Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is an important purchase, and it's one that you will use for years. This is why you must pick wisely.
Our test participants looked at strollers that provide incredible mobility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also checked whether the models were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers, including side-by-side, tandem (single-file) and wagons. The category has come a long way from the behemoth vintage 1980s models that many older generations might have recalled. Nowadays, they're sleek and support a range of customizations to make traveling with kids more enjoyable for everyone involved.
If cheap double buggy have a child or toddlers, an extra stroller that has car seats is a great option for getting them from 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 making them suitable for use from birth up until kids reach the age of kindergarten. These are typically more expensive than a basic double stroller frame, but they also come with the convenience of an integrated car seat system, as well as a large undercarriage basket which can hold both car seats.
Parents who don't have multiple children might want a simple, less-expensive single-to-double stroller. These strollers are typically lighter, and some moms still utilize their original stroller after their children have outgrown it.
The compact fold is another excellent feature of the smallest double strollers that we've tested. They can fit in places that larger strollers can't and are generally easier to maneuver once folded.
The majority of double strollers we tested have a decent-sized sunshade. However, coverage can vary from zero to a cocoon. For families on a budget it's worth looking at second-hand strollers on websites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's an option that fits your family's needs. Just be sure to examine any used stroller carefully for signs of wear and tear before making a decision to purchase one.
Weight
Parents should think about their budget and if the stroller is suitable for the family's lifestyle before shopping for a double small stroller. A stroller that is light, for example, may not have enough storage to accommodate bulky bags or other gear. It may also not have a an expansive canopy or other features that make the stroller easier to use on long trips.
The most reliable double strollers are strong and easy to move that helps ensure that children are at ease in their seats and don't shift around when they ride. In our comfort tests we prefer strollers with adjustable seatbacks and leg rests with padding. The best double strollers offer reclined seats that allow children to take a break during long rides.
Innovative designs and clever features are making strollers that can be used in a variety of ways more popular than ever. Some of the top strollers can accommodate multiple car seats and provide many seating options from birth through preschool. Some are so light that they can be used for jogging or for travel.
When choosing a small double stroller it is essential to know if the stroller can be pushed through narrow doors and other spaces. Older models of tandem strollers as well as side-by-side strollers are usually too wide to fit through many doors. The most effective double strollers are typically narrower than the traditional models, and can be easily pushed through doors.
You should also consider whether you need a stroller with additional features, such as a cup holder and snack tray. These are great for longer excursions, but they add to the weight and cost of the double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller can fold compactly, easily fitting in tight spaces and making it easy to store. A lightweight design makes it easy to carry and move.
Think about the frequency and location you will use a double stroller. The answer to these questions will help you decide the features that are the most important. If you intend to run with your stroller, you'll need one with an elongated suspension so that it can easily glide across rough terrain and pavement.
Also, think about the age and temperament of your children. If they're of the same age and have similar temperaments, a tandem stroller could be the best option. If they are at different stages of development then a tandem model may be better suited for your requirements.
A double stroller is expensive, but it's an investment that will pay dividends in the long in the long. Investing in a quality model that fits your family's needs will make travel with kids easier and will offer years of convenience for both of you.
If you are limited in storage space, the double stroller is a great option. It can hold both infant car seats and toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is a great choice for families with two young children and can accommodate twins. It features dual canopies, a storage bin that can be attached, as well as a tray for the child with cup holders. This budget-friendly, lightweight stroller is easy to fold and can be carried using just one hand. It is important to note that the majority of double modular strollers require you to remove the second seat when folding them.
Maneuverability
The best double strollers for small spaces are easy to maneuver and they come with wheels that glide smoothly over any surface. These strollers also feature comfortable, reclining seats as well as ample storage space for kids' gear. Additionally some of these strollers can accommodate car seat carriers and infant toddler seats. These features make these strollers an ideal choice for families that want a single, multi-purpose stroller.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and a travel gear expert who counsels parents about strollers and travel equipment. She suggests choosing a lightweight, easy-to-push model. "Strollers that are too heavy could lead to frame fatigue and injury," she says. If your stroller is heavy and difficult for you to push, you can add a ride-along feature or reduce the number of children.
Some double strollers we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for instance, can accommodate two infant car seats or toddler seats at once and converts to a three-seat layout by using the add-on RumbleSeat. It also features a stylish inline design with foam-filled tires that won't flatten, as well as an adjustable telescoping handbar. Its seat belts are simple to fasten and undo, and its UPF 50+ sunshades come with windows that peek out.
Other models are available with a variety of seating options. They can be used with twins, triplets, an older child and an infant or a toddler riding a scooter (sold separately). These models also feature brakes that are simple to use and an incredibly compact fold that can fit in most trunks. Some are even lightweight enough to transport up and down the stairs. Most require only a few pieces of assembly however the Joovy Caboose requires some tools and took the longest to construct in our tests.
Safety
The best double strollers have many safety features, including adjustable handlebars that give you a comfortable grip, and a large base that won't tip over when the kids jump out of their seats. The canopies are big enough to cover both kids in rainstorms. They're also very easy to use, says Alli Cavasino who is a certified child-passenger safety technician. "Look for an easy oneor two-step fold that can be easily carried and has a clear, easy place to put the straps," she advises.
The narrowest compact double strollers fit through doorways with ease--a major advantage if you have an incredibly small car or a tiny living space. The smallest models weigh less than standard double strollers. This makes them easier to carry from one location to the next.
Parents of children who are older than their age could consider an asymmetrical stroller such as our top option for the Joovy Kooper X2, which includes two child seats that can be adjusted to width and recline individually. In our testing we discovered that the seats are extremely comfortable, and the recline was smooth and simple. Each seat is equipped with one lever. It also comes with a large storage basket as well as a one-step linked parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue while stopping) and some of the most comfortable harnesses we have tested.
If you have kids far from each other in terms of age, then a stroller that sits and stands, such as our top choice UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, may be a good fit. It can be used with two car seats for infants, and it also has two modified seats that double as bassinets.