Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is a significant investment, and it's one you'll use for years. You must make the right choice.
Our testers looked at strollers that provide incredible flexibility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also checked whether the models were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are many different styles of double strollers available on the market, ranging from side-byside to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The category has advanced from the massive 1980s models that a few older generations might have recalled. Nowadays, they're sleek and support various options for customization to make the experience of traveling with kids more enjoyable for everyone involved.
For parents with infants or toddlers to take along, a double stroller that includes a car seat can be extremely useful in getting them from A to B. Some of the most sophisticated strollers have one frame that can accommodate two infant car seat 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 a simple double stroller frame, however they also offer the convenience of a built-in car seat system and a large undercarriage basket which can accommodate both car seats.
Parents who don't have multiple children might want a simple and less expensive single-to-double stroller. These strollers are typically lighter and some moms utilize their original stroller after their children have outgrown it.
The compact fold is another great feature of some the smallest double strollers that we've tried. They can fit in spaces that larger strollers cannot and are usually more maneuverable when folded.
Finally, most compact double stroller of the small double strollers we've tested have a large sunshade, although the it's possible to have nothing to a cocoon cover. If you're on a budget then you may want to check out secondhand strollers that are available on sites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure to inspect the stroller for signs of wear prior to buying it.
Weight
Parents should think about their budget and whether the stroller is suitable for their family's lifestyle when shopping for a double small stroller. A stroller that is lightweight is one example. It may not have the storage space to accommodate bulky bags or additional gear. It may also not have a the capacity to cover a large area or other features that would make it easier to use for long trips.
The best double strollers are sturdy and easy to maneuver, which helps to ensure that the children remain comfortably in their seats and don't move around while riding. In our tests for comfort, we give higher marks to strollers with adjustable seatbacks and leg rests that are cushioned. The top double strollers come with reclined seats that allow kids to unwind on long rides.
Strollers that can be used for a variety of reasons are becoming more popular than ever, due to their innovative designs and thoughtful features. Some of the best strollers can accommodate multiple car seats and provide many seating options from birth through preschool. Others are even lightweight enough to run or travel.
When choosing a small double twin stroller with car seats it is crucial to consider whether the stroller will fit through narrow doors and other spaces. The older models of tandem strollers as well as side-by-side strollers are usually too wide to fit through many doors. The most compact double strollers are usually narrower than traditional models and can be pushed right into doors of all sizes with ease.
Another thing to think about is whether you require a stroller with additional features such as a cup holder or snack tray. These can be handy for longer excursions, but they add to the overall weight and cost of a double twin stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller is designed to fold compactly, easily fitting into tight spaces and making it easy to put away. A lightweight design makes it easy to carry and move.
Before you pick a small double stroller consider where you'll use it and how often. These questions will help you decide which features are most important. If you intend to run in the stroller, you'll want one that has an elongated suspension so that it can glide over rough surfaces and pavement.
Also, consider the age and temperament of your children. If they are of similar age, then a tandem stroller could be the best. If they are at different stages of development then a tandem stroller may be the best choice for you.
A double stroller can be costly however, the investment will pay off in the long run. Making the investment in a high-quality model that is suited to your family's needs will make travelling with children easier and will offer years of convenience for you and your children.
If you are limited in storage space, think about a small double stroller that can fit both toddler car seats and infant car seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is a great choice for families with two children, and it can even accommodate twins. It features dual canopies, a storage bin that attaches, and an infant tray with cup holders. This lightweight, budget-friendly stroller is easy to fold and can be carried using only one hand. It is worth noting, however, that most double modular strollers require that you remove the second seat prior to folding them.
Maneuverability
The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and come with smooth and responsive wheels that glide across any surface. These strollers have seating that reclines and plenty of storage space for your kids' equipment. Additionally they can accommodate car seat carriers as well as infant toddler seats. These features make them an ideal option for families that 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 warns that heavy strollers can cause frame fatigue and injuries. "If your stroller is heavy and difficult to push, consider including a ride-along board, or reduce the number of kids in the seat."
A few of the smaller double strollers we tested could accommodate multiple infant car seat carriers. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for example, can hold two infant car seats or toddler seats simultaneously and converts to a three-seat layout with the help of the RumbleSeat. It also has a stylish design with an inline design, foam-filled tires that won't be flat, and a telescoping handlebar that can be adjusted. Its seat belts are easy to fasten and undo and its UPF 50+ sunshades have peekaboo windows.
Other models come with different seating configurations. They can be used for twins, triplets, an older child and an infant or a toddler riding the scooter (sold separately). They also come with brakes that are easy to use and a compact fold that can fit into most trunks. Some are so lightweight double buggy that they can be carried up and down the stairs. They require minimal assembly. The Joovy Caboose however, requires some tools and was the most difficult to build during our tests.
Safety
The most reliable double strollers come with numerous safety features. They come with adjustable handlebars, which provide an ergonomic grip, as well as an extra wide base that won't tip over when the children get out of their seats. They also have generous canopies that can be used to protect both children and even the rain. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She claims they are simple to use. "Look for an easy one or two step fold that is easy to carry and has a clear place where straps can be put," she says.
The tiniest strollers are able to fit through doors with ease. This is a great benefit if you live in smaller spaces or have a limited car. The smallest models weigh less than normal double strollers. This makes them easier to carry from one location to the next.
Parents of children who are who are close to their age can consider the side-by-side stroller, such as our top choice for the Joovy Kooper X2, which has two child seats that can be adjusted for the width and recline independently. In our testing we discovered that the seats were very comfortable and the reclining was quick and simple. Each seat is equipped with a single lever. It also has an ample storage basket, a built-in parking brake that is one-step (to reduce fatigue in the hands when stopping) and some of our most popular harnesses.
If you have children that are from each other in age, a stroller that sits and stands, such as our top pick, the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, may be a good fit. It can accommodate two infant car seats and comes with a pair of modified seats that function as bassinets for older kids--and can be adapted to accommodate a riding board for an even older sibling.