The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Small Double Stroller
Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is a significant investment, and one you'll be using for years. That's why you need to make a wise choice.
Our testers were looking for strollers with excellent mobility and smooth rides across any terrain. They also tested whether the strollers were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers on the market, ranging from side-by-side to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The category has come a long way from the massive 1980s models that many older millennials might remember--these days they're sleek and come with various options for customization to make the experience of traveling with children more enjoyable for everyone involved.
For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller and car seats is a great option for bringing them from one point to B. Some of the most modern strollers have a single frame which can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats. This allows them to be used by children as young as until they reach kindergarten age. These are usually more expensive than double stroller frames, but they come with an integrated car seat system and a large undercarriage basket.
Parents with less children can choose a single-to-double-stroller that is simpler and less expensive. These types of frames are typically lighter in weight, and some moms have even told us they're still using their original stroller after their children outgrew it.
Another great feature of some of the smallest double strollers we've tested is the compact fold. They can fit in spaces larger strollers can't, and are often more compact when folded.
Additionally, the majority of small double strollers we've tested feature a nice-sized sunshade, although the it's possible to have nothing to a cocoon-like covering. If you're on a budget it's a good idea to check out secondhand strollers on auction websites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure you check the stroller for signs of wear before purchasing it.
Weight
Parents should take into consideration their budget and if the stroller will fit into their family's needs when shopping for a double small stroller. A stroller that is lightweight is one example. It may not have enough storage space to hold large bags or other equipment. It might also not have an expansive canopy or other features that make the stroller more convenient to take on long journeys.
The best double strollers are simple to maneuver and durable, so that children can remain comfortable and not be confined to their seats. Strollers with padded seatbacks and adjustable leg rests get higher scores in our comfort tests than strollers without. The top double strollers come with reclined seats that allow children to relax on long rides.
Innovative designs and thoughtful features have made strollers that can be used in many ways more popular than ever. Some of the top strollers can fit multiple car seats and provide a wide range of seating options for babies through preschool. Others are even lightweight enough for jogging or even travel with.
When choosing a small double stroller, it is important to know if the stroller can be pushed through narrow doorways and other spaces. Most older models of side-byside strollers and tandem strollers have an overall wideness that makes them incompatible with numerous doors. The most compact double strollers, however, tend to be smaller than the traditional models and can be pushed into most standard doorways easily.
Another thing to consider is whether you'll need an additional feature on your stroller like a cup holder, or a snack tray. These can be handy for longer trips, but they can add to the weight and cost of a double stroller with car seat stroller.
Folding
A compact double stroller folds compactly to fit in small spaces. It is also easy to keep in storage. 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. The answer to these questions will help you decide the essential features. For instance, if intend to run with the stroller then you'll want to find one with an easy suspension that can glide over pavement and rough terrain.
Consider the age and temperament of your children too. If they are of similar age, then a side-byside stroller might be the best choice. If they are in different stages of development, a tandem stroller may be better suited to your needs.
A double stroller is expensive, but the investment will pay dividends over time. Making the investment in a high-quality model that meets your family's needs will make travelling with children easier, and it will also give years of comfort to both of you.
If you are limited in storage space, consider a small cheap double pushchair stroller double; Highly recommended Reading, that can fit both toddler car seats and infant car seats. Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon can accommodate twins and is an excellent option for families with two children. It has dual 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 only one hand. It is worth noting that the majority of double modular strollers require you to remove the second seat before folding them.
Maneuverability
The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and have smooth and responsive wheels that glide across all kinds of surfaces. These strollers feature seating that reclines and have plenty of storage space for your children's gear. Many of these strollers are compatible with toddler and infant seats as well as car seat carriers. These features make them a great option for families looking for one stroller that can grow with their family.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and a travel gear expert who advises parents about strollers and travel gear. She suggests selecting a light, easy-to-push model. She warns that heavy strollers can cause frame fatigue and injuries. "If your stroller feels heavy and difficult to push, you might consider adding a ride-along board or reduce the number of kids in the seat."
Some of the double strollers we tested are able to 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 be converted to a three-seat configuration by using the add-on RumbleSeat. It also features a chic inline design, with foam-filled tires that don't go flat and an adjustable telescoping handlebar. Its seat belts are simple to adjust and remove, and its UPF 50+ sunshades come with peekaboo windows.
Other models provide seating versatility, making them suitable for twins, multiples, one older child and an infant or toddler with a scooter (sold separately). These models also come with easy-to use brakes and the compact fold that fits in most trunks. Some are light enough to transport up and down steps. They also require minimal assembly however the Joovy Caboose requires some tools and took the longest to construct in our tests.
Safety
The top double strollers have multiple safety features, including adjustable handlebars to give you a good grip, and a large base that won't tip when the kids get up from their seats. They also have generous canopies that protect both kids even rainstorms. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says they're simple to use. "Look for a one- or two-step fold that's easily carried, and that has a clear, easy place to put the straps," she advises.
The most compact strollers fit through doors with ease. This is a great advantage if you live in smaller spaces or have a small car. The smallest models also weigh less than normal double strollers. This makes them easier to carry from one place to the next.
Parents with children who are close to their age can consider a side-by-side stroller like our top option, the Joovy Kooper X2, which includes two child seats that can be adjusted for width and recline individually. In our testing we discovered that the seats were very comfortable and the recline was smooth and easy. Each seat is equipped with only one lever. It also comes with a large storage basket and a one-step connected parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue while stopping), and some of the best harnesses we've tested.
If your children are of different ages, a sit-and- stand stroller, such as our top choice, the UPPAbaby v2 double, may be an option. It can be used with two car seats for infants and it also has two modified seats that serve as bassinets.