Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are a big investment that you'll use for a long time. It is important to choose carefully.
Our test participants looked at strollers that have excellent flexibility and smooth rides on any terrain. They also checked whether the strollers were easy to fold and maneuver.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers on the market such as tandem, side-by-side (single-file) and wagons. The style has evolved from the vintage 1980s models that older millennials may be familiar with. Today, they are modern and sleek, with a variety of customizations that make traveling with children more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents of toddlers or infants, a double stroller and car seats is a great option to transport them from one point to B. Some of the most modern strollers have one frame that can accommodate two infant car seat or convertible toddler seats. This allows them to be utilized by children from birth until they reach kindergarten age. These are typically more expensive than a standard double stroller frame, but they also provide the convenience of a built-in car seat system and a large undercarriage basket which can hold both car seats.
tandem double buggy with fewer children may prefer a simple one-to-double stroller that is less expensive. These strollers are typically lighter, and some moms still use their stroller after their children have outgrown it.
Another excellent feature of a number of the tiniest double strollers we've tested is their compact fold. They can be tucked away where larger strollers won't and are often easier to maneuver once folded.
Additionally, the majority of small double strollers we've tested come with a decent-sized sunshade, but the coverage varies from nothing to a cocoon covering. 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 sure to inspect any used stroller for signs of wear and tear before committing to buying one.
Weight
Parents should take into consideration their budget and if the stroller will be a good fit for their family's lifestyle when purchasing a double stroller. A stroller that is lightweight could, for instance, not have enough storage to hold large bags or additional gear. It may not have a big canopy, or other features to make it more convenient to use during long trips.
The most reliable double strollers are durable and easy to maneuver and ensure that the children remain comfortably in their seats and do not move around while riding. Strollers that have padded seatbacks as well as adjustable leg rests get higher marks in our comfort tests than those that do not have. The top double strollers offer reclining seating positions that allow kids to unwind during long rides.
Innovative designs and clever features make strollers that can be used in many ways more popular than ever. Some of the top strollers can accommodate multiple car seats and offer an array of seating options from birth to preschool. Some are lightweight enough for jogging or travel.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a compact double stroller is whether it will fit through doorways and other narrow spaces. The majority of older models of side-byside strollers and tandem strollers have a wide width which makes them incompatible with numerous doors. The most effective double strollers are typically smaller than the standard models, and are able to be easily pushed through standard doorways.
Another thing to think about is whether you need a stroller with additional features like a cup holder or snack tray. These can be handy for longer excursions, but they add to the overall weight and cost of the double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller can fold compactly, fitting easily into tight spaces and making it easy to store. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry and move.
Before you choose a small double stroller, think about where you'll use it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you determine the features that are the most important. For example, if you are planning to use the stroller for running you'll need to look for one with an easy suspension that can glide across rough and paved terrain.
Also, take into consideration the temperament and age of your children. If they are of the same age and have similar temperaments, a tandem stroller could be the best option. If they are in different stages of development, the tandem stroller might be more suitable for you.
A double stroller is costly but it will pay off over time. Investing in a quality model that is suited to your family's needs will make travel with kids easier, and it will also give years of comfort to you and your kids.
If you're short on storage space, the double stroller is an excellent option. It can hold toddlers and infant car seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is a great choice for families with two small children and can hold twins. It comes with two canopy options and a storage bin that can be attached and a tray for the child with cup holders. This budget-friendly stroller also offers the ability to fold quickly and easily and can be carried by one hand. It is important to know that you must remove the second seat on most double modular strollers when folding.
Maneuverability
The best double strollers designed for small spaces are easy to maneuver, and they come with wheels that glide effortlessly over any surface. These strollers also come with comfortable, reclining seats as well as ample storage space for children's gear. Additionally they can accommodate car seat carriers as well as infant toddler seats. These features make these strollers an ideal option for families looking for one stroller that is multi-purpose.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who provides parents with advice on strollers and travel gear She suggests choosing a light stroller that is easy for children to push. "Strollers that are too heavy can cause frame fatigue and injury," she says. "If your stroller is weighing too much and difficult to push, you might consider including a ride-along board, or reduce the number of children in the seat."
A few of the double strollers that we tested are able to accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for instance, can hold two toddler or infant seats at a time, and can be transformed into a 3-seat configuration using the RumbleSeat add-on. It also features a chic inline design, with foam-filled tires that won't go flat, and a telescoping handlebar that can be adjusted. The seat buckles are one of the easiest to fasten and unfasten, and its generous UPF 50+ sunshades have peekaboo windows.
Other models come with different seating configurations. They can be used with twins, triplets, an older child and an infant or a toddler riding on a scooter (sold separately). These models also feature brakes that are simple to use and a compact fold that fits into most trunks. Some are so lightweight that they can be carried up and down stairs. The majority of them require little assembly. The Joovy Caboose, however, requires some tools and was the most difficult to construct during our tests.
Safety
The most reliable double strollers come with multiple safety features. They have adjustable handlebars, which provide an ergonomic grip, as well as a large base to ensure it will not tip over when children get out of their seats. They also have large canopy that can be used to protect both children and even rainstorms. 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 can be easy to carry and has a clear, obvious where to place the straps," she advises.
The tiniest strollers are able to pass through doors easily. This is an excellent benefit if you live in an apartment that is small or have a car that isn't as big. The smallest models are considerably lighter than standard double strollers, which makes them much easier to carry from one place to another--no more straining your arms and back while carrying an oversized stroller on your shoulder.
Parents who have kids older than their age could consider a side-by-side stroller like our top choice for the Joovy Kooper X2, which includes two child seats that can be adjusted for recline and width separately. In our testing we found that the seats were very comfortable and recline was easy and simple. Each seat has one lever. It also comes with a massive storage basket, a one-step linked parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue when stopping), and some of the best harnesses we have tested.
If you have children that are from each other in terms of age, then a stroller that sits and stands, such as our top choice, the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, may be a good choice. It accepts two infant car seats and has a pair of modified seats that act as bassinets for older children. It can also be modified to accommodate a riding board to accommodate a sibling of a similar age.