Choosing a Double Travel Stroller
A double stroller is a lifesaver if you have multiple children. Choose one that's light and folds small enough to fit into the trunk of your car or in an airplane overhead bin.
Make sure you check the manufacturer's weight guidelines, and try to avoid exceeding them to avoid frame fatigue. Other must-haves include versatile seating arrangements for kids of different age groups, adjustable canopy and plenty of storage.
Easy of Use
Double strollers get an undeserved reputation because they're heavy and difficult to assemble however, this type of strollers has made a huge leap from the massive models of the 1980s. The best double strollers feature modern designs and can be customized to meet your family's specific requirements, whether it's a tandem (single seat in the file) or a side-byside configuration. They're also lightweight enough for travel and to fit in the trunks of cars as well as on planes, where they can be gate-checked like any other luggage.
It's essential to have a stroller easy to maneuver over different surfaces and fit into tight spaces, particularly for families who live in urban areas where space is scarce and public transportation is the main mode of transportation. The light and agile double strollers we tested are able to maneuver through crowded streets and tight subway gates. They are indispensable for urban life.
We look at a range of factors when evaluating the ease of use, including the ease with which it can be set up and fold and also if it can be adjusted to accommodate family members of different heights. We also look for a large storage bin, reclining seats with easy access and adjustment, as well as the weight limit of the seat and canopy. The Zoe Twin+ earned top scores in this category thanks to its adequate storage bin, super-sized canopies, and quick fold.
The Mountain Buggy Nano Duo stroller is a great choice when you're looking for a lightweight option that can easily fit in small car trunks. It's among the lightest double strollers we've tested and it folds into an extremely compact size that is easy to carry up and down stairs than other models. It's also the smallest double umbrella stroller we've tested, which makes it an excellent choice for travel and can even be gate-checked on certain airlines.
A car seat that can accommodate two infants is crucial for parents of twins. Some double strollers, like the Graco DuoGlider Elite, allow you to use both infant car seats at the same time, which saves time and energy by eliminating the need to change children. You might also want to think about a tandem stroller that lets you to keep your children within earshot and within sight.
Comfort
A well-padded, high-quality and comfortable seat is crucial to ensure your children's comfort on strolls. You should look for a stroller with a reclining backrest, a backrest that can be adjusted, and a large seat area that allows your child to sit up or stretch out. Consider a stroller with a spacious undercarriage to accommodate bags for storage or other things without affecting the positioning of the seats.
The size and weight of a double travel stroller can also impact its performance. Select a model with solid wheels and suspension that can glide easily over rough surfaces. A quality double stroller will also be capable of turning in tight spaces and navigate narrow hallways, crowded subway gates, and sidewalks. If you plan to utilize a double stroller often, opt for a model with a quick, one- or two-step fold that will fit into a trunk or compact car.
Parents traveling with young children typically depend on a double stroller to transport their children around, particularly in densely populated urban areas where space is a premium and public transportation is a common sight. This scenario is best served by a streamlined double stroller that is modular, such as the CYBEX Gazelle that allows parents to mix and match seat units, cots and car seats to suit changing requirements.
Another alternative is a double umbrella stroller, which is typically lighter and more compact than standard models. These are usually great for travelers, as they fold up quickly and easily and are gate-checked on airplanes, and typically comply with Disney's stroller size specifications. Many of them have ample storage space for snacks, toys and other gear.
A side-byside double stroller is best for parents who have twins, or siblings that are close in age. This type of double stroller typically cheaper than a modular model and the seats typically offer plenty of recline, legroom, and canopies that provide ample coverage. A side-by-side double stroller has one drawback, and that is that it isn't easy to maneuver through narrow hallways and busy sidewalks. The wider frame may also make it difficult to navigate through certain doors.
Folding is easy
The folding ease is the primary consideration when selecting a double travel pram. This is particularly important when you have to fold your stroller into tight spaces or on busy sidewalks with cars and people close by. The best strollers come with an intuitive, straightforward folding procedure that takes only just a few steps. They fold without any awkward issues which can cause a bang on body parts or sliding. Some of our top double travel stollers for folding quickly are the Evenflo Pivot Xplore and the Babyzen YOYO2 connect Double.
When looking for a double stroller, be sure to consider how long you plan to use it for. If you are planning to keep your children in the same seat for at least the time of their preschool years, you might want to look into 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 children will be ready for separate seats prior to that point.
Some of the best double strollers in our reviews have a recline that is nearly flat which makes it a comfortable for your kids to nap or take a break for a snack while on the move. However, some products have an individual recline for each seat (the front seat of the UPPAbaby Vista Double v2 Double is almost flat and the second seat remains upright). This type of difference in position can cause kids to fight over which seat they want to sit in.
You'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. This is why we recommend selecting a double stroller that fits well in your trunk and is easily folded and stored away when not in use. We also prefer double strollers that have tiny footprints, low weight, and a minimalist design. The ZOE Twin+ is one of these. It is the smallest double stroller we've tested. With just 19 pounds, it's among the lightest strollers to still allow for airline check-in baggage weight limits. It's Disney-size-approved!
Storage
The behemoth strollers of the 1980s could have caused double strollers to get a bad name, but they have progressed a lot. Modern, sleek, and modular strollers are available in tandem or side-by-side formats. They can be customized to accommodate children from birth to kindergarten. They also have infant car seats as well as an attachable riding board. You may have to spend more initially but the investment will pay off through versatility and resale.
When you are looking for a double stroller, be aware of the weight limit for each seat as well as the storage space available, and whether or not each seat reclines. lightweight double stroller that is deep can allow for easy napping while moving about and a canopy that has UV protection will help keep your child from overheating. Some double strollers offer cupholders for parents, as well as dual snack tray to make it easier on the go.
Another factor to take into consideration is how much the stroller weighs in order to determine your ability to move it around and maneuver it through tight areas. Some of the most strollers that are lightweight, like the Kolcraft Cloud Plus weigh less than 23 pounds and accommodate children as heavy as 40 pounds. It's lighter than a single stroller and is easy to transport through airports and into vehicles.
If you're on a budget consider looking at used options on sites such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, which often have gently-used double strollers available at bargain prices. Find a double stroller that is in good shape and is free of corrosion or loose screws. If you've found a used double stroller, ensure that you conduct a thorough inspection, including looking over the wheel axles for damage prior to using it with your children. Some cities rent strollers, but this option isn't available everywhere. It could be expensive if plan to use the stroller often.