Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are a big investment that will last for a long time. You must make the right choice.
Our testers looked at strollers that provide incredible mobility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also tested whether the strollers were easy to fold and maneuver.
Size
There are many different styles of double strollers on the market, ranging from side-byside to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The type of stroller has changed from the classic 1980s models that older millennials may remember. Today, they are sleek and offer a variety of customizations that make traveling with kids more enjoyable for everyone.
If you have a child or toddlers to take along, double strollers that include car seats can be extremely useful in getting them from A to B. Some of the most sophisticated strollers have a single frame which can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats. They can be used by children from birth until they 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 may prefer a simple, less-expensive single-to-double stroller. These frames are typically lighter in weight, and some mothers have told us they’re still using their original stroller even after their children have outgrew it.
Another advantage of a few of the smallest double strollers we’ve tested is the compact fold. They can fit in places where larger strollers won’t, and they’re often easier to maneuver once folded.
Additionally, the majority of small double strollers we’ve tested come with a decent-sized sunshade, although the coverage can vary from almost nothing to a cocoon-like covering. For families with a tight budget you should look into second-hand strollers on websites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there’s a stroller that will meet your family’s needs–just be certain 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 fit into their family’s lifestyle when shopping for a double small stroller. A stroller that is lightweight, for example, may not have the storage space to accommodate large bags or other gear. It also might not have a large canopy or other features that would make the stroller easier to take on long journeys.
The most reliable double strollers are sturdy and easy to maneuver and ensure that the children stay comfortably in their seats and don’t move around when they ride. Strollers with cushioned seatbacks and adjustable leg rests get 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 take a break during long walks.
Innovative designs and clever features make strollers that can be used in various ways more popular than ever. Some of the most effective options are able to 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.
One of the most important things to take into consideration when selecting a small double stroller is whether it will be able to pass through doors and other narrow spaces. The older models of tandem strollers and side-by-side walkers are often too wide to fit through the doors of many. The most compact double strollers, however, tend to be smaller than the traditional models and can be easily pushed into doors of all sizes with ease.
Another thing to consider is whether you require a stroller that has additional features like a cup holder, or a snack tray. These can be handy for longer excursions, but they add to the weight and cost of a double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller can be folded compactly to fit in small spaces. It is also easy to keep in storage. Additionally, its lightweight design ensures that it will be easy to maneuver and carry.
Before you choose a compact double stroller take note of where you’ll use it and how often. These questions will help you determine the most important features. If you’re planning to run with the stroller, you’ll want one with an elongated suspension so that it can easily glide across rough roads and uneven terrain.
Also, take into consideration the age and temperament of your children. If they are of similar age, a side by side stroller may be the most suitable option. If they are at different stages of development then a tandem style may be more suitable for your needs.
A double running buggy stroller can be expensive, but it’s an investment that will pay 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 a lifetime of comfort.
If you are limited in storage space, double strollers are an excellent option. It can accommodate both infant car seats as well as toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is a great choice for families with two small children, and it can even hold twins. It features dual canopies and a storage bin that attaches, and an infant tray 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 when folding them.
Maneuverability
The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and feature smooth, responsive wheels that glide across all types of surfaces. They also have comfortable, reclining seats and ample storage space for children’s gear. A lot of these strollers are also compatible with infant and toddler seats and car seat carriers. These features make them a great option for families that want a single stroller that can expand with their family.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who provides parents with advice on travel gear and strollers she suggests selecting a lightweight stroller that is easy for children to push. She says that heavy strollers can cause frame fatigue and injuries. “If your stroller feels heavy and difficult to push, think about adding a ride-along deck or reduce the number of kids in the seat.”
Several of the small double strollers we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for instance, can carry two infant car seats or toddler seats at once and can convert to a three-seat layout by using the add-on RumbleSeat. It also features a chic, inline design, foam-filled tires that don’t be flat and a telescoping handlebar that can be adjusted. Its seat belts are easy to adjust and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades feature windows that peek out.
Other models have seating flexibility, which makes them suitable for multiples, twins or a single older kid and an infant or toddler with a riding scooter (sold separately). They also come with easy-to-use brakes and a relatively compact fold that fits in most trunks. Some are light enough to transport up and down stairs. Most require only a few pieces of assembly, though the Joovy Caboose requires a few tools and took the longest to build in our tests.
Safety
The best compact double stroller double strollers have numerous safety features, such as adjustable handlebars for a comfortable grip and a wide base that won’t tip over when the children get out of their seats. They also come with large canopy that cover both kiddos in even the rain. They’re also simple to use, says Alli Cavasino who is a certified child passenger safety technician. “Look for a oneor two-step fold that is easy to carry and has a clear, easy place to put the straps,” she advises.
The narrowest compact double strollers fit easily through doors, which is a major advantage if you have an incredibly small car or a tiny living space. The smallest models are much lighter than normal double strollers, making them easier to lug from one location to the next. No needing to strain your arms or back when you carry an oversized stroller on your shoulder.
Parents with children of similar ages may opt for an X-style stroller that is side by side one of our top choice for the Joovy Kooper X2, that includes two child seats that can be adjusted individually for recline and width. We found that the seats were extremely comfortable, and recline was easy and easy. Each seat has only one lever. It also has an enormous storage basket, an integrated parking brake that’s one-step (to reduce fatigue in the hands while stopping) and some of our top harnesses.
If you have kids far apart in age, then a sit-and-stand stroller like our top pick, the UPPAbaby Vista Double, could be a good choice. It is compatible with two infant car seats, and also has two seats that have been modified which function as bassinets older children. They can also be modified to accommodate a riding platform to accommodate a sibling of a similar age.