Buying a Small Double Stroller

A double stroller is a major investment, and one you'll be using for a long time. You should choose wisely.

Our testers were looking for strollers with excellent mobility and smooth rides over any terrain. They also inspected whether the models 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 style has changed from the classic 1980s models that older millennials may remember. Nowadays, they are sleek and come with a range of options to make traveling with kids more enjoyable for all.

For parents who have infants or toddlers, a double stroller that includes car seats can be extremely useful in getting them from A to B. Some of the most advanced strollers available feature frames that can hold two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats, making them suitable for use from birth until children reach the age of kindergarten. They are generally more expensive than a double stroller frame but they come with an integrated car seat system as well as an enormous undercarriage basket.

Parents with fewer children could opt for a single-to-double stroller that is simpler and less expensive. These frames are typically lighter in weight, and some moms have shared with us that they're still using their old stroller even after their children have outgrew it.

The compact fold is a excellent feature of the smallest double strollers that we've test. They can fit in spaces where larger strollers won't and are often more maneuverable once folded.

Finally, most of the small double strollers we've tested have a large sunshade, though coverage can vary from almost nothing to a cocoon cover. If you're on a budget it's a good idea to look into second-hand strollers for sale on sites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure you check the stroller for wear and tear prior to purchasing it.

Weight

Parents should consider their budget and if the stroller is suitable for their family's needs when looking for a double infant strollers-small stroller. A stroller that is lightweight could, for instance, not have enough storage space to accommodate large bags or additional gear. It may not have a large canopy or other features that make it more comfortable to use on long trips.

The best double strollers are simple to maneuver and sturdy so that the children can remain in a comfortable position and not get out of their seats. Strollers with cushioned seatbacks and adjustable leg rests get higher marks in our comfort tests than strollers without. The top double strollers come with reclining seats that allow children to unwind on long rides.

Strollers that can be used to serve a variety of functions are more popular than ever, because of their innovative designs and clever features. Some of the most effective options are able to accommodate multiple car seat configurations and offer a variety of seating options for children from birth to prers of comfort.

If you're limited with storage space, think about a small double stroller that can fit both infant car seats and toddlers. Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon can accommodate twins and is a great option for families with two children. It comes with two canopies and a storage bin that can be attached, and a child's tray with cup holders. This budget-friendly stroller also offers the ability to fold quickly and easily, and it can be carried by one hand. It is worth pointing out, however, that most double modular strollers require you to remove the second seat when folding them.

Maneuverability

The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and feature smooth, supple wheels that glide across all types of surfaces. These strollers have reclining seats that are comfortable and plenty of storage space for your child's equipment. A lot of these strollers are compatible with toddler and infant seats as well as car seat carriers. These features make these strollers a great option for families who want one stroller that is multi-purpose.

Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and travel gear expert who advises parents about strollers and travel equipment. She suggests choosing a lightweight, easy-to-push model. She advises that strollers that are heavy can cause frame fatigue and injuries. "If your stroller feels heavy and difficult to push, you might consider including a ride-along board, or reduce the number of kids in the seat."

A few of the smaller double strollers we tried can accommodate multiple infant car seat carriers. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for instance, can accommodate two infant seats or toddler seats at the same time and can be transformed into three seats with the RumbleSeat add-on. It also features a chic inline design, with foam-filled tires that don't go flat, and a telescoping handlebar that can be adjusted. The seat belts are simple to adjust and remove and its UPF 50+ sunshades come with peekaboo windows.

Other models are available with different seating configurations. They can be used for twins or triplets, as well as an older child and an infant or a toddler riding a scooter (sold separately). They also come with easy-to-use brakes and a relatively compact fold that can fit into the majority of trunks. Some are so light they can be transported up and down stairs. The majority of them require little assembly. The Joovy Caboose, however, requires some tools and was the most difficult to build during our tests.

Safety

The best double strollers come with many safety features, including adjustable handlebars for a comfortable grip and a broad base that won't tip when the children get out of their seats. The canopies are big enough to accommodate both kids during rainstorms. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says they are easy to use. "Look for simple, one- or two step fold that is easy to carry and has a clear place where the straps can be positioned," she says.

The narrowest compact strollers can fit through doors with ease. This is a huge advantage if you live in an apartment that is small or have a small car. The smallest models are also considerably lighter than normal double buggy that converts to single strollers, which makes them much easier to carry from one location to the next. No more straining your arms and back as you sling the heavy stroller over your shoulder.

Parents with children older than their age could consider the side-by-side stroller, such as our top pick for the Joovy Kooper X2, which includes two child seats that can be adjusted for width and recline individually. In our tests the seats we found them to be very comfortable and the reclining to be quick and intuitive with just a single lever on each seat. It also has a large storage basket, a built-in parking brake that's one-step (to reduce fatigue in the hands while stopping) and some of our most popular harnesses.

If your children are of different ages, a sitting-and- stand stroller, like our top pick the UPPAbaby V2 double, could be an ideal choice. It can accommodate two infant car seats and comes with two seats that act as bassinets for older children. It can also be modified to accommodate a riding platform to accommodate a sibling of a similar age.