten age. They are generally more expensive than double stroller frames but offer an integrated car seat system and an enormous undercarriage basket.
Parents who don't have multiple children might prefer a simpler, less-expensive single-to-double stroller. These strollers are typically lighter, and some moms still use their stroller after their children have outgrown it.
The compact fold is another great feature of some the tiniest double strollers we've test. They can be tucked away that larger strollers can't and are generally easier to maneuver once folded.
Most of the double strollers that we tested had a decent sunshade. However, the coverage can vary from zero to an entire cocoon. If you're on a budget, you might want to look for second-hand strollers that are available on sites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure to check the stroller for signs of wear prior to purchasing it.
Weight
When looking for a compact double stroller, parents must consider how much they want to spend and whether it is a good fit for their family's lifestyle. A lightweight stroller, for example, may not have the storage space to accommodate bulky bags or additional gear. It might not have a big canopy or other features that make it more convenient to use during long trips.
The most reliable double strollers are strong and easy to move, which helps to ensure that the children remain comfortably in their seats and don't shift around while riding. Strollers that have padded seatbacks as well as adjustable leg rests get higher marks in our comfort tests than those without. The best double strollers also have reclining seating positions which allow children to unwind on long rides.
Innovative designs and clever features are making strollers that can be used in many ways more popular than ever. Some of the most popular strollers can accommodate multiple car seats and provide many seating options for babies through preschool. Some are lightweight enough for jogging or travel.
When choosing a small double-stroller it is crucial to determine if the stroller can fit through narrow doors and other spaces. Most older models of side-by-side strollers and tandem strollers have an overall wideness that makes them unsuitable for the majority of doors. The most effective double strollers are generally narrower than the traditional models, and are able to be pushed through most standard doorways.
You should also consider whether you require a stroller that has additional features, such as an holder for your cup and a snack tray. These are great for longer trips but can add weight and cost to a double stroller.
Folding
A compact double stroller can fold compactly to fit into small spaces. It is also easy to keep in storage. In addition, a lightweight design guarantees that it will be easy to move and carry.
Before you choose a stroller that is small take note of where you'll use it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you identify the features that are most important. If you plan to run in the stroller, you'll need one with an elongated suspension so that it can glide over rough surfaces and pavement.
Also, consider the temperament and age of your children. If they are close in age, then a side-by-side stroller might be the best choice. If they are at 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 simplify the process of traveling with kids. It will also provide you and your children with years of convenience.
If you're short on storage space, a double stroller is an excellent option. It can hold infant car seats and toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is a great choice for families with two children, and it can even accommodate twins. It has dual canopies as well as an attached storage bin, and a child's tray with cup holders. This budget-friendly stroller comes with an easy and quick fold, and it can be carried with just 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 most suitable double strollers for small spaces are easy to maneuver and they have wheels that glide smoothly over any surface. These strollers come with reclined seats that are comfortable and have plenty of storage space for your child's equipment. Additionally some of these strollers can accommodate car seat carriers as well as infant toddler seats. These features make these strollers a great choice for families that want one stroller that can be used for multiple purposes.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and a travel gear expert who offers advice to parents about strollers and travel equipment. She suggests selecting a lightweight, easy-to push model. She advises that strollers that are heavy can cause frame fatigue and injuries. "If your stroller feels heavy and difficult to push, think about adding a ride-along board or reduce the number of kids in the seat."
Many of the compact double strollers we tried can accommodate multiple infant car seat carriers. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for example can hold two infant seats or toddler seats at once and can be converted to 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 and an adjustable telescoping handbar. Its seat belts are easy to adjust and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades feature peekaboo windows.
Other models provide seating flexibility, which makes them suitable for twins, multiples, one older child and an infant or toddler who has a riding scooter (sold separately). They also come with easy-to-use brakes and a surprisingly compact fold that can fit into most trunks. Some are light enough to schlep up and down the stairs. Most require little assembly. The Joovy Caboose, however, requires a few tools and was the most difficult to build during our tests.
double pram and pushchair are equipped with numerous safety features. They have adjustable handlebars, which provide the user with a comfortable grip and a wide base so it will not tip over when children get out of their seats. The canopies are large enough to accommodate both kids in rainstorms. They're also simple to use, says Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician. "Look for a oneor two-step fold that can be easily carried, and that has a clear, easy location to put the straps," she advises.
The narrowest compact double strollers fit through doors with ease, which is a huge advantage if you have the space of a small car or living space. The smallest models also weigh less than traditional double strollers. This makes them easier to transport from one place to the next.
Parents of children of the same age may prefer an X-style stroller that is side by side like our top pick one: the Joovy Kooper X2, that features two child seats that can be adjusted individually for recline and width. In our tests the seats we found them to be extremely comfortable, and the recline to be quick and intuitive with just one lever on each seat. It also comes with a massive storage basket, a one-step linked parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue while stopping) as well as some of the most comfortable harnesses we've tested.
If your children are different ages, a sit-and- stand stroller, such as our top pick the UPPAbaby V2 double, may be an option. It can accommodate two car seats for infants, and it also has two modified seats that can be used as bassinets.