Choosing a Double Travel Stroller
A double stroller can be a lifesaver for parents who are busy with several young children. Choose a stroller with a light weight that can be folded down small enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle or in an overhead bin.
Review the manufacturer's seat weight recommendations, and avoid exceeding them to prevent frame fatigue. Other essentials include flexible seating arrangements for children of varying ages, adjustable canopies and plenty of storage.
Simple to use
Double strollers are often criticized for being heavy and difficult to put together. However, they've improved a lot since the 1980s. The best double strollers feature a sleek design and can be adapted to meet your family's unique requirements, whether it's a tandem (single seat in the file) or a side-by-side arrangement. They're also light enough for transport and fit in the trunks of cars and onto most airplanes, where they can be gate-checked like any other luggage.
It's important to have a stroller easy to maneuver across different surfaces and fits into tight spaces, especially for families who live in urban areas where space is scarce and public transport is the primary mode of transportation. The lightweight and nimble double strollers we tested can weave through busy streets and narrow subway gates. They are essential for urban life.
We evaluate a stroller's ease of use by considering several aspects, including how quick and intuitive the folding and setup process is, and if it is able to be adjusted to accommodate families with different heights. We also look for a large storage bin, reclining seats with easy adjustment and access, and the weight limit of the canopy and seat. The Zoe Twin+ was rated highest in this category due to its large canopy as well as its ample storage bin and quick fold.
The Mountain Buggy Nano Duo stroller is a great option when you're looking for a lightweight stroller that is able to fit into small car trunks. It's one of the lightest double strollers we've tried, and folds into a compact package that's easy to carry up and down stairs than many other models. It's also the smallest double umbrella stroller we've tried, which makes it an excellent choice for travel and can even be gate-checked with 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 can save time and energy by removing the need for switching out children. You may also want to look into a tandem stroller which allows you to keep both children in your sight and earshot.
Comfort
If you want to make sure your children are safe during walks, a comfortable, padded seat is crucial. Find one that has an adjustable backrest and a recline feature, and a wide seat area that allows kids to relax or sit up easily. Consider a stroller that has 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 travel stroller can also affect its performance. Choose a model that has sturdy wheels and suspension that can easily glide over rough surfaces. A good double stroller will also be capable of turning in tight spaces and maneuver narrow hallways, busy 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 a trunk or compact car.
Parents who travel with young children usually depend on a double stroller for getting them around, especially in densely populated urban areas where space is at a premium and public transportation is common. A streamlined, modular double stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle S is ideal for this type of situation, since it allows parents to mix and match seats, cot attachments, and car seats to meet changing needs of the family as well as when children outgrow their car seats for infants.
A double umbrella stroller is a different option. These are usually smaller and lighter than the standard ones. These are typically ideal for those traveling, as they fold quickly and easily and are gate-checked on planes, and usually meet Disney's stroller size requirements. Some offer ample onboard storage space for toys, snacks and other gear.
A side-by-side double stroller is a great option for parents who have twins, or siblings that are similar in age. This kind of double stroller is generally cheaper than a modular one, and its seats generally offer plenty of recline, legroom, and canopy options that offer ample coverage. The only disadvantage of a side-by-side stroller is that it may be harder to maneuver in narrow spaces or on sidewalks that are crowded and the larger frame could make it harder to get through certain doors.
Ease of folding
The ability to fold is the most important consideration when selecting a double travel pram. This is particularly crucial if you have to fold your stroller on the sidewalk in confined spaces. The top strollers fold in just the simplest of steps that are easy and straightforward. They also fold without any awkward issues that can result in slamming parts of the body or sliding. pushchair twin of our top double travel stollers that fold easily are the Evenflo PivotXplore and the Babyzen YOYO2 connect Double.
When you're looking for a double travel stroller, it's helpful to think about how long you intend to use it. If you intend to keep your children in the same car seats for at least the preschool years, you might consider a side by side design that allows you to add bassinets or infant car seats. If you believe your children are ready to move into separate seats before an convertible double stroller is a good option.
The top double strollers in our reviews come with a flat recline, which makes it comfortable for your kids to lie down or take a snack break while on the go. However, some strollers come with a different recline for each seat (the front seat on the UPPAbaby Vista Double v2 Double goes almost flat and the second seat remains nearly upright). This kind of disparity in recline can cause children to fight over which seat they'd like to sit on.
Also, you'll need to consider the size of your car's trunk, as some double strollers can be quite bulky and will not fit in the back of smaller vehicles. We suggest that you pick a double stroller that can fit easily in your car's trunk and is able to be folded and put away when not in use. We also like double strollers with tiny, light footprints with a low weight and a simple design, such as the ZOE Twin+. It's the lowest-weight double stroller that we tested, and at just over 19 lbs, it's one of the lightest strollers that can still meet airline gate-check luggage weight limits--it's Disney-size approved!
Stores
The huge strollers from the 1980s may have given double strollers the wrong impression, but they have come a long ways. These days sleek, modular models can be fitted with a range of modifications, accommodate children from birth to kindergarten and come in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) models. Some models also accommodate infant car seats as well as an adjustable riding board. It is possible to pay more initially, but the investment will pay off through versatility and resale.
A few factors to consider when shopping for a double travel stroller include the weight limit for each seat, storage space and whether each seat has recline. A recline that is deep is ideal for naps while on the move, and a canopy that provides UV protection keeps kids from overheating in the sun. Some double strollers offer parent-facing cupholders and dual snack trays for on-the-go convenience.
The weight of the stroller is important, as it can affect your ability to maneuver it in tight areas. Some of the most lightweight double strollers, like the Kolcraft Cloud Plus, weigh less than 23 pounds and can accommodate children up to 40 lbs. It's a bit 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 look for used options on sites such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, which usually have gently used double strollers for sale at low prices. Double strollers that are in good condition are free of loose screws and rust. If you've purchased an old double stroller, be sure to perform an extensive inspection, which includes checking the axles of the wheels for damage before using it with your children. There are also strollers to rent in some cities, though it's not available everywhere and can be pricey when you plan to use the stroller frequently.