Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is an important purchase, and it’s one you’ll use for many years. This is why you must pick wisely.
Our test participants were looking for strollers that had excellent flexibility and a smooth ride across any terrain. They also inspected whether the strollers were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers that include tandem, side-byside (single-file) and wagons. The category has come a long way from the massive 1980s models that many older generations might have recalled. Nowadays they’re sleek and come with various options for customization to make the experience of traveling with kids more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents of toddlers or infants, a double stroller with car seat is an excellent option for bringing them from point A to B. Some of the most sophisticated strollers come with frames that can accommodate two infant car seat or convertible toddler seats. They can be used by children from birth until they reach kindergarten age. They are generally more expensive than double stroller frames but they come with an integrated car seat system, as well as a large undercarriage basket.
Parents with fewer children could opt for a single-to double-stroller, which is more simple and less expensive. These frames tend to be lighter, and some moms still utilize their original stroller after their children have outgrown it.
The compact fold is another excellent feature of the tiniest double strollers we’ve test. They can be tucked away that larger strollers can’t and are often easier to maneuver once folded.
Finally, most of the small double strollers we’ve tested feature a nice-sized sunshade, but the coverage can vary from almost nothing to a cocoon-like covering. If you’re looking for a bargain, you might want to look into second-hand strollers on auction sites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure to inspect the stroller for wear and tear prior to buying it.
Weight
When shopping for a small double stroller, parents should be aware of the amount they wish to pay and if it is a good fit for their family’s lifestyle. A stroller that is lightweight could, for instance, not have enough storage space to accommodate bulky bags or additional gear. It might also not have a large canopy or other features that make the stroller easier to take on long journeys.
The most reliable double strollers are durable and easy to maneuver, which helps to ensure that the children remain at ease in their seats and don’t move around while riding. In our tests of comfort, we give higher marks to strollers that have adjustable leg rests and padded seatbacks. The best double strollers offer reclining seats that allow children to relax on long rides.
Strollers that can be used for a variety of purposes are more popular than ever thanks to innovative designs and clever features. Some of the best options are able to accommodate multiple car seat configurations and offer a wide range of seating configurations from infant to preschool. Some are lightweight enough for jogging or even travel with.
When choosing a small double stroller, it is important to consider whether the stroller can be pushed through narrow doorways and other spaces. The majority of older models of side-byside strollers and tandem strollers are wide in general which makes them incompatible with the majority of doors. The most effective small double strollers, however, are usually narrower than traditional models and can be pushed into doors of all sizes with ease.
Another thing to consider is whether you need a stroller that has additional features such as a cup holder or snack tray. These are helpful for longer trips but will add weight and expense to the double stroller.
Folding
A small double pram buggy stroller that folds compactly, easily fitting into tight spaces and making it easy to put away. In addition, a lightweight design makes it possible for it to be easy to maneuver and carry.
Before you pick a small double stroller take note of where you will be using it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you decide the features that are most important. If you intend to run with the stroller, you’ll want one with an easy suspension so that it can glide over rough terrain and pavement.
Also, take into consideration the temperament and age of your children. If they are near in age, then a tandem stroller may be best lightweight double stroller. If they are at different stages of development, an incline stroller could be the best choice for you.
A double stroller is expensive however, the investment will pay off over time. Making the investment in a high-quality model that is suited to your family’s needs will make travelling with children easier, and it will also give years of comfort to you and your kids.
If you’re limited with storage space, consider a small double stroller that can fit both infant car seats and toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is a great choice for families with two children, and it can even accommodate twins. It comes with two canopy options and a storage bin that is attached, and a tray for the child with cup holders. This budget-friendly stroller comes with the ability to fold quickly and easily and can be carried by one hand. You should be aware that you have to remove the second seat of most double modular strollers when folding.
Maneuverability
The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and come with smooth, supple wheels that glide over all types of surfaces. They also have comfortable, reclining seats and ample storage space for children’s gear. A lot 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 is a certified child safety technician and a travel gear expert who offers advice to parents on strollers and other equipment. She suggests selecting a lightweight, easy-to push model. “Strollers that are too heavy could lead to frame fatigue and injuries,” she says. “If your stroller is heavy and difficult to push, you might consider adding a ride-along board or reducing the number of children in the seat.”
Many of the compact double stroller with bassinet strollers we tested could accommodate multiple infant car seat carriers. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for instance, can carry two infant car seats or toddler seats simultaneously and can be converted to a three-seat configuration with the help of the RumbleSeat. It also comes with a fashionable, inline design, foam-filled tires that won’t go flat, and a telescoping handlebar that can be adjusted. The seat belts are simple to adjust and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades feature peekaboo windows.
Other models offer seating configuration that is flexible, making them suitable for twins, multiples, one older child and an infant, or a toddler who has a riding scooter (sold separately). They also have easy-to-use brakes and a surprisingly compact fold that can fit into most trunks. Some are so light they can be transported up and down stairs. Most require little assembly. The Joovy Caboose, however, requires some tools and was the most difficult to construct during our tests.
Safety
The best double strollers have numerous safety features, such as adjustable handlebars that give you a comfortable grip and a wide base that doesn’t fall over when the children get out of their seats. They also have generous canopies that protect both kids even the rain. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says they’re easy to use. “Look for an easy, one- or two step fold that is easy to carry and has a clear place where the straps can be placed,” she says.
The most compact strollers pass through doors easily. This is an excellent benefit if you live in an apartment that is small or have a car that isn’t as big. The smallest models are also much lighter than normal double strollers, making them much easier to carry from one place to another–no needing to strain your arms or back while carrying the heavy stroller over your shoulder.
Parents of children of the same age may opt for an X-style stroller that is side by side one of our top pick for the Joovy Kooper X2, that has two child seats which can be adjusted individually for recline and width. We discovered that the seats were extremely comfortable, and the recline was smooth and easy. Each seat has a single lever. It also comes with a large storage basket, a built-in parking brake that’s one-step (to reduce fatigue in the hands while stopping) and a few of our best harnesses.
If you have children who are apart in age, then a stroller that sits and stands, such as our top pick, the UPPAbaby Vista Double, may be a good fit. It accepts two infant car seats and comes with two seats that have been modified which function as bassinets older kids–and can be adapted to accommodate a riding platform for a sibling who is even older.
