The Most Common Mistakes People Make With Small Double Stroller
Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are a significant investment that will last for a long time. That's why you need to choose carefully.
Our test participants were looking for strollers that had amazing flexibility and a smooth ride across all terrains. They also examined whether the strollers were easy to fold and maneuver.
Size
There are many styles of double strollers available such as tandem, side-by-side (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 offer various customization options to make the experience of traveling with children more enjoyable for all involved.
For parents of toddlers or infants, a double stroller with car seat is an excellent option for bringing them from one point to B. Some of the most sophisticated strollers on the market feature frames that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats, making them suitable for use from birth until children reach kindergarten age. These are usually more expensive than double stroller frames but they come with an integrated car seat system, as well as a large undercarriage basket.
Parents with fewer children could choose a single-to-double-stroller that is more simple and less expensive. These frames tend to be lighter and some moms utilize their original stroller after their children have outgrown it.
Another great feature of a few of the smaller double strollers we've tried is their compact fold. They can fit in places that larger strollers can't, and they're often easier to maneuver once folded.
Most double strollers that we tested have a decent-sized sunshade. However, the amount of shade coverage can range from nothing to an entire cocoon. For families on a budget you should look into second-hand strollers available on sites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's a model that meets your family's needs. Just be sure to examine the stroller for signs of wear and tear prior to purchasing one.
Weight
Parents should think about their budget and if the stroller will fit into the family's lifestyle before purchasing a double stroller. A stroller that is lightweight could, for instance, not have enough storage to accommodate large bags or other gear. It might not have a large canopy, or other features to make it easier to use on long journeys.
The best double strollers are easy to maneuver and sturdy so that the children can remain comfortable and not be confined to their seats. Strollers with cushioned seatbacks and adjustable leg rests get higher scores in our comfort tests than those that do not have. The best double strollers provide reclining seating options that let kids take a break during long trips.
Innovative designs and clever features have made 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 provide an extended range of seating options from the beginning of childhood to preschool. Some are even lightweight enough to run or travel.
When selecting a compact double-stroller, it is important to determine if the stroller can be pushed through narrow doors and other spaces. Most older models of side-by-side strollers and tandem strollers have an overall wideness that makes them incompatible with numerous doors. The best small double strollers are usually narrower than traditional models and can be pushed into doors of all sizes easily.
Another thing to think about is whether you require an additional feature on your stroller like a cup holder, or a snack tray. These are useful for longer trips but will add weight and expense to the double stroller.
Folding
A compact double stroller that folds compactly, easily fitting in tight spaces and making it easy to put away. Additionally, its lightweight design guarantees that it will be easy to move and carry.
Consider the frequency and location you will use a double stroller. These questions will help you decide which features are most important. If you intend to run with your stroller, you'll need one with a smooth suspension so it can glide over rough surfaces and pavement.
Take into consideration the age and temperament of your children, too. If they are close in age, then a side-byside stroller might be the best choice. However, if they are at 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. A high-quality model that meets your family's needs can make traveling with kids easier. It can also provide you and your children with years of comfort.
If you are limited in storage space, the double stroller is an ideal choice. It can accommodate both infant car seats and toddlers. Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon can accommodate twins and is an excellent option for families with two children. It comes with two canopy options as well as a storage bin which attaches, and an infant tray with cup holders. This lightweight, budget-friendly stroller folds up easily and can be carried with just one hand. Be aware that you must 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 effortlessly over any surface. These strollers come with reclined seats that are comfortable and have plenty of storage space for your child's gear. In addition they can accommodate car seat carriers and infant toddler seats. These features make these strollers a great option for families looking for a single, multi-purpose stroller.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who provides parents with advice on strollers and travel equipment she suggests selecting a lightweight stroller that is easy for children to push. She advises that strollers that are heavy can cause frame fatigue and injuries. "If your stroller feels heavy and difficult to push, consider adding a ride-along board or reduce the number of children in the seat."
Some double strollers that we tested are able to accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for instance, can carry two infant car seats or toddler seats at once and can be converted to a three-seat layout by using the add-on RumbleSeat. It also has a chic inline design with foam-filled tires that will not flatten, and an adjustable handbar that telescopically adjusts. The seat buckles are one of the easiest to secure and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades feature windows that peek out.
Other models have seating that is flexible, making them suitable for multiples, twins or an older child who is a single person, an infant or toddler who has a riding scooter (sold separately). These models also have brakes that are simple to use and a compact fold that fits in most trunks. Some are so lightweight that they can be carried up and down the stairs. Most require little assembly. The Joovy Caboose, however, requires some tools and was among the most difficult to build during our tests.
Safety
The top double strollers have numerous safety features, such as adjustable handlebars for a comfortable grip and a broad base that won't tip over when the kids jump out of their seats. The canopies are big enough to protect both children in rainstorms. They're also simple to use, according to Alli Cavasino who is a certified child-passenger safety technician. "Look for a simple, one- or two step fold that is easy to carry and has a place where the straps can be positioned," she says.
The most double strollers that are compact can fit easily through doors, which is a major benefit if you have an incredibly small car or a tiny living space. The smallest models are also significantly lighter than normal double strollers, making them easy to move from one location to another. No needing to strain your arms or back while carrying the heavy stroller over your shoulder.
Parents with children of the same age may prefer an X-style stroller that is side by side, such as our top pick one: the Joovy Kooper X2, that features two child seats that can be individually adjusted for recline and width. In our tests, we discovered that the seats were extremely comfortable, and recline was easy and intuitive. Each seat has a single lever. It also comes with a massive storage basket and a one-step connected parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue when 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 UPPAbaby v2 double, is a good option. It can accommodate two car seats for infants, and it also has two modified seats that can be used as bassinets.