Shopping For a Compact Double Stroller
If you're looking to purchase a stroller for your own twins or pick one up for a cool auntie present it's an excellent option. It has an alternating design with reclined seats in a single direction and a generous UPF50plus sunshade canopy.
You can also add the RumbleSeat, Vista PiggyBack or other ride-along boards for another child. And it's easy to maneuver and fold up.
Features
When you are looking for a double stroller there are a variety of factors to consider, such as whether you need a bassinet, a toddler seat or a canopy. Beyond double running buggy pushchairsandprams of a lightweight double stroller is its maneuverability and ability to roll on different surfaces. The majority of the strollers we tested can move in tight spaces. However should you be planning on taking your stroller off the road or across uneven terrain, you should choose the model that was designed for those conditions.
Some of the double strollers that are compact we've reviewed feature narrow frames which make them easier to maneuver and squeeze into narrow spaces, such as doors. These strollers also have smaller wheels that are filled with foam, making them more suited to pushing on sandy or bumpy terrain. This means they can be pushed on snow or cobblestones.
If parents frequently travel, a compact and lightweight double stroller is a must. They typically fold flat and lock, making them simple to pack and carry. They can also be folded using one hand and will stand up when folded, so you don't have to be concerned about them falling over while in your trunk or on a train.
We've tested many double strollers that fold up into a compact size. We've also tested a few that are smaller and can be stored in your trunk or home. Some of these strollers come with a built-in carrying strap, making them much easier to carry.
The most affordable models in this category are convertible double strollers which let you convert them into single strollers as your children grow. They typically come with a large storage basket that can accommodate both seats' worth of gear and can convert to an infant car seat carrier with a compatible adapter (not included). With the purchase of an additional conversion kit, they can be converted into toddler seats.
Design
One of the first things to consider when shopping for a stroller is where and the way you'll use it. This will help narrow down your choices. If you are planning on taking it to the park and going for long walks, a more rugged design may be important. It can also be the case for those who want to pair their stroller with an automobile seat travel kit. In this case, you'll need to consider whether the model you pick is compatible with the car seat or bassinet that you plan to use it with.
A good double stroller should be able to maneuver easily and roll across a variety of surfaces. Most of the models that we tested can do this, but models with larger wheels are able to glide easily over grass, carpeting, unpaved paths, curbs, sidewalks and other surfaces.
We also searched for strollers that could take a beating, but still fold down in a compact way, with a one-hand mechanism. It's important to have a stroller that is able to fold with just one hand since the majority of parents don't have two hands available to carry their child and stroller at the same time. We all know that messes do happen and strollers are easy to clean will save you lots of stress in the long term.
The top-rated strollers have features that help them stand out from the rest like self-standing, one-handed folding and carrying straps for easy moving. They also offer nice-sized pop-out canopies with SPF 50 and peekaboo windows, adjustable calf support, reclined seats, and comfy padded fabrics. We also prefer models that allow you to add a second passenger.
Many of the top double strollers are available in bundle packages that include car seats as well as bassinets. This can be an ideal solution for parents who do not wish to buy separate products and worry about reassembling. But, it's important to remember that these strollers typically come with lower quality than strollers that stand on their own. They are also heavier and difficult to maneuver in tight spaces than other models.
Comfort
A quality stroller should be light enough to be able to carry comfortably without straining your arms or back. Most compact double strollers weigh no more than 24 pounds, and measure between 25 and 30 inches in width, which is far lighter than the typical double stroller. Also, the top ones come with comfortable seats, padding for the legs and buckles that are easy to fasten.
Some compact double strollers have an adjustable suspension, which allows you to navigate rough terrain or uneven pavement without feeling shaken. Some double strollers feature the front wheel that can be turned to enable you to maneuver through tight spaces, like car parks or shopping aisles. The front wheels can be locked so that they cannot turn, which is perfect for driving on rough surfaces like cobblestones and sand.
The most double strollers that are compact as well as being lightweight and easy to move designed to make both parents and children as comfortable as they can. They come with padded seats, leg rests, straps that are easy to fasten and large UPF 50+ canopy which provide plenty of sun protection and peekaboo windows. They're also some of the most spacious strollers we tested for storage with enough space for both the kids and dad's stuff.
A lot of the top double strollers that fit in small spaces are also able to be used in a variety of ways. They let you switch between different configurations using different seat attachments or even a ride-on-board. For instance, you could utilize the infant car seat adapter to put a baby in the front seat, then take it off it and put in a toddler seat for older siblings to ride. You can also convert most models into tandem strollers, which allows one child to sit in the back while the other in the front (the top seat will typically flip to face the parent or rotate for forward-facing mode).
The most important feature of a compact double stroller is its ease of use. Ideally, you want to be able fold and carry it using one hand, and then easily put it in your car or trunk when not in use. A good compact double stroller will fold in just a few seconds and not be more than a few inches long when fully open. It should be able to stand up on its own, and shouldn't require special tools to assemble or disassemble.
Stores
When you're looking for a double-stroller model, select models that have ample storage. You need plenty of space to store your necessities whether it's groceries, toddler snacks or two bags of children's toys. The stroller should fold up easily and compactly. A one-handed fold is a huge benefit for those times when you're already holding a child or juggling purses, diaper bag, and shopping bags.
Some models come with an open shopping basket that is attached to the handlebars, allowing easy access to smaller items. Certain models have a huge traditional basket that is located under the carriage. If you're looking for the perfect stroller, look into features, such as the possibility to attach a kickboard, or an car seat for infants. Jogging strollers, for example are designed with a smooth suspension that allows them to glide across cobblestones and pavements while maintaining their speed. Some even have a built-in child carrier for running with dogs and babies. These strollers are more expensive than the basic all-terrain or reclining models. They also require specific tires for outdoor use.
Car seat strollers that are specifically designed for car use like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 are a great option for parents who want to use their stroller from birth. The Vista can fit two infant car seats, bassinets or both (and in some cases, a third with the optional RumbleSeat version 2) and features easy frame clips to attach or remove seats and accessories. It also offers a wide variety of seating options and, unlike many side-by-side strollers, does not have the large footprint that makes it difficult to maneuver through narrow doors.
The Graco DuoGlider Lux, which is less expensive, is a good option for families who want to use their stroller as a baby stroller throughout toddlerhood. The DuoGlider has a decent-size basket and two storage bags that hang from the back of each seat. It can accommodate either an infant car seat, or a car seat for toddlers. It also includes a rainguard. It's a bit heavier than the Vista, but it still provides plenty of versatility for its price.
Children traveling on their own require the right gear, including strollers that are easy to fold and carry. Most of our top picks are lightweight and fold flat for transportation and fit into the majority of trunks and are checked for gate entry on planes. They're also ideal for everyday use when you're often out and about in public spaces.