Buying a Small Double Stroller

A double stroller is a major investment, and it's one that you will use for a long time. That's why it's important to choose carefully.

Our testers looked at strollers that have great flexibility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also checked whether the models were easy to fold and move.

Size

There are a variety of double strollers available on the market, from side-by-side to tandem (single and double stroller-file seating) and wagons. The category has evolved from the massive 1980s models that some elder generations might have recalled. Nowadays, they're sleek and support a range of customizations to make travel with children more enjoyable for everyone involved.

For parents with infants or toddlers to take along, an extra stroller that has car seats can be incredibly useful for transporting them from A to B. Some of the most advanced strollers on the market have frames that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats allowing them to be used from birth until the time children reach kindergarten age. They're generally more expensive than double stroller frames, but offer an integrated car seat system, as well as an enormous undercarriage basket.

Parents with less children can opt for a single to double stroller-to double-stroller, which is simpler and less expensive. These strollers are typically lighter and some moms utilize their original stroller after their children have outgrown it.

Another great feature of some of the smallest double strollers we've tried is their compact fold. They can be tucked away in places that larger strollers cannot and are generally easier to maneuver when folded.

The majority of double strollers that we tested have a decent-sized sunshade. However, coverage can vary from a bare spot to an entire cocoon. If you're on a budget, you might want to look into second-hand strollers that are available on sites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure you check the stroller for signs of wear before buying it.

Weight

When looking for a compact double stroller, parents need to consider how much they want to pay and if it's a good fit for their family's lifestyle. A stroller that is lightweight, for example, may not have the storage space to hold large bags or additional 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 simple to maneuver and durable, so that the children can remain comfortable and not be confined to their seats. Strollers that have padded seatbacks as well as adjustable leg rests get higher marks in our comfort tests than those without. The top double strollers offer reclining seating positions that let kids unwind during long trips.

Strollers that can be used for a variety of reasons are becoming more popular than ever due to their innovative designs and clever features. The best travel double stroller models are able to accommodate multiple car seat installation and provide an extended range of seating options from birth to preschool years. Some are lightweight enough to run or even travel with.

When choosing a small double-stroller, it is important to know if the stroller can be pushed through narrow doors and other spaces. Most older models of side-byside strollers and tandem strollers are wide in general which makes them incompatible with the majority of doors. The best double strollers are typically narrower than the traditional models, and can be carried through the majority of doors.

Another thing to think about is whether you'll need a stroller that has additional features such as a cup holder or snack tray. These are useful for longer trips, but they add weight and cost to a double stroller.

Folding

A small double stroller can fold compactly, easily fitting into tight spaces and making it easy to put away. Additionally, its lightweight design guarantees that it will be easy to maneuver and carry.

Before you decide on a compact double stroller, think about where you'll use it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you determine the features that are most important. If you're planning to run with the stroller, you'll need one with an elongated suspension so that it can glide smoothly over rough terrain and pavement.

Also, consider the age and temperament of your children. If they're of the same age, a side by side stroller may be the most suitable option. However, if they are at different stages of development, then a tandem model may be more suitable for your requirements.

A double stroller is expensive but it will pay dividends over time. A high-quality model that meets your family's needs can simplify the process of traveling with kids. It will also provide you and your children with a lifetime of comfort.

If you have limited storage space, you might want to consider a small double stroller that can accommodate 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 a tray for the child with cup holders. This stroller is budget-friendly and offers an easy and quick fold, and it can be carried with just one hand. It is important to note that the majority of double modular strollers require you to take off the second seat when folding them.

Maneuverability

The best double strollers designed for small spaces are easy to maneuver, and have wheels that glide smoothly across any surface. These strollers feature seating that reclines and plenty of storage space for your children's equipment. Many strollers are compatible with toddler and infant seats and car seat carriers. These features make them a perfect option for families that want a single stroller that can grow with their family.

Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and a travel gear expert who offers advice to parents about strollers and travel gear. She suggests choosing a Lightweight Twin Buggy, easy-to-push model. "Strollers that are too heavy can lead to frame fatigue and injuries," she says. "If your stroller is weighing too much and difficult to push, consider adding a ride-along board or reduce the number of kids in the seat."

Several of the small double strollers we tested could accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for example, can hold 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 which won't flatten, as well as an adjustable telescoping handbar. The seat buckles are among the easiest to fasten and unfasten and its UPF 50+ sunshades come with window-like windows.

Other models provide seating that is flexible, making them suitable for multiples, twins, one older child and an infant or toddler who has a riding scooter (sold separately). These models also have brakes that are simple to use and an incredibly compact double buggy fold that can fit into the majority of trunks. Some are even lightweight enough to transport up and down the stairs. Most require only a few pieces of assembly, though the Joovy Caboose requires some tools and took the longest to construct in our tests.

Safety

The best compact double stroller double strollers come with multiple safety features, including adjustable handlebars that give you a comfortable grip, and a large base that won't tip over when the children get out of their seats. The canopies are large enough to cover both kids in the event of rain. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says they're easy to use. "Look for a oneor two-step fold that can be easily carried and has a clear, easy place to put the straps," she advises.

The tiniest of compact double strollers fit easily through doors, which is a major benefit for those with a small car or limited living space. The smallest models are much lighter than normal double strollers, which makes them easy to move from one location to the next. No more straining your arms and back as you sling an oversized stroller on your shoulder.

Parents with children of similar ages can prefer an X-style stroller that is side by side one of our top pick for the Joovy Kooper X2, that has two child seats which can be individually adjusted for recline and width. In our tests, we found the seats to be very comfortable and the recline to be quick and intuitive with just a single lever on each seat. It also has an enormous storage basket, a parking brake that's one-step (to reduce fatigue in the hands while stopping) and a few of our best harnesses.

If your children are different ages, a sit-and stand stroller, like our top choice the UPPAbaby V2 double, is 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 board for an even older sibling.