Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is a major investment, and it’s one that you will use for years. It is important to choose carefully.
Our testers were looking for strollers with amazing flexibility and a smooth ride over any terrain. They also examined whether they were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are many styles of double strollers available such as tandem, side-by-side (single-file) and wagons. The type of stroller has evolved from the vintage 1980s models that older millennials may be familiar with. Nowadays, they are sleek and offer a variety of customizations that make traveling with children more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller that includes a car seat is an excellent option for getting them from point A to B. Some of the most advanced strollers on the market feature a single frame that can hold two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats which allows them to be used from birth until the time children reach the age of kindergarten. They’re generally more expensive than double stroller frames but offer an integrated car seat system and an enormous undercarriage basket.
Parents with less children can opt for a single-to double-stroller, which is simpler and less expensive. These strollers are generally lighter in weight, and some moms have even told us they’re still using their original stroller years after their children outgrew it.
Another excellent feature of some of the smaller double strollers we’ve tested is their compact fold. They can fit in spaces where larger strollers won’t and are often easier to maneuver once folded.
Finally, most of the small double strollers we’ve tested have a large sunshade, although the coverage varies from nothing to a cocoon cover. For families with a tight budget 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 certain to check the stroller for signs of wear and tear before committing to buying one.
Weight
Parents should consider their budget and whether the stroller is suitable for the family’s lifestyle before purchasing a double stroller. A stroller that is light could, for instance, not have enough storage to accommodate large bags or additional gear. It may not have a large canopy, or other features to make it more convenient to use during long trips.
The best double strollers are easy to maneuver and durable, to ensure that children remain comfortable and not get out of their seats. Strollers that have padded seatbacks as well as adjustable leg rests earn higher marks in our comfort tests than those that do not have. The best double strollers also have reclining seating positions that allow kids to take a break during long trips.
Strollers that can be used for a variety of purposes are more popular than ever before, because of their innovative designs and thoughtful features. Some of the most effective options can accommodate multiple car seat installations and offer a variety of seating configurations from infant to preschool. Some are so light that they can be used for running or even for traveling.
When choosing a small double stroller (here are the findings) it is crucial to know if the stroller will fit through narrow doors and other spaces. Older models of tandem strollers and side-byside walkers are often too wide to fit through the majority of doors. The best small double strollers, however, tend to be narrower than standard models and can be pushed into doors of all sizes easily.
It is also important to consider whether you need a stroller with additional features such as cups holder and a snack tray. These are useful for longer trips, but they add to the overall weight and cost of a double stroller.
Folding
A compact double stroller that folds compactly, easily fitting into tight spaces and making it easy to store. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry and maneuver.
Before you decide on a small double stroller consider the location you intend to use it and how often. These questions will help you decide which features are most important. If you intend to run with your stroller, you’ll want one with an easy suspension so that it can glide smoothly over rough terrain and pavement.
Also, consider the age and temperament of your children. If they are of similar age and have similar temperaments, a tandem stroller might be the best twin buggy option. However, if they are at different stages of development, then a tandem model may be more suitable for your needs.
A double stroller may be expensive, but it is an investment that pays off road double buggy in the long in the long. Investing in a quality model that is suited to your family’s needs will make travelling with kids 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 that can accommodate both toddler car seats and infant car seats. Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon can accommodate twins and is a great option for families with two children. It comes with two canopies and a storage bin that can be attached, and a child’s tray with cup holders. This budget-friendly, lightweight stroller folds easily and can be carried with just one hand. It is worth noting, however, that most double modular strollers require you to take off the second seat before folding them.
Maneuverability
The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and feature smooth, responsive wheels that can glide across all types of surfaces. These strollers come with seating that reclines and have plenty of storage space for your child’s equipment. Many strollers are compatible with toddler and infant seats and car seat carriers. These features make them a great option for families that want one stroller that can grow with their family.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and travel gear expert who advises parents on strollers and other travel gear. She suggests choosing a lightweight, easy-to-push model. She says that heavy strollers can cause frame fatigue and injuries. If your stroller is heavy and difficult for you to push, add a ride-along feature or reduce the number of children.
A few of the 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 with the addition of RumbleSeat. It also has a chic inline design with foam-filled tires which won’t flatten and an adjustable telescoping handbar. Its seat belts are simple to fasten and undo, and its UPF 50+ sunshades feature windows that peek out.
Other models are available with a variety of seating options. They can be used with twins or triplets, a larger child and an infant, or an infant riding the scooter (sold separately). These models also have brakes that are simple to use and an incredibly compact fold that can fit in most trunks. Some are even light enough to schlep up and down steps. Most require little assembly. The Joovy Caboose however, requires a few tools and was among the most difficult to construct during our tests.
Safety
The most reliable double strollers come with a variety of safety features. They come with adjustable handlebars that provide an ergonomic grip, as well as a wide base so it won’t tip over when the children jump out of their seats. They also come with large canopy that can be used to protect both children and even the rain. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says they are easy to use. “Look for simple one- or two step fold that is easy to carry and has a space where the straps can be placed,” she says.
The most compact strollers be pushed through doors effortlessly. This is a great advantage if you live in a small apartment or have a car that isn’t as big. The smallest models are considerably lighter than standard double strollers, which makes them easier to lug from one location to another. No need to strain your arms and back while carrying an oversized stroller on your shoulder.
Parents of children of similar ages may opt for a side by side stroller, such as our top choice: the Joovy Kooper X2, that features two child seats that can be individually adjusted for recline and width. In our tests the seats we found them to be very comfortable and the reclining to be quick and intuitive by using a single lever on each seat. It also has a large storage basket, a parking brake that is one-step (to reduce fatigue in hands when stopping) and a few of our most popular harnesses.
If your children are different ages, a sit-and stand stroller, such as our top pick, the UPPAbaby v2 double, could be an option. It can accommodate two infant car seats, and also has a pair of modified seats that function as bassinets for older children. They can also be modified to accommodate the use of a riding board for a sibling who is even older.
