Buying a Small Double Stroller

Double strollers are a big investment that will be used for many years. You should choose wisely.

Our testers were looking for strollers that had amazing flexibility and a smooth ride across any terrain. They also tested whether the models were easy-to-fold and maneuver.

Size

There are many different styles of double strollers on the market, ranging from side-by-side to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The style has changed from the classic 1980s models some older millennials may remember. Today, they are sleek and come with a range of customizations that make traveling with children more enjoyable for all.

For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller and car seats is a great option to transport them from point A to point B. Some of the most advanced strollers feature a single frame which can accommodate two infant car seat or convertible toddler seats. They can be used by children as young as until they reach kindergarten age. They are generally more expensive than a simple double stroller frame, but they also provide the convenience of a built-in car seat system as well as an ample undercarriage basket that can hold both car seats.

Parents with fewer children may prefer a simple and less expensive single-to-double stroller. These strollers are generally lighter in weight, and some mothers have told us they're still using their original stroller years after their children outgrew it.

The compact fold is another great feature of some the smallest double buggy newborn strollers that we've tried. They can fit into spaces that larger strollers cannot, and are often easier to maneuver when folded.

In addition, all of the small double strollers we've tested have a large sunshade, but the coverage can vary from almost nothing to a cocoon-like covering. If you're looking for a bargain, you might want to look for second-hand strollers that are available on websites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure you check the stroller for wear and tear prior to purchasing it.

Weight

Parents should take into consideration their budget and if the stroller is suitable for their family's lifestyle when purchasing a double stroller. A lightweight stroller could, for instance, not have the storage space to accommodate bulky bags or other gear. It might also not have a large canopy or other features that would make it easier to use for long trips.

The most reliable double strollers are strong and easy to maneuver, which helps to ensure that the children remain comfortable in their seats and do not move around when they ride. Strollers with cushioned seatbacks and adjustable leg rests get higher scores in our tests of comfort than those without. The top double strollers have reclining seating positions that let kids relax during long walks.

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 are able to accommodate multiple car seat configurations and offer a wide range of seating options from the beginning of childhood to preschool. Some are so light they can be used for jogging or for travel.

When choosing a small double stroller it is crucial to consider whether the stroller will fit through narrow doors and other spaces. Often, older models of side-by-side strollers as well as tandem strollers are wide in general which makes them incompatible with the majority of doors. The most compact double strollers, however, tend to be smaller than the traditional models and can be pushed right into most standard doorways easily.

It is also important to consider whether you need a stroller with additional features like a cup holder and snack tray. These are great for longer trips, but they add to the overall 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. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry and maneuver.

Before you choose a small double stroller consider where you will be using it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you identify the essential features. If you intend to run with your stroller, you'll want one with an elongated suspension so that it can easily glide across rough roads and uneven terrain.

Be aware of the age and temperament of your children as well. If they are near in age, then a side-by-side stroller might be the best choice. If they are in different stages of development then the tandem stroller might be better suited to your needs.

A double stroller is costly however, the investment will pay off over time. Making the investment in a high-quality model that is suited to your family's needs will make travel with kids easier, and it will also give years of comfort to you and your children.

If you are limited in storage space, think about a small double stroller that can accommodate both infant car seats as well as toddlers. Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon can accommodate twins and is an excellent option for families with two children. It has two canopy options, a storage bin that attaches, and an infant tray with cup holders. This lightweight, budget-friendly stroller folds easily and can be carried with only one hand. It is worth noting that the majority of double modular strollers require that you remove the second seat before folding them.

Maneuverability

The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and come with smooth and responsive wheels that glide over all kinds of surfaces. These strollers feature reclining seats that are comfortable and plenty of storage space for your children's gear. Many of these strollers are also compatible with infant and toddler seats and car seat carriers. These features make these strollers a great option for families who want one stroller that can be used for multiple purposes.

Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and a travel gear expert who offers advice to parents on strollers and other travel gear. She recommends selecting a lightweight, easy-to push model. "Strollers that are too heavy could lead to frame fatigue and injury," she says. If your stroller is heavy and difficult for you to push, you can add a ride-along feature or reduce the number of children.

Some of the double strollers we tested are able to accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for instance, can accommodate two toddler or infant seats at a time, and can be transformed into three seats with the RumbleSeat add-on. It also comes with a fashionable, inline design, foam-filled tires that don't go flat, and an adjustable telescoping handlebar. Its seat belts are easy to fasten and undo and its UPF 50+ sunshades come with windows that can be seen through.

Other models offer seating configuration that is flexible, making them suitable for multiples, twins or one older child and an infant or toddler with a scooter (sold separately). These models also feature easy-to use brakes and the compact fold that fits in most trunks. Some are so light they can be carried up and down the stairs. They also require minimal assembly although the Joovy Caboose requires some tools and took the longest to build in our tests.

Safety

The most reliable double strollers come with a variety of safety features. They have adjustable handlebars that provide an ergonomic grip, as well as a wide base so it will not tip over when children get out of their seats. They also have generous canopies that can be used to protect both children and rain or storms. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says they're simple to use. "Look for an easy oneor two-step fold that can be easy to carry and provides a clear and easy location to put the straps," she advises.

The narrowest compact strollers can pass through doors easily. This is a great advantage if you live in smaller spaces or have a car that isn't as big. The smallest models weigh less than normal double strollers. This makes them easier to carry from one location to the next.

Parents with children of similar ages can choose a stroller with a side-by-side feature like our top choice: the Joovy Kooper X2, that includes two child seats that can be adjusted individually for recline and width. In our tests, we discovered that the seats were very comfortable, and the recline was smooth and simple. Each seat has only one lever. It also has a huge storage basket and a one-step connected parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue when stopping) and some of the most comfortable harnesses in our tests.

If you have children that are from each other in terms of age, then a stroller that sits and stands, such as our top pick, the UPPAbaby Vista Double, could be a good fit. It is compatible with two infant car seats and comes with a pair of modified seats which function as bassinets older children. They can also be modified to accommodate a riding board for an even older sibling.