Choosing a Double Travel Stroller
A double stroller can be a lifesaver for busy parents with multiple young children. Choose one that's light and folds small enough to fit into the trunk of your car or in an airplane overhead bin.
Avoid exceeding the manufacturer's recommended seat weight to avoid fatigue of the frame. Other must-haves include versatile seating arrangements for kids of various ages, adjustable canopies and plenty of storage.
Simple to use
Double strollers are often criticized as being heavy and difficult to construct. But they've come a long ways since the 1980s. The most effective double strollers are sleek and offer different options for customization to suit your family's needs whether you're looking for a tandem (single-file seating) or a side-byside configuration. They're also lightweight enough for travel and to fit in the trunks of cars and onto most airplanes, where they can be checked at the gate just like other luggage.
It's important to have a stroller that is easily maneuverable over various surfaces and fit into tight spaces, particularly for families living in urban zones where space is limited and public transportation is the main mode of transport. The lightweight and agile double strollers that we test can navigate the crowded sidewalks and narrow subway gates, making them indispensable for busy city life.
We look at a range of factors when evaluating the stroller's convenience, such as the ease with which it can be set up and fold, and if it can be adjusted to accommodate family members with different heights. We also look for a spacious storage bin and reclined seats that are easy to access and adjust and also a high maximum weight limit for the seat and canopy. The Zoe Twin+ was rated the highest in this category due to its spacious canopy as well as its ample storage bin and its quick fold.
The Mountain Buggy Nano Duo stroller is an excellent choice to consider if you're looking for a lightweight stroller that can easily fit in tiny car trunks. It's one of the lightweight double strollers we've ever tested. It folds up into compact, easy-to-transport packages. It's also the tiniest double umbrella stroller we've tested, which makes it an excellent option for travel. It is even gate-checked by certain airlines.
For parents of twins, a side-by-side stroller that supports two infant car seats is essential. Some double strollers, like the Graco DuoGlider Elite, allow you to use both infant car seats simultaneously this saves time and energy by eliminating the need for switching out children. You may also want to think about a tandem stroller that will allow you to keep both children in your sight and in earshot.
Comfort
A padded, high-quality seat is crucial to ensure your children's comfort on strolls. You should choose a stroller with a reclining backrest, adjustable backrest, and a large seat area that allows your child to sit up or stretch out. Look for a stroller with an expansive undercarriage that can hold bags of storage or other items without interfering in the position of the seats.
The weight and size of a double stroller can also impact its performance. Choose a model that has solid wheels and suspension that glides easily over rough surfaces. A well-constructed double stroller should also be able to turn in tight spaces, and navigate narrow corridors, crowded sidewalks, and subway gates. If you plan to utilize a double stroller often, opt for a model with a quick, one- or two-step fold that will fit in a trunk or compact car.
Double strollers are commonly used by parents who travel with small children, especially in urban areas that are densely populated and where public transportation is prevalent. This scenario is ideal for a slimmer and modular double stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle that allows parents to mix and blend seats, cots, and car seats to accommodate changing needs.
Another alternative is a double umbrella stroller, which tends to be lighter and smaller than standard models. These are typically ideal for travel, since they fold easily and quickly and can be gate checked on planes, and usually meet Disney's stroller size requirements. Many of them have ample storage space for toys, snacks and other equipment.
If you have 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 space for reclining, legroom, and canopy covers that provide ample coverage. A side-byside double stroller has one disadvantage: it isn't easy to maneuver through narrow hallways and crowded sidewalks. Its wider frame can make it more difficult to pass through certain doorways.
Easy folding
The ease of folding is the primary consideration when selecting a double-travel pram. This is particularly important when you have to fold your stroller in tight spaces or on busy sidewalks with cars and people close by. The best strollers fold in a few simple steps that are intuitive and straightforward. They also fold without any awkward issues which can cause a bang on parts of the body or sliding. The Babyzen YOYO2 Connect Double and the Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon are among our top double travel strollers that fold easily and compactly.
When you're looking for a double travel stroller, you should take into consideration how long you'll be able to use it for. If you are planning to keep your children in the same seat for at least the preschool years, you might consider a side-by-side model that lets you add an infant car seat or bassinets. Convertible double strollers are an excellent option if you believe your kids will be ready for separate seats prior to that point.
Some of the best double-strollers we reviewed offer a flat recline. This makes it easy for your kids to sleep or eat their snacks while on the move. Some strollers have the option of a different recline for each seat. For instance, the front seat of the UPPAbaby Double v2 Double is nearly flat, while the second seat is nearly upright. This kind of disparity in position can cause kids to argue over which seat they want to sit in.
You'll need to take into account the dimensions of your trunk vehicle, since some double strollers can be heavy and won't fit in the backs of smaller automobiles. We suggest that you pick a double stroller that fits easily in your car's trunk and is able to be folded and put away when not in use. We also recommend double strollers with smaller footprints, light weight, and a minimalist design. The ZOE Twin+ is one of these. It is the smallest double stroller we tried. With just over 19 pounds, it's one of the lightest strollers and still meet airline gate check weight limits for luggage. It's Disney-sized-approved!
Storage
The behemoth strollers of the 1980s may have caused double strollers to get a bad name however they've progressed a lot. Nowadays, sleek, modular models can be fitted with a range of modifications, accommodate children from birth to kindergarten, and are available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) formats. Some models can also accommodate infant car seats and some have an attached riding board. You may have to spend more initially but the investment will pay off through flexibility and resales.
When choosing a double stroller, consider the weight limit of each seat and the storage space available, and whether or not each seat reclines. A recline that is deep allows for easy naps while on the move and a canopy with UV protection will help keep your child from overheating. Some double strollers offer cupholders for parents as well as two snack trays to make it easier on the move.
Another aspect to be aware of is how much the stroller weighs, as this will impact your ability to move it around and maneuver it through tight spaces. Some of the lightest double strollers, such as the Kolcraft Cloud Plus, weigh less than 23 pounds and can hold kids up to 40 lbs. It's lighter than the standard single stroller and sufficient to carry around airports, in overhead bins, and even into cars.
If double pushchair on a tight budget look for the used options available on sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, which usually have gently used double strollers for sale at bargain prices. Double strollers in good condition are free of loose screws and rust. If you are considering using a used double-stroller with your kids, perform a thorough check and inspect the wheel axles. There are also strollers to rent in some cities, although it's not available everywhere and could be expensive if you plan to use the stroller frequently.