Choosing a Double Travel Stroller
A double stroller can be lifesaver for parents who are busy with several young children. Pick a stroller that is lightweight and can be folded up compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car or in an overhead bin.
Do not exceed the recommended weight of the seat to prevent frame fatigue. Other must-haves are adjustable canopies and a variety of seating options for children of different age groups, and plenty of storage.
User-Friendliness
Double strollers get an undeserved reputation because they're heavy and difficult to assemble, but this category of strollers has made a huge leap from the massive 1980s versions. The best double strollers feature sleek designs and can be customized to meet your family's particular requirements, whether that's 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 and onto most airplanes, where they can be checked at the gate just like other luggage.
It's essential to have a stroller that is easy to maneuver across different surfaces and fits into tight spaces, especially for families who live in urban areas where space is limited and public transport is the primary mode of transport. The double strollers that are light and agile we tested can maneuver through the crowded sidewalks and narrow subway gates, making them indispensable for city life.
We evaluate a stroller's ease of use by considering various aspects, including how quick and easy the folding and setup process is, and if it can be adjusted for families with different heights. We also look for a large storage bin, reclining seats with easy access and adjustment, as well as a maximum weight limit of the seat and canopy. The Zoe Twin+ was rated the highest in this category due to its huge canopy as well as its ample storage bin and easy fold.
The Mountain Buggy Nano Duo stroller is an excellent choice to consider if you're looking for a lightweight option that can easily fit in tiny car trunks. It's among the lightest double strollers we've tried, and it folds down into smaller size, making it easier to transport up and down stairs than other models. It's the smallest double umbrella stroller we've ever tried and is a great choice for travel. Certain airlines will allow you to gate-check the stroller.
For parents of twins, a side-byside stroller that can support two infant car seats is crucial. Some double strollers like the Graco DuoGlider Elite allow you to use two infant car seats simultaneously, saving time and energy. You might also want to think about a tandem stroller that will allow you to keep your children in earshot and in sight.
Comfort
If you want to make sure your children are safe during walks, a good quality, padded seat is crucial. Choose a model with an adjustable backrest and reclining feature, and a large seat area that allows kids to stretch out or sit up easily. Consider a stroller that has an expansive undercarriage that can hold storage bags or other items without affecting the positioning of the seats.
The size and weight of a double travel stroller can also affect its performance. Choose a model that has solid wheels and suspension that is able to glide smoothly over rough surfaces. A quality double stroller will also be capable of turning in tight spaces and navigate narrow hallways, crowded sidewalks, and subway gates. If you plan to use a double stroller regularly, choose one that folds in a matter of a few steps and can fit into your trunk or a small vehicle.
Parents traveling with small children often use a double stroller to get their children around, particularly in densely populated urban areas where space is at a premium and public transportation is the norm. A sleek and modular double stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle S is a great choice for this scenario, as it lets parents mix and match seat units, cot attachments, and car seats in order to suit changing family needs as well as when children outgrow their infant car seats.
Another alternative is a double umbrella stroller, which tends to be smaller and lighter than standard models. They are ideal for travel as they fold up quickly and easily. They can also be gate checked on airplanes and usually are able to meet Disney stroller size requirements. Some also offer plenty of storage space onboard for toys, snacks, and other equipment.
People with twins or siblings who are close in age will benefit the most from the use of a stroller that is side-by-side. This type of double-stroller is typically cheaper than one with a modular frame. Its seats have plenty of legroom, reclining options, and canopy covers that provide plenty of coverage. The only disadvantage of a stroller that is side-by-side is that it could be harder to maneuver in narrow corridors or in crowded sidewalks, and the wider frame can make it more difficult to navigate through some doors.
Ease of folding
When selecting a double-travel stroller the most important thing to consider is ease of folding. This is especially important if you have to fold your stroller into tight spaces or on crowded streets with cars and pedestrians nearby. The best strollers have an intuitive, simple folding procedure that takes only a few steps. They fold without awkward complications that result in banging parts of the body or sliding. The Babyzen YOYO2 Connect Double and the Evenflo PivotXplore are two of our most favored double strollers that fold easily and compactly.
When shopping for a double stroller, be sure to consider how long you plan to use it for. If you plan to keep your children in the same seats until they're at least pre-school age, you may want to look into a side-by-side design with the option of adding bassinets or infant car seats. If you think your children will be ready to transition into separate seats before, the double stroller that converts to a convertible is worth considering.
Some of the top double-strollers we reviewed offer an almost flat recline. This makes it simple for your children to nap or have a snack while moving. Some strollers have the option of a different recline for each seat. For instance the front seat of the UPPAbaby Double v2 Double is almost flat while the second seat is upright. This sort of dissimilarity in position can cause kids to argue over which one they'd like to sit on.
double infant strollers 'll also need to consider the size of your car's trunk, as some double strollers are a bit bulky and won't fit in the back of cars with smaller trunks. For this reason, we recommend selecting a double stroller that fits well in your trunk and is easily folded and stored when not in use. We also like double strollers that have smaller footprints with a low weight and simple design, such as the ZOE Twin+. It's the most compact double stroller we've tested, and at just over 19 pounds, it's one of the lightest strollers that still be used to meet the airline gate-check baggage weight limits. It's Disney-sized approved!
Stores
Double strollers might have earned an unpopular reputation due to the huge, oversized versions of the 1980s many millennials from the past however, they've come far. Nowadays, sleek, modular models are able to accommodate a range of modifications, accommodate children from birth to kindergarten, and are available in side-byside or tandem (single-file seating) formats. Some models can also accommodate infant car seats, and some have an attached riding board. While you may need to invest more up front, the investment can be rewarded in the form of versatility and resale value.
When choosing a double stroller, be aware of the weight limit for each seat as well as the storage space available, and whether or not the seats recline. A deep recline allows for easy naps while moving about and a canopy with UV protection will prevent your child from overheating. Some double strollers come with cup holders for parents as well as two snack trays to make it easier on the move.
Another factor to consider is the weight of the stroller and how much it weighs, as this can affect your ability to lug it around and maneuver it in tight places. Some of the lightest double strollers, such as the Kolcraft Cloud Plus, weigh less than 23 lbs and can hold kids up to 40lbs. It's lighter than a single stroller and is easy to carry through airports and in cars.
If you're on an extremely tight budget, you might consider looking at double strollers on sites such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. These sites often offer gently used double strollers for sale at affordable prices. Double strollers in good shape are free of rust and loose screws. If you've found an old double stroller, make sure you perform an extensive inspection, which includes looking over the axles of the wheels for damage, before using it with your children. You can also find strollers for rent in some cities, although this isn't a possibility everywhere and may be costly when you plan to use the stroller frequently.