The 10 Scariest Things About Small Double Stroller
Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are an investment that you'll use for a long time. You must make the right choice.
Our testers were looking for strollers that had great flexibility and a smooth ride across all terrains. They also examined whether they were easy to fold and maneuver.
Size
There are many styles of double strollers, including side-by-side, tandem (single-file) and wagons. The category has evolved from the massive 1980s models that many older generations might have recalled. Nowadays, they're sleek and support various options for customization to make travel with kids more enjoyable for everyone involved.
For parents of toddlers or infants, a double stroller and car seat is a great option for getting them from one point to B. Some of the most sophisticated strollers on the market have a single frame that can hold two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats, which allows them to be used from birth until the time children reach kindergarten age. These are usually more expensive than double stroller frames but they come with an integrated car seat system and an enormous undercarriage basket.
Parents with less children can choose a single-to-double buggy travel system-stroller that is simpler and less expensive. These frames are typically lighter in weight, and a few mothers have told us they're still using their original stroller even after their children have outgrew it.
The compact fold is another excellent feature of the smallest double strollers that we've tested. They can be tucked away in places that larger strollers aren't able to, and are often easier to maneuver when folded.
Finally, most of the small double strollers we've tested come with a decent-sized sunshade, although the coverage varies from nothing to a cocoon cover. If you're on a tight budget, you might want to check out secondhand strollers on auction websites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure to check the stroller for signs of wear prior to buying it.
Weight
Parents should consider their budget and whether the stroller will be a good fit for their family's lifestyle when purchasing a double stroller with car seat stroller. A lightweight stroller could, for instance, not have enough storage to hold large bags or additional gear. It may not have a canopy that is large enough, or other features to make it more convenient to use during long trips.
The best double strollers are simple to maneuver and durable, so that the children can remain in a comfortable position and not get out of their seats. In our comfort tests we give higher marks to strollers that have adjustable seatbacks and leg rests with padding. The best double strollers also provide reclining seating options that allow kids to relax on long walks.
Strollers that can be used for a variety of purposes are more popular than ever before, thanks to innovative designs and clever features. Some of the best strollers can accommodate multiple car seats and provide many seating options from birth to preschool. Some are so light that they can be used for jogging or for travel.
When choosing a small double stroller it is essential to consider whether the stroller can be pushed through narrow doors and other spaces. Older models of tandem strollers and side-by-side strollers are usually too wide to fit through many doors. The best double strollers are generally narrower than the traditional models, and are able to be carried through the majority of doors.
Another thing to think about is whether you require an additional feature on your stroller such as a cup holder or snack tray. These can be handy for longer trips, but they can add to the weight and cost of the double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller folds compactly to fit in small spaces. It is also easy to store. In addition, a lightweight design guarantees that it will be easy to maneuver and transport.
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 identify the features that are the most important. If you intend to run with the stroller, you'll want one that has a smooth suspension so it can easily glide across rough terrain and pavement.
Consider the age and temperament of your children, too. If they are close in age, then a side-by-side stroller might be the best choice. If they are at different stages of development, then a tandem stroller may be better suited to your needs.
A double stroller may be expensive, but it is an investment that will pay off in the long in the long. Investing in a quality model that fits your family's needs will make traveling with children much easier, and it will also offer years of convenience for both of you.
If you have limited storage space, you might want to consider a small double stroller that can accommodate infant car seats and 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 as well as a storage bin which is attached, and an infant tray with cup holders. This lightweight, budget-friendly stroller is easy to fold and can be carried using only one hand. It is worth noting, however, that most double buggy modular strollers require you to take off the second seat before folding them.
Maneuverability
The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and feature smooth, responsive wheels that glide over all kinds of surfaces. These strollers also feature 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 one stroller that can expand with their family.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and travel gear expert who offers advice to parents about strollers and travel equipment. She recommends selecting a lightweight, easy-to push model. She warns that heavy strollers can cause frame fatigue and injuries. "If your stroller is weighing too much and difficult to push, think about adding a ride-along deck or reduce the number of kids in the seat."
A few of the smaller double strollers we tried can accommodate multiple infant car seat carriers. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for instance, can hold two toddler or infant seats at the same time and can be converted to a 3-seat configuration using the RumbleSeat add-on. It also features a stylish inline design with foam-filled tires that will not flatten, and an adjustable telescoping handbar. Its seat buckles are one of the easiest to secure and remove, and its generous UPF 50+ sunshades have window-like windows.
Other models provide seating versatility, making them suitable for twins, multiples, a single older kid and an infant, or a toddler with a scooter (sold separately). These models also feature brakes that are easy to use and a compact fold that fits into most trunks. Some are light enough to schlep up and down stairs. The majority of them require little assembly. The Joovy Caboose, however, requires some tools and was the most difficult to construct during our tests.
Safety
The most reliable double pram buggy strollers come with a variety of safety features. They have adjustable handlebars that provide the user with a comfortable grip and a large base to ensure it won't fall over when children jump out of their seats. They also come with large canopy that protect both kids even the rain. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says they are simple to use. "Look for a oneor two-step fold that can be easily carried, and that has a clear, obvious where to place the straps," she advises.
The tiniest of compact double strollers fit through doorways with ease--a major benefit for those with an incredibly small car or a tiny living space. The smallest models also weigh less than standard double strollers. This makes them easier to carry from one place to the next.
Parents of children of similar ages can choose an X-style stroller that is side by side, such as our top pick for the Joovy Kooper X2, that has two child seats which can be adjusted individually for recline and width. We found that the seats were very comfortable and the recline was smooth and simple. Each seat has only one lever. It also has a large storage basket, a built-in parking brake that is one-step (to reduce fatigue in the hands when stopping) and a few of our top harnesses.
If you have children that are apart in age, then a sit-and-stand stroller like our top choice, the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, could be a good fit. It can be used with two car seats for infants, and it also has two modified seats that double as bassinets.