Buying a Small Double Stroller

Double strollers are an investment that will last for many years. You must make the right choice.

Our test participants looked at strollers that have incredible mobility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also examined whether the strollers were easy to fold and maneuver.

Size

There are many styles of double strollers on the market, including side-by-side, tandem (single-file) and wagons. The category has come a long way 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 kids more enjoyable for everyone involved.

If you have a child or toddlers in tow, double strollers that include a car seat can be extremely useful in transporting them from A to B. Some of the most sophisticated strollers available feature a single frame that can hold two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats, making them suitable for use from birth up until kids reach the age of kindergarten. They are generally more expensive than a simple double stroller frame, but they also provide the convenience of a built-in car seat system and a large undercarriage basket which can hold both car seats.

Parents who don't have multiple children might prefer a simpler, less-expensive single-to-double stroller for twins stroller. These frames are typically lighter in weight, and some moms have even told us they're still using their old stroller even after their children have outgrew it.

Another advantage of a few of the smaller double strollers we've tested is the compact fold. They can fit in spaces where larger strollers won't and are often easier to maneuver once folded.

In addition, all of the small double strollers we've tested come with a decent-sized sunshade, although the it's possible to have nothing to a cocoon-like covering. For families on a budget it's worth looking at second-hand strollers on websites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's a stroller that will meet your family's needs--just be sure to examine any used stroller carefully for signs of wear and tear before making a decision to purchase one.

Weight

When looking for a compact double stroller, parents must consider how much they want to pay and if it will fit their family's lifestyle. A lightweight stroller could, for instance, not have enough storage space to accommodate bulky bags or additional gear. It also might not have a large canopy or other features that make the stroller more convenient to use on long trips.

The best double strollers are strong and easy to move, which helps to ensure that the children remain at ease in their seats and don't move around when they ride. In our tests of comfort we prefer strollers that have adjustable leg rests and padded seatbacks. The best double strollers also offer reclining seating positions that let kids relax during long trips.

Innovative designs and thoughtful features are making strollers that can be used in various ways more popular than ever. Some of the most compact double stroller effective options are able to accommodate multiple car seat configurations and offer a variety of seating configurations from birth to preschool years. Some are so light they can be used for jogging or traveling.

When choosing a small double stroller, it is important to know if the stroller can fit through narrow doorways and other spaces. The older models of tandem strollers and side-by-side strollers are usually too large to pass through the majority of doors. The best tandem strollers are usually shorter than the typical models, and are able to be easily pushed through doors that are standard.

Another thing to consider is whether you need a stroller that has additional features such as a cup holder or snack tray. These are useful for longer trips, but they will add weight and expense to the double twin stroller with car seats.

Folding

A compact double stroller can fold compactly, easily fitting in tight spaces and making it easy to put away. In addition, a light design ensures that it will be easy to move and carry.

Before you choose a small double stroller, think about the location you intend to use it and how often. These questions will help you determine the most important features. If you plan 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, think about the temperament and age of your children. If they are near in age, then a tandem stroller could be the best. If they are in different stages of development, an incline stroller could be more suitable for you.

A double stroller is expensive, but the investment will pay off over time. Making the investment in a high-quality model that meets 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, consider a small double stroller that can accommodate both toddler car seats and infant car seats. Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon can accommodate twins and is a great option for families with two children. It comes with two canopies as well as an attached storage bin as well as a tray for children with cup holders. This budget-friendly stroller also offers a quick and simple fold and can be carried by one hand. It is important to know that you have to remove the second seat from most double modular strollers when folding.

Maneuverability

The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and have smooth, responsive wheels that can glide across any surface. These strollers have reclined seats that are comfortable and ample storage space for your children's gear. In addition, many of these strollers can accommodate car seat carriers as well as infant toddler seats. These features make these strollers a great option for families looking for one stroller that is multi-purpose.

Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician as well as a travel gear expert who counsels parents on strollers and other gear. She suggests selecting a light, easy-to-push model. "Strollers that are too heavy can cause 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."

Some of the double strollers that 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 converted into three seats using the RumbleSeat add-on. It also has a chic inline design with foam-filled tires that will not flatten, and an adjustable handbar that telescopically adjusts. Its seat belts are easy to adjust and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades feature windows that peek out.

Other models offer seating configuration flexibility, which makes them suitable for multiples, twins, one older child and an infant or toddler with a scooter (sold separately). These models also come with brakes that are simple to use and the compact fold that fits in most trunks. Some are so light they can be transported up and down stairs. And most require little assembly, though the Joovy Caboose requires some tools and took the longest time to construct in our tests.

Safety

The top double strollers have multiple safety features, including adjustable handlebars that give you a comfortable grip and a wide base that won't tip when the children get out of their seats. They also have large canopy that cover both kiddos in even rainstorms. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She claims they are easy to use. "Look for an easy one- or two-step fold that is easy to carry and has a space where the straps can be positioned," she says.

The most double strollers that are compact can fit through doorways with ease--a major benefit for those with the space of a small car or living space. The smallest models also weigh less than standard double strollers. This makes them easier to transport from one location to the next.

Parents of children who are who are close to their age can consider an asymmetrical stroller such as our top option for the Joovy Kooper X2, which features two child seats that can be adjusted for recline and width separately. In our testing the seats we found them to be very comfortable and the reclining to be easy and simple with just one lever on each seat. It also comes with a massive storage basket and a one-step connected parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue while stopping), and some of the best harnesses we've tested.

If your children are of 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 also has two seats that act as bassinets for older children. They can also be modified to accommodate the use of a riding board for a sibling who is even older.