Buying a Small Double Stroller

A double stroller is a major investment, and one you'll use for years. That's why you need to choose carefully.

Our testers examined strollers that offer incredible mobility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also checked if the strollers were easy to fold and move.

Size

There are many styles of double strollers on the market that include tandem, side-byside (single-file) and wagons. The category has come a long way from the behemoth vintage 1980s models that a few older generations might have recalled. Nowadays they're sleek and come with a range of customizations to make travel with kids more enjoyable for everyone.

For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller with car seat is a great option to transport them from one point to B. Some of the most sophisticated strollers on the market feature a single to double stroller frame that can hold two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats, allowing them to be used from birth until the time children reach the age of kindergarten. 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 less children can opt for a single-to-double stroller that is less complicated and more affordable. These types of frames are typically lighter in weight, and some mothers have told us they're still using their old stroller after their children outgrew it.

The compact fold is another excellent feature of the smallest double strollers that we've test. They can fit in places where larger strollers wouldn't, and they're often more maneuverable once folded.

Additionally, the majority of small double strollers we've tested come with a decent-sized sunshade, although the it's possible to have nothing to a cocoon cover. For families on a budget you should look into second-hand strollers on websites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's an option that fits your family's needs. Just be sure to inspect any used stroller carefully for signs of wear and tear prior to purchasing one.

Weight

Parents should consider their budget and if the stroller is suitable for their family's needs when looking 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 large canopy or other features to make it more comfortable to use on long trips.

The best double strollers are easy to maneuver and sturdy, so that children can remain comfortable and not be confined to their seats. In our comfort tests we prefer strollers that have adjustable leg rests and padded seatbacks. The top double strollers have reclined seats that allow kids to relax on long rides.

Innovative designs and clever features are making strollers that can be used in many ways more popular than ever. Some of the most effective options can accommodate multiple car seat configurations and offer a wide range of seating configurations from birth to preschool years. Some 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 fit through narrow doors and other spaces. The older models of tandem strollers and side-byside strollers are usually too wide to fit through the doors of many. The most effective small double strollers, however, are usually narrower than traditional models and can be easily pushed into the majority of doors with ease.

It is also important to consider whether you need a stroller that has additional features such as cups holder and a snack tray. These can be handy for longer excursions, but they add to the overall weight and cost of a double stroller.

Folding

A small double stroller can be folded compactly to fit into small spaces. It is also easy to store. In addition, a lightweight design makes it possible for it to be easy to move and carry.

Before you pick a small double stroller consider the location you intend to use it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you identify the features that are most important. If you plan to run in the stroller, you'll need one with an elongated suspension so that it can easily glide across rough roads and uneven terrain.

Take into consideration the age and temperament of your children, too. If they are of similar age and have similar temperaments, a tandem stroller might be the best option. If they are at different stages of development then a tandem double stroller stroller may be the best choice for you.

A double stroller can be costly but it will pay dividends over time. Making the investment in a high-quality model that meets your family's needs will make traveling with children much easier and will give years of comfort to both of you.

If you are limited in storage space, you might want to consider a small double stroller 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 comes with two canopies and a storage bin that can be 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 pushed by one hand. It is important to note, however, that most double modular strollers require you to take off the second seat when folding them.

Maneuverability

The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and come with smooth, responsive wheels that glide over any surface. These strollers come with reclined seats that are comfortable and plenty of storage space for your kids' equipment. In addition they can accommodate car seat carriers as well as infant toddler seats. These features make them a perfect choice for families who want a single stroller that can expand with their family.

Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician as well as a travel gear expert who offers advice to parents about strollers and travel gear. She suggests choosing a lightweight, easy-to-push model. She says that heavy strollers can cause frame fatigue and injuries. If your stroller is heavy and difficult for you to push, you can add an extra ride-along option or decrease the number of children.

Several of the small double strollers we tested could accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for instance, can hold two infant seats or toddler seats at a time, and can be transformed into three seats using the RumbleSeat add-on. It also comes with a fashionable inline design with foam-filled tires which won't flatten, as well as an adjustable handbar that telescopically adjusts. The seat buckles are among the easiest to secure and remove and its large UPF 50+ sunshades have window-like windows.

Other models are available with a variety of seating options. They can be used for twins or triplets, a larger child and an infant or the toddler who is riding a scooter (sold separately). They also come with brakes that are easy to use and a relatively compact fold that fits into the majority of trunks. Some are so light they can be carried up and down stairs. And most require little assembly however the Joovy Caboose requires a few tools and took the longest time to construct in our tests.

Safety

The best double strollers come with many safety features, including 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 can be used to protect both children and even rainstorms. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She claims they are easy to use. "Look for an easy oneor two-step fold that can be easily carried and provides a clear and easy place to put the straps," she advises.

The tiniest strollers are able to fit through doors with ease. This is a huge advantage if you live an apartment that is small or have a small car. The smallest models are significantly lighter than standard double strollers, which makes them easier to lug from one place to another--no more straining your arms and back as you sling a heavy stroller over your shoulder.

Parents who have kids who are close to their age can consider a side-by-side stroller like our top option for the Joovy Kooper X2, which has two child seats that can be adjusted for recline and width separately. In our tests the seats we found them to be very comfortable and the reclining to be quick and intuitive by using a single to double stroller lever on each seat. It also has a large storage basket, a parking brake that is one step (to reduce fatigue in the hands while stopping) and some of our best harnesses.

If your children are of different ages, a sit-and- stand stroller, like our top choice UPPAbaby v2 double, could be an option. It accepts two infant car seats and has two seats that have been modified which function as bassinets older kids--and can be adapted to accommodate a riding platform for an even older sibling.