The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Small Double Stroller
Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is a major purchase, and it's one you'll be using for a long time. You should choose wisely.
Our testers looked at strollers that provide incredible flexibility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also checked if they were easy to fold and maneuver.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers on the market, including side-by-side, tandem (single-file) and wagons. The category has come a long way from the massive 1980s models that some elder millennials might remember--these days they're sleek and offer various customization options to make travel with kids more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller that includes a car seat is an excellent option for bringing them from point A to B. Some of the most sophisticated strollers available feature frames 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. They're generally more expensive than a standard double twin stroller with car seats frame, but they also come with the convenience of an integrated car seat system, as well as an ample undercarriage basket that can accommodate both car seats.
Parents with fewer children could opt for a single-to-double stroller that is more simple and less expensive. These strollers are generally lighter in weight, and some moms have even told us they're still using their original stroller even after their children have outgrew it.
Another excellent feature of a number of the tiniest double strollers we've tested is their compact fold. They can be tucked away in places that larger strollers cannot and are usually more maneuverable when folded.
In addition, all of the small double strollers we've tested have a large sunshade, although the coverage can vary from almost nothing to a cocoon-like covering. If you're on a budget then you may want to look into second-hand strollers that are available on websites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure to check the stroller for signs of wear prior to purchasing it.
Weight
Parents should take into consideration their budget and if the stroller will be a good fit for their family's needs when purchasing a double stroller. For example, a lightweight stroller might not provide enough space to store bulky bags or other equipment. It might not have a big canopy or other features that make it more convenient to use during long journeys.
The best double strollers are sturdy and easy to maneuver, which helps to ensure that the children stay comfortable in their seats and do not move around while riding. In our tests of comfort we prefer strollers with adjustable seatbacks and leg rests with padding. The top double strollers offer reclining seating positions that let kids unwind during long trips.
Strollers that can be used for a variety of purposes are more popular than ever before, due to their innovative designs and thoughtful features. Some of the most popular strollers can accommodate multiple car seats and provide an array of seating options for babies through preschool. Some are lightweight enough for jogging or travel.
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a small double stroller is whether or not it will fit through doorways and other tight spaces. Most older models of side-by-side strollers and tandem strollers have a wide width that makes them incompatible with numerous doors. The best double strollers are typically smaller than the standard models, and can be pushed through most doors.
You should also consider whether you require a stroller that has additional features, such as an holder for your cup and a snack tray. These are useful for longer trips, but they add to the overall weight and cost of the double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller can fold compactly to fit in small spaces. It is also easy to store. A light design makes it easy to carry and maneuver.
Before you choose a stroller that is small take note of where you will be using it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you identify the features that are most important. For example, if you intend to run in the stroller then you'll want to choose one with a an easy suspension that can glide across rough and paved terrain.
Also, take into consideration the temperament and age of your children. If they are of the same age and temperament, a side-by-side stroller may be the most suitable option. If they are at different stages of development, the tandem stroller might be the best choice for you.
A double stroller can be costly but it will pay dividends over time. The purchase of a top-quality model that meets your family's needs will make travel with kids easier, and it will also give years of comfort to both of you.
If you are limited in storage space, a pushchairs double stroller is an ideal choice. It can hold 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 as well as an attached storage bin as well as a tray for children with cup holders. This budget-friendly stroller also offers an easy and quick fold and can be carried by one hand. It is important to know that you must remove the second seat on the majority of double modular strollers when folding.
Maneuverability
The best double strollers designed for small spaces are easy to maneuver, and they have wheels that glide smoothly over any surface. These strollers have seating that reclines and have plenty of storage space for your kids' equipment. Additionally they can accommodate car seat carriers as well as infant toddler seats. These features make them a great option for families that want a single stroller that can expand with their family.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who provides parents with advice on travel gear and strollers she suggests selecting a lightweight model that is easy to push. "Strollers that are too heavy can cause frame fatigue and injury," she says. "If your stroller is heavy and difficult to push, you might consider adding a ride-along deck or reduce the number of kids in the seat."
Several of the small double strollers we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for example can hold two infant seats or toddler seats at the same time and can be converted into a 3-seat configuration using the RumbleSeat add-on. It also comes with a fashionable inline design with foam-filled tires which won't flatten and an adjustable telescoping handbar. The seat belts are simple to adjust and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades come with windows that peek out.
Other models provide seating flexibility, which makes them suitable for twins, multiples, one older child and an infant or toddler with a riding scooter (sold separately). They also come with brakes that are easy to use and a relatively compact fold that can fit into most trunks. Some are even lightweight enough to schlep up and down stairs. They also require minimal assembly, though the Joovy Caboose requires some tools and took the longest to construct in our tests.
Safety
The best double strollers come with many safety features, including adjustable handlebars for a comfortable grip and a wide base that won't tip over when the kids jump out of their seats. The canopies are big enough to cover both kids in the event of rain. They're also easy to use, says Alli Cavasino who is a certified child passenger safety technician. "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 narrowest double strollers can be pushed through doorways with ease--a major advantage if you have an incredibly small car or a tiny living space. The smallest models are also much lighter than standard double single pushchair strollers, which makes them easy to move from one place to another--no needing to strain your arms or back while carrying a heavy stroller over your shoulder.
Parents with children of the same age may choose a side by side stroller, such as our top choice: the Joovy Kooper X2, that includes two child seats that can be adjusted individually to recline and width. In our testing the seats we found them to be extremely comfortable and the recline to be easy and simple with just a single lever on each seat. It also comes with an ample storage basket, a built-in parking brake that is one-step (to reduce fatigue in hands when stopping) and some of our best harnesses.
If your children are different ages, a sitting-and- stand stroller, like our top pick, the UPPAbaby v2 double, may be an ideal 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 a sibling who is even older.