10 Things We All Hate About Small Double Stroller
Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is a major investment, and one you'll use for years. That's why it's important to make a wise choice.
Our testers were looking for strollers with great flexibility and a smooth ride across all terrains. They also checked whether the models were easy to fold and maneuver.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers that include tandem, side-byside (single-file) and wagons. The type of stroller has changed from the classic 1980s designs that older millennials may be familiar with. These days, they're sleek and come with a range of features that make travelling with children more enjoyable for all.
For parents of toddlers or infants, a double stroller that includes a car seats is a great option for getting them from one point to B. Some of the most advanced strollers on the market feature frames that can hold two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats allowing them to be used from birth up until kids reach kindergarten age. They're generally more expensive than a double stroller frame but they come with 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 even told us they're still using their original stroller after their children outgrew it.
Another advantage of a number of the smaller double strollers we've tested is their compact fold. They can be tucked away in places larger strollers can't, and are often more compact when folded.
The majority of double strollers we tested had a decent sunshade. However, the coverage can range from nothing to a cocoon. For budget-conscious families it's worth looking at second-hand strollers available on sites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's a model that meets your family's requirements. Make sure to examine the stroller for signs of wear and tear before purchasing one.
Weight
Parents should think about their budget and if the stroller will fit into the family's lifestyle before shopping for a double small stroller. A stroller that is light could, for instance, not have the storage space to accommodate large bags or other equipment. It might not have a canopy that is large enough or other features that make it more comfortable to use on long trips.
The best double strollers are durable and easy to move and ensure that the children remain at ease in their seats and do not move around while riding. Strollers with padded seatbacks and adjustable leg rests earn higher marks in our comfort tests than strollers without. The top double strollers come with reclining seats that allow children to relax on long rides.
Innovative designs and thoughtful features are making strollers that can be used in many ways more popular than ever. Some of the top strollers can be used with multiple car seats and offer a wide range of seating options for babies through preschool. Some are so light they can be used for jogging or traveling.
One of the most important aspects to take into consideration when selecting a compact double stroller is whether or not it will fit through doorways and other tight spaces. The older models of tandem strollers as well as side-by-side strollers are usually too wide to fit through the doors of many. The best tandem strollers are usually shorter than the typical models, and can be easily pushed through doors.
You should also consider whether you need a stroller with additional features like cups holder and a snack tray. These are helpful for longer trips, but they will add weight and expense to the double stroller.
Folding
A compact double stroller can fold compactly to fit into tiny spaces. It is also easy to keep in storage. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry and move.
Before you pick a stroller that is small, think about where you will be using it and how often. These questions will help you determine which features are most important. For example, if you intend to use the stroller for running then you'll want to find one with an elongated suspension that can glide over rough and uneven terrain.
Also, take into consideration the age and temperament of your children. If they are of similar age, then a tandem stroller may be best. If they are at different stages of development then a tandem model may be better suited to your needs.
A double stroller can be expensive, but it is an investment that will pay dividends in the long term. The purchase of a top-quality model that fits your family's needs will make traveling with children much easier, and it will also provide years of convenience for you and your kids.
If you are limited in storage space, a double stroller is an ideal choice. It can hold both infant car seats as well as toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is a great choice for families with two children, and it can even hold twins. It features dual canopies and a storage bin that is attached, and a tray for the child with cup holders. This lightweight, budget-friendly stroller folds up easily and can be carried with just one hand. You should be aware that you need to remove the second seat from the majority of double modular strollers before folding.
Maneuverability
The best double strollers for small spaces are easy to maneuver and they have wheels that glide smoothly across any surface. They also have comfortable, reclining seats and ample storage space for your kids' toys. Additionally, many of these strollers can accommodate car seat carriers and infant toddler seats. These features make these strollers an ideal option for families who want one stroller that is multi-purpose.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and a travel gear expert who advises parents on strollers and other travel equipment. She suggests selecting a lightweight, easy-to push model. "Strollers that are too heavy can cause frame fatigue and injury," she says. If your stroller is too heavy and difficult for you to push, consider adding a ride-along feature or reduce the number of children.
Several of the small double strollers we tested could accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for example can hold two toddler or infant seats at a time, and can be transformed into three seats using the RumbleSeat add-on. It also features a stylish inline design with foam-filled tires that won't flatten and an adjustable handbar that can be telescoping. The seat buckles are among the easiest to fasten and unfasten and its UPF 50+ sunshades have window-like windows.
Other models provide seating flexibility, which makes them suitable for twins, multiples, a single older kid 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 so lightweight that they can be carried 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 build in our tests.
Safety
The top double strollers have numerous safety features, such as adjustable handlebars to give you a good grip and a broad base that won't tip over when the children get out of their seats. They also have generous canopies that protect both kids even rainstorms. They're also very easy to use, says Alli Cavasino who is a certified child passenger safety technician. "Look for simple one- or two step fold that is easy to carry and has a clear place where the straps can be positioned," she says.
The narrowest double strollers can be pushed through doors with ease, which is a huge benefit if you have an incredibly small car or a tiny living space. The smallest models also weigh less than standard double strollers.
Pushchairs And Prams makes them easier to carry from one place to the next.
Parents with children of similar ages can prefer a side by side stroller one of our top pick for the Joovy Kooper X2, that includes two child seats that can be individually adjusted for recline and size. In our tests, we found the seats to be very comfortable and recline to be easy and simple with just one lever on each seat. It also comes with a massive storage basket, a one-step linked parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue while stopping) and some of the best harnesses we have tested.
If your children are of different ages, a sit-and- stand stroller, such as our top pick the UPPAbaby V2 double, could be a good option. It accepts two infant car seats and comes with a pair of modified seats that function as bassinets for older children. It can also be modified to accommodate a riding board for a sibling who is even older.