Buying a Small Double Stroller

A double stroller is a significant investment, and one you'll use for a long time. That's why you need to make a wise choice.

Our testers looked at strollers that offer excellent flexibility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also examined whether the strollers were easy to fold and move.

Size

There are a variety of styles of double strollers on market, ranging from side-byside to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The category has changed from the classic 1980s designs that older millennials might remember. These days, they're sleek and offer a variety of features that make travelling with children more enjoyable for everyone.

For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller with car seat is a great option to transport them from point A to point B. Some of the most advanced strollers on the market have frames that can hold two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats, allowing them to be used from birth up until kids reach the age of kindergarten. These are typically more expensive than a simple double stroller frame, however they also provide the convenience of an integrated car seat system and an ample undercarriage basket that can hold both car seats.

Parents with fewer children could opt for a single-to double-stroller, which is less complicated and more affordable. These strollers are generally lighter in weight, and a few mothers have told us they're still using their original stroller after their children outgrew it.

The compact fold is another excellent feature of the tiniest double strollers we've test. They can fit in spaces larger strollers can't and are generally more maneuverable when folded.

Finally, most of the strollers that we've tested have a large sunshade, though coverage varies from nothing to a cocoon cover. For families with a tight budget it's worth looking at secondhand strollers on sites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's a stroller that will meet your family's requirements. Make certain to check any used stroller carefully for signs of wear and tear prior to making a decision to purchase one.

Weight

When choosing a small double stroller, parents need to consider how much they want to spend and whether it is a good fit for their family's lifestyle. A stroller that is light, for example, may 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 most reliable double strollers are strong and easy to maneuver and ensure that children are at ease in their seats and don't move around while riding. Strollers that have padded seatbacks as well as adjustable leg rests get higher scores in our comfort tests than those without. The top GYMAX Double Seat Stroller: Adjustable Push Handle Pram strollers have reclined seats that allow kids to unwind on long rides.

Innovative designs and clever features make strollers that can be used in many ways more popular than ever. Some of the most popular strollers can be used with multiple car seats and provide many seating options for babies through preschool. Some are light enough to jog or even travel with.

One of the most important factors to take into consideration when selecting a small double stroller is whether it can fit through doorways and other tight spaces. Older models of tandem strollers and side-by-side strollers are usually too wide to fit through many doors. The top double strollers are generally shorter than the typical models, and are able to be pushed through most doors.

Another thing to think about is whether you need a stroller that has additional features like a cup holder, or a snack tray. These are useful for longer excursions, but they add to the weight and cost of the double stroller.

Folding

A small double stroller can be folded compactly to fit into tiny spaces. It is also easy to keep in storage. In addition, a lightweight design makes it possible for it to be easy to maneuver and transport.

Think about the places and times you will use a double stroller. These questions will help you decide the most important features. For instance, if plan to run with the stroller then you'll want to look for one with an easy suspension that can glide across rough and paved terrain.

Also, consider the age and temperaments of your children. If they're of the same age and have similar temperaments, a tandem stroller could be the best option. However, if they're in different stages of development then a tandem style may be better suited for your needs.

A double stroller is costly however, the investment will pay off over time. Investing in a quality model that fits your family's needs will make travel with kids easier, and it will also provide years of convenience for both of you.

If you're limited with storage space, you might want to consider a compact double stroller that can accommodate infant car seats and toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is ideal for families with two children, and it can even hold twins. It features dual canopies and a storage bin that can be attached, as well as a tray for the child with cup holders. This budget-friendly, lightweight stroller is easy to fold and can be carried with just one hand. You should be aware that you need to remove the second seat from most double modular strollers when folding.

Maneuverability

The most suitable double strollers for small spaces are easy to maneuver, and they have wheels that glide smoothly over any surface. These strollers feature reclining seats that are comfortable and have plenty of storage space for your children's equipment. In addition they can accommodate car seat carriers and infant toddler seats. These features make these strollers an ideal choice for families that want one stroller that is multi-purpose.

Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician as well as a travel gear expert who advises parents about strollers and travel gear. She recommends selecting a lightweight, easy-to push model. She warns that heavy strollers can cause frame fatigue and injuries. "If your stroller feels heavy and difficult to push, consider including a ride-along board, or reducing the number of children in the seat."

Some double strollers we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for instance, can hold two infant seats or toddler seats at the same time and can be transformed into three seats with the RumbleSeat add-on. It also comes with a fashionable inline design with foam-filled tires which will not flatten, and an adjustable handbar that telescopically adjusts. The seat belts are simple to adjust and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades come with windows that can be seen through.

Other models come with multiple seating configurations. They can be used for twins or triplets, a larger child and an infant or a toddler riding a scooter (sold separately). They also have easy-to-use brakes and a surprisingly compact fold that can fit into the majority of trunks. Some are so light they can be carried up and down stairs. They also require minimal assembly, though the Joovy Caboose requires a few tools and took the longest time to construct in our tests.

Safety

The most reliable double strollers come with a variety of safety features. They come with adjustable handlebars, which provide an ergonomic grip, as well as an extra wide base that will not tip over when children get out of their seats. The canopies are large enough to protect both children in rainstorms. They're also simple 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 place where straps can be put," she says.

The narrowest compact strollers can pass through doors easily. This is a huge advantage if you live in smaller spaces or have a limited car. The smallest models are significantly lighter than standard double strollers, making them easier to lug from one location to the next. No more straining your arms and back as you sling a heavy stroller over your shoulder.

Parents with children close in age may choose an asymmetrical stroller such as our top option for the Joovy Kooper X2, which has two child seats which can be adjusted for the width and recline independently. In our testing we found that the seats were very comfortable and recline was easy and intuitive. Each seat has only one lever. It also comes with a massive storage basket, a one-step linked parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue while stopping) and some of the most comfortable harnesses we've tested.

If your children are different ages, a sit-and stand stroller, like our top pick the UPPAbaby V2 double, may be an option. It is compatible with two infant car seats and has a pair of modified seats which function as bassinets older children. It can also be modified to accommodate a riding board to accommodate a sibling of a similar age.