The Next Big Thing In Small Double Stroller
Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are a significant investment that you'll use for many years. You must make the right choice.
Our testers looked at strollers that provide great flexibility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also tested whether the strollers were easy to fold and maneuver.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers available on the market, ranging from side-byside to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The category has advanced from the behemoth vintage 1980s models that a few older millennials might remember--these days they're sleek and offer various options for customization to make the experience of traveling with children more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents of toddlers or infants, a double stroller that includes a car seat is a great option for bringing them from point A to point B. Some of the most advanced strollers available feature frames that can hold two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats allowing them to be used from birth until the time children reach kindergarten age. They are generally more expensive than a standard double stroller frame, but they also provide the convenience of an integrated car seat system and a spacious undercarriage basket that can accommodate both car seats.
Parents with fewer children might prefer a simpler 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 fantastic feature of some of the smallest double strollers that we've test. They can be tucked away that larger strollers can't, and they're often more maneuverable once folded.
Finally, most of the strollers that we've tested come with a decent-sized sunshade, but the it's possible to have nothing to a cocoon cover. For families on a 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 sure to inspect any used stroller carefully for signs of wear and tear before committing to buying one.
Weight
When shopping for a small double stroller, parents should be aware of the amount they wish to spend and if it will fit their family's lifestyle. A stroller that is light could, for instance, not have enough storage to accommodate bulky bags or additional gear. It may not have a canopy that is large enough or other features that make it easier to use on long journeys.
double push chair are strong and easy to move that helps ensure that children are at ease in their seats and do not move around when they ride. In our tests for comfort, we prefer strollers with adjustable leg rests and padded seatbacks. The top double strollers offer reclining seating positions which allow children to unwind on long walks.
Innovative designs and clever features have made strollers that can be used in various ways more popular than ever. Some of the best strollers can be used with multiple car seats and offer an array of seating options from birth through preschool. 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 compact double stroller is whether it will be able to pass through doors and other tight spaces. The majority of older models of side-by-side strollers and tandem strollers have a wide width that makes them unsuitable for many doors. The best small double strollers tend to be narrower than standard models and can be pushed right into most standard doorways easily.
You should also consider whether you require a stroller with additional features such as cups holder and a snack tray. These can be handy for longer excursions, but they add to the weight and cost of the double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller is designed to fold compactly, easily fitting into tight spaces and making it easy to put away. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry and move.
Before you choose a stroller that is small consider the location you intend to use it and how often. These questions will help you determine what features are essential. If you intend to run with the stroller, you'll want one that has an elongated suspension so that it can glide over rough surfaces and pavement.
Take into consideration the age and temperament of your children, too. If they are near in age, then a tandem stroller may be best. However, if they're in different stages of development, then a tandem model may be better suited to your needs.
A double stroller is expensive, but it is an investment that pays off in the long in the long. Making the investment in a high-quality model that fits your family's needs will make traveling with children much easier, and it will also provide years of convenience for both of you.
If you're limited with storage space, consider a compact double stroller that can accommodate both toddler car seats and infant car seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is a great choice for families with two small children, and it can even hold twins. It comes with two canopies and a storage bin that can be attached and a tray for the child with cup holders. This budget-friendly, lightweight stroller folds up easily and can be carried with just one hand. Be aware 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 have wheels that glide smoothly over any surface. These strollers have reclined seats that are comfortable and plenty of storage space for your child's gear. Many of these strollers are compatible with toddler and infant seats as well as car seat carriers. These features make them a perfect option for families looking for a single stroller that will grow with their family.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who advises parents on strollers and travel equipment she suggests selecting a lightweight model that is easy to push. "Strollers that are too heavy could cause frame fatigue and injuries," she says. "If your stroller is heavy and difficult to push, consider adding a ride-along board or reduce the number of children in the seat."
A few of the double strollers that we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for instance, can accommodate two infant seats or toddler seats at once and can be converted to three seats with the RumbleSeat add-on. It also features a chic inline design, with foam-filled tires that don't be flat, and an adjustable telescoping handlebar. The seat buckles are among the easiest to secure and remove and its large UPF 50+ sunshades have peekaboo windows.
Other models come with different seating configurations. They can be used with twins or triplets, a larger child and an infant or an infant riding a scooter (sold separately). These models also come with brakes that are simple to use and an incredibly compact fold that can fit into most trunks. Some are light enough to schlep up and down steps. They require minimal assembly. The Joovy Caboose, however, requires a few tools and was the most difficult build in our tests.
double jogging stroller come with numerous safety features, such as adjustable handlebars for a comfortable grip and a wide base that won't tip over when the kids get up from their seats. They also have generous canopies that can be used to protect both children and even the rain. They're also very easy to use, says Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician. "Look for a simple, one- or two step fold that is easy to carry and has a clear place where the straps can be positioned," she says.
The most compact strollers be pushed through doors effortlessly. This is a huge advantage if you live a small apartment or have a small car. The smallest models are also considerably lighter than normal double strollers, which makes them easier to lug from one place to another--no need to strain your arms and back while carrying the heavy stroller over your shoulder.
Parents with children of the same age may prefer a side by side stroller like our top pick: the Joovy Kooper X2, that includes two child seats that can be adjusted individually to recline and width. In our tests the seats we found them to be extremely comfortable, and the reclining to be quick and intuitive with just a single lever on each seat. It also has an enormous storage basket, a parking brake that's one-step (to reduce fatigue in the hands when stopping) and some of our top harnesses.
If you have kids far from each other in terms of age, then a sit-and-stand stroller like our top pick, the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, might be a good choice. It can accommodate two infant car seats and comes with a pair of modified seats that act as bassinets for older kids--and can be adapted to accommodate a riding platform for an even older sibling.
