Choosing a Double Travel Stroller
A double stroller can be a lifesaver for parents who have multiple young children. Choose a lightweight stroller that can be folded up compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car or in an airplane overhead bin.
Do not exceed the manufacturer's recommended seat weight to prevent frame fatigue. Other essentials include a variety of seating arrangements for children of varying age, aprons that can be adjusted and plenty of storage.
Simple to Use
Double strollers are often criticized for being heavy and difficult to assemble. However, they have come a long ways since the 1980s. The most effective double strollers are sleek and offer a range of customizations to suit your family's needs whether you're looking for a tandem (single-file seating) or a side-by-side arrangement. They're also lightweight enough for transport and fit in the trunks of cars as well as on planes, where they can be gate-checked like any other luggage.
A stroller that is easy to navigate across a variety of terrains and fit into small spaces is important for families who live in urban environments in which space is limited and public transportation is the main method of travel. The light and agile double strollers that we tested could maneuver through crowded streets and tight subway gates. They are indispensable for city life.
We look at a range of factors when evaluating a stroller for ease of use, including the ease with which it can be fold and set up and fold, as well as if it is able to be adjusted to accommodate family members of varying heights. We also look for a spacious storage bin and reclined seats that are easy to access and adjust as well as an extremely high weight limit for the seat and canopy. The Zoe Twin+ was rated the highest in this category due to its spacious canopy with ample storage space and its quick fold.
The Mountain Buggy Nano Duo stroller is a great option to consider if you're looking for a lightweight option that can easily fit in tiny car trunks. It's among the most light double strollers we've ever tested. It also folds into a compact, easy-to-transport package. It's also the tiniest double umbrella stroller we've tried, which makes it an excellent choice for travel and can even be gate-checked on some airlines.
A side-by-side car seat that can fit two infants is essential for parents of twins. Some double strollers, like the Graco DuoGlider Elite, allow you to use both infant car seats at once, which saves time and energy, by removing the need for switching out children. It is also possible to look into a tandem stroller which allows you to keep both kids within sight and close to your ears.
Comfort
If you want to make sure your children are safe during walks, a comfortable cushioned seat is essential. You should choose an infant stroller with a recline backrest, adjustable backrest, and a wide seat so that your child can sit up or stretch out. Look for a stroller with a spacious undercarriage to accommodate bags for storage or other things without interfering in the position of the seats.
The weight and size of a double travel stroller can also affect its performance. Make sure you choose a model with solid wheels and suspension that can glide easily over rough surfaces. A quality double stroller will also navigate tight spaces, navigate narrow hallways and crowded sidewalks and subway gates. If you intend to utilize a double stroller often choose an option with a quick one or two-step fold that will be tucked away in the trunk of a car or a compact vehicle.
Double strollers are often used by parents traveling with small children, especially in urban areas that are heavily urbanized and where public transportation is common. A sleek, modular double stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle S is ideal for this scenario, as it allows parents to mix and match seats, cot attachments, and car seats in order to meet the changing needs of their family as well as when children outgrow their infant car seats.
A double umbrella stroller is another option. They tend to be smaller and lighter than the traditional ones. These are typically ideal for those traveling, as they fold easily and quickly and can be gate checked on airplanes, and typically meet the Disney stroller size requirements. Many of them have ample storage space for toys, snacks and other gear.
A double stroller that is side-by-side is ideal for parents who have twins, or siblings that are close in age. This kind of double stroller is usually less expensive than a modular model, and the seats usually offer plenty of recline options, legroom and canopy options that offer ample coverage. A side-byside double stroller has only one drawback: it can be difficult to maneuver through narrow hallways and crowded sidewalks. The wider frame may also make it difficult to pass through certain doorways.
Folding is easy
The ease of folding is the primary consideration when selecting a double travel pram. This is particularly important when you need to fold your stroller into tight spaces or on crowded sidewalks with cars and other people nearby. The best strollers have an intuitive, simple folding process that requires only a few steps. They fold easily and without any twitches that could lead to body parts slamming against each other or sliding. The Babyzen YOYO2 Connect Double and the Evenflo PivotXplore Wagon are two of our most favored double travel strollers that fold quickly and compactly.
It's important to consider the duration you'll be using a double travel stroller. If you are planning to keep your children in the same seats for at least the preschool years, you may want to look into the side-by-side design which allows you to add an bassinets for infants or car seats. If you believe your children are ready to move to separate seats before then, the convertible double stroller is a good option.
The top double strollers we've reviewed come with a flat recline that makes it easy for your kids to lie down or take a snack break while on the go. However, twin stroller side by side come with distinct reclines for each seat (the front seat of the UPPAbaby Vista Double v2 Double goes almost flat while the second one remains almost upright). This can result in children having a fight over which seat to sit in.
You'll need to consider the size of the trunk of your car, as some double strollers are bulky and will not fit in the backs of smaller automobiles. This is why we recommend selecting a double stroller that is able to fit in your trunk and is easily folded and stored away when not in use. We also like double strollers that feature smaller footprints with a light weight and a simple design, like the ZOE Twin+. It is the smallest double stroller that we tried. With just 19 pounds, it's among the lightest strollers and still meet airline gate check luggage weight limits. It's Disney-sized-approved!
Storage
Double strollers have probably earned an unpopular reputation due to the huge, oversized versions of the 1980s many elder millennials remember, but they've come many steps. Nowadays, sleek, modular models can be fitted with a range of modifications, accommodate kids from birth through kindergarten, and are available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) formats. Some models also accommodate infant car seats, and some even have an attached riding board. You might have to pay more initially but the investment will pay off in the form of the flexibility and resale.
When choosing a double stroller, you should consider the weight limit of each seat, the storage space available and whether or not each seat reclines. A recline that is deep can allow for easy napping while on the move, and a canopy with UV protection will help keep your child from overheating. Some double strollers also offer cup holders for parents and dual snack trays for mobile convenience.
Another factor to be aware of is the weight of the stroller, as this will impact your ability to move it around and maneuver it into tight places. Some of the best lightweight strollers, such as the Kolcraft Cloud Plus weigh less than 23 pounds, and can accommodate children as heavy as 40 pounds. It's a little lighter than the standard single stroller and is simple enough to get through airports, in overhead bins, and even into cars.
If you're on a tight budget, consider checking out double strollers available on sites such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. These websites often have gently used double strollers for sale at affordable prices. Double strollers in good shape are free of loose screws and rust. If you are considering using a used double-stroller with your kids make sure you do a thorough inspection, including inspecting the wheel axles. There are also strollers for rent in some cities, although this option isn't available everywhere and could be expensive if you plan to use the stroller often.