Buying a Small Double Stroller

Double strollers are an investment that will last for a long time. That's why you need to pick wisely.

Our testers looked at strollers that offer excellent mobility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also examined whether they 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 come a long way from the behemoth vintage 1980s models that some elder generation millennials may remember. Today they're sleek and offer a range of customizations to make travel with children more enjoyable for everyone.

For parents with infants or toddlers, a double stroller that includes a car seats is a great option for getting them from point A to B. Some of the most advanced strollers available feature 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 the age of kindergarten. They're generally more expensive than a double stroller frame but offer an integrated car seat system and an enormous undercarriage basket.

Parents who don't have multiple children might want a simple, less-expensive single to double buggy-to-double stroller. These strollers are generally lighter in weight, and some mothers have told us they're still using their old stroller years after their children outgrew it.

Another advantage of a number of the smallest double buggy from birth strollers we've tested is their compact fold. They can fit in places where larger strollers wouldn't and are often easier to maneuver once folded.

The majority of double strollers that we tested had a decent sunshade. However, coverage can vary from zero to an entire cocoon. For families on a budget you should look into second-hand strollers on websites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's a model that meets your family's needs--just be sure to inspect any used stroller carefully for signs of wear and tear before committing to buying 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. For instance, a lightweight stroller might not have enough storage space for bulky bags or other equipment. It may not have a large canopy, or other features to make it more convenient to use during long trips.

The most comfortable double strollers are easy to maneuver and sturdy, so that the children can remain comfortable and not move around in their seats. In our tests of comfort we prefer strollers that have adjustable leg rests and padded seatbacks. The best double strollers provide reclining seating options which allow children to take a break during long walks.

Innovative designs and clever features have made strollers that can be used in a variety of ways more popular than ever. Some of the most effective options can accommodate multiple car seat installation and provide an extended range of seating configurations from infant to preschool. Some are so light they can be used for running or even for traveling.

When choosing a small double stroller, it is important to determine if the stroller can be pushed through narrow doors and other spaces. Older models of tandem strollers as well as side-by-side strollers are usually too wide to fit through the majority of doors. The most effective small double strollers, however, tend to be narrower than standard models and can be pushed right into the majority of doors with ease.

You should also think about whether you require a stroller that has additional features, such as cups holder and a snack tray. These are great for longer trips, but they add weight and cost to the double stroller.

Folding

A compact double stroller can fold compactly, easily fitting in tight spaces and making it easy to put away. A lightweight design makes it easy to carry and maneuver.

Think about where and how often you will use a double stroller. These questions will help you determine the most important features. If you intend to run with your stroller, you'll want one with a smooth suspension so it can glide smoothly over rough surfaces and pavement.

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. If they are at different stages of development, an incline stroller could be better suited to your needs.

A double stroller is costly, but it's an investment that pays off in the long run. Investing in a quality model that is suited to your family's needs will make travel with children much easier, and it will also offer years of convenience for both of you.

If you have limited storage space, think about a small double stroller that can accommodate both infant car seats and toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is ideal for families with two young children, and it can even hold twins. It comes with two canopy options as well as an attached storage bin and a tray for the child with cup holders. This budget-friendly stroller also offers an easy and quick fold and can be pushed by one hand. You should be aware that you must remove the second seat of the majority of double modular strollers when folding.

Maneuverability

The most effective small double pushchair from birth strollers are easy to maneuver and have smooth, supple wheels that can glide across all types of surfaces. These strollers also come with comfortable, reclining seats as well as ample storage space for your kids' gear. Many of these strollers are compatible with infant and toddler seats as well as car seat carriers. These features make them a perfect option for families looking for a single stroller that can grow with their family.

Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who offers advice to parents on travel gear and strollers, recommends choosing a lightweight stroller that is easy to push. She advises that strollers that are heavy can cause frame fatigue and injuries. If your stroller is heavy and difficult for you to push, consider adding an extra ride-along option or decrease the number of children.

Some double strollers that we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double Buggy Newborn, for instance, can accommodate two infant car seats or toddler seats simultaneously and can convert to a three-seat layout by using the add-on RumbleSeat. It also comes with a fashionable design with an inline design, foam-filled tires that can't go flat and a telescoping handlebar that can be adjusted. The seat buckles are one of the easiest to fasten and unfasten, and its generous UPF 50+ sunshades come with peekaboo windows.

Other models come with different seating configurations. They can be used for twins or triplets, a larger child and an infant or an infant riding the scooter (sold separately). They also come with easy-to-use brakes and a compact fold that fits in most trunks. Some are even lightweight enough to transport up and down steps. 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 best double strollers come with multiple safety features, including adjustable handlebars that give you a comfortable grip, and a large base that won't tip when the children get out of their seats. They also come with large canopy that can be used to protect both children and even rainstorms. They're also very easy to use, says 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 space where the straps can be placed," she says.

The tiniest of double strollers can be pushed through doorways with ease--a major advantage if you have a small car or limited living space. The smallest models are also much lighter than standard double strollers, which makes 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 of children of similar ages can opt for a stroller with a side-by-side feature like our top pick one: the Joovy Kooper X2, that has two child seats which can be individually adjusted to recline and width. In our testing the seats we found them to be extremely comfortable and the reclining to be easy and simple with just one lever on each seat. 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 your children are of different ages, a sit-and stand stroller, like our top choice the UPPAbaby V2 double, may be an option. It can accommodate two car seats for infants and it comes with a pair of modified seats that serve as bassinets.