Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are a big investment that you'll use for a long time. You must make the right choice.
Our testers examined strollers that provide excellent mobility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also checked if the models were easy-to-fold and maneuver.
Size
There are a variety of styles of double strollers available on the market, ranging from side-byside to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The type of stroller has evolved from the vintage 1980s designs that older millennials may remember. These days, they're modern and sleek, with a variety of features that make travelling with kids more enjoyable for all.
For parents with infants or toddlers to take along, a double stroller that includes a car seat can be incredibly useful for transporting them from A to B. Some of the most advanced strollers on the market have frames that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats, making them suitable for use from birth until children reach the age of kindergarten. They're generally more expensive than double stroller frames but offer an integrated car seat system, as well as an enormous undercarriage basket.
Parents with fewer children may prefer a simple one-to-double stroller that is less expensive. These frames are typically lighter in weight, and a few moms have shared with us that they're still using their old stroller even after their children have outgrew it.
The compact fold is a great feature of some the tiniest double strollers we've tried. They can fit into spaces larger strollers can't, and are often more maneuverable when folded.
Most double strollers that we tested had a decent sunshade. However, the amount of shade coverage can vary from a bare spot to a cocoon. For families on a budget it's worth looking at second-hand strollers available on sites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's an option that fits your family's needs. Just be sure to examine any used stroller for signs of wear and tear prior to purchasing one.
Weight
Parents should consider their budget and if the stroller will fit into the family's lifestyle before looking for a double-small stroller. A stroller that is lightweight, for example, may not have the storage space to hold large bags or other gear. It might not have a large canopy or other features to make it more convenient to use during long journeys.
The best double strollers are strong and easy to maneuver and ensure that children are at ease in their seats and do not move around when they ride. Strollers with cushioned seatbacks and adjustable leg rests get higher marks in our comfort tests than strollers without. The top double strollers have reclining seats that allow children to take a break during long rides.
Innovative designs and clever features have made strollers that can be used in many ways more popular than ever. Some of the most effective options can accommodate multiple car seat installations and provide an extended range of seating configurations from the beginning of childhood to preschool. Some are so light they can be used for jogging or traveling.
One of the most important aspects 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-by-side strollers and tandem strollers have an overall wideness that makes them unsuitable for the majority of doors. The best double strollers are typically smaller than the standard models, and can be carried through the majority of standard doorways.
Another thing to consider is whether you require an additional feature on your stroller like a cup holder, or a snack tray. These are useful for longer trips, but they can add to the total weight and cost of the double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller that folds compactly, easily fitting in tight spaces and making it easy to put away. A lightweight design makes it easy to carry and move.
Before you decide on a compact double stroller consider where you will be using it and how often. These questions will help you determine which features are most important. If you're planning to run in the stroller, you'll want one that has an easy suspension so that it can glide smoothly over rough terrain and pavement.
Also, consider the temperament and age of your children. If they are of similar age and temperament, a side-by-side stroller might be the best option. If they are in different stages of development then a tandem stroller may be the best choice for you.
A double stroller can be expensive, but it is an investment that pays off in the long run. Making the investment in a high-quality model that fits your family's needs will make travel with children easier and will offer years of convenience for you and your kids.
If you're short on storage space, a double stroller is an ideal choice. It can accommodate both infant car seats as well as toddlers. 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 as well as a tray for children with cup holders. This lightweight, affordable stroller folds up easily and can be carried with just one hand. double buggy should be aware that you have to remove the second seat of 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 smoothly across any surface. These strollers come with reclining seats that are comfortable and have 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 these strollers a great option for families who want one stroller that can be used for multiple purposes.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who offers advice to parents on travel gear and strollers she suggests selecting a lightweight model that is easy to push. "Strollers that are too heavy can lead to frame fatigue and injury," she says. If your stroller is too heavy and difficult for you to push, you can add an extra ride-along option or decrease the number of children.
A few of the double strollers we tested are able to accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for example, can hold two infant car seats or toddler seats simultaneously and can be converted to a three-seat configuration by using the add-on RumbleSeat. It also features a stylish inline design with foam-filled tires which will not flatten, and an adjustable handbar that can be telescoping. Its seat belts are easy to secure and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades feature windows that can be seen through.
Other models are available 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). These models also have brakes that are simple to use and a compact fold that fits in most trunks. Some are so light they can be carried up and down the stairs. Most require only a few pieces of assembly however the Joovy Caboose requires a few tools and took the longest to construct in our tests.
Safety
The most reliable double strollers come with a variety of safety features. They have adjustable handlebars, which provide a comfortable grip, and a wide base so it won't tip over when the children jump out of their seats. They also have large canopy that cover both kiddos in rain or storms. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says they are easy to use. "Look for a 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 double strollers fit easily through doors, which is a major advantage if you have an incredibly small car or a tiny living space. The smallest models weigh less than traditional double strollers. This makes them easier to transport from one location to the next.
Parents with children of similar ages can choose a side by side stroller one of our top pick for the Joovy Kooper X2, that has two child seats which can be adjusted individually to recline and width. In our testing the seats, we found them to be extremely comfortable and the reclining to be quick and intuitive by using a single lever on each seat. It also comes with a large storage basket, an integrated parking brake that is one-step (to reduce fatigue in the hands while 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 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. It can also be modified to accommodate a riding platform for an even older sibling.