Choosing a Double Travel Stroller
A double stroller is a godsend for busy parents with multiple young children. Pick a stroller that is lightweight and can fold down so that it can fit in the trunk of your car or in an overhead bin.
Do not exceed the recommended weight of the seat to avoid frame fatigue. Other must-haves include adjustable canopies and a variety of seating options for children of different ages and plenty of storage.
Ease of Use
Double strollers get an undeserved reputation for being cumbersome and difficult to assemble, but this category of strollers has made a huge leap from the massive 1980s versions. The best double strollers have a sleek design and can be adapted to meet your family's specific requirements, whether it's a tandem (single seat in the file) or a side-by-side arrangement. They are also lightweight and fit into most car trunks, as well as on the majority of planes.
It's essential to have a stroller that's easy to maneuver across different surfaces and fits into tight spaces, particularly for families living in urban areas where space is limited and public transportation is the main mode of transport. The light and agile double strollers we tested can weave through the crowded streets and squeeze through subway gates. They are indispensable for urban living.
We assess a stroller's user-friendliness by taking into consideration various factors, such as how fast and easy the folding and setup process are, and whether it is adjustable for various family members of different heights. We also look for a spacious storage bin and reclining seats that are simple to access and adjust as well as an extremely high weight limit for the seat and canopy. The Zoe Twin+ was rated top in this category due to its large canopy with ample storage space and easy fold.
The Mountain Buggy Nano Duo stroller is a great choice to consider if you're looking for a lightweight option that is able to fit into small car trunks. It's one the lightweight double strollers we've ever tested. It folds down into a compact, easy-to-transport package. It's the smallest double umbrella stroller we've ever tested and is a great option for traveling. Some airlines will even allow you to gate-check this stroller.
A car seat with a side-by-side that can hold two infants is crucial for parents of twins. Some double strollers such as the Graco DuoGlider Elite allow you to use two infant car seats at the same time to save time and energy. It is also possible to consider a tandem stroller that allows you to keep your children in ear and sight.
Comfort
If you want to make sure your children are comfortable on walks, a good quality cushioned seat is essential. Look for one with an adjustable backrest as well as a reclining feature, and a wide seating area that allows kids to stretch out or sit easily. Consider a stroller that has a spacious undercarriage to accommodate storage bags or other items without interfering in the position of the seats.
The weight and size of a double travel stroller can affect its performance. Select a model with robust wheels and suspension that allow it to effortlessly glide over rough surfaces. A well-constructed double stroller is also able to turn in tight spaces and maneuver narrow hallways, busy subway gates, and sidewalks. If you intend to utilize a double stroller often choose one with a simple, one or two-step fold, which can fit in the trunk of a car or a compact vehicle.
Parents who travel with young children usually use a double stroller to get them around, especially in urban areas where space is at the limit and public transportation is a common sight. This situation is best served by a streamlined, modular double-stroller such as the CYBEX Gazelle which allows parents to mix and combine seats, cots, and car seats to suit changing needs.
A double umbrella stroller is an alternative option. They tend to be lighter and smaller than the traditional ones. They are ideal for travel, as they can be folded up quickly and easily. They can also be gate checked on airplanes and usually are able to meet Disney stroller size requirements. Some offer ample onboard storage space for snacks, toys and other equipment.
People with twins or siblings of similar age will benefit the most from the use of a side-by-side stroller. This type of double stroller is generally cheaper than a modular one, and the seats usually have ample recline, legroom, and canopies that provide plenty of coverage. The only drawback to a side-by-side stroller is that it may be harder to maneuver in narrow corridors or in crowded sidewalks, and the wider frame can make it difficult to pass through some doorways.
Ease of Folding
When you are choosing a double travel stroller, the most important factor is the ease of folding. This is particularly crucial if you have to fold your stroller on a crowded sidewalk or in cramped spaces. The best strollers feature an easy, simple folding operation with just a few steps. They fold quickly and without any twitches that could result in body parts slamming against each other or sliding. Some of our favorite double travel stollers for folding quickly are the Evenflo PivotXplore and 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 are planning to keep your children in the same seat for at least the preschool years, you may consider a side by side design which allows you to add an bassinets for infants or car seats. If you think your kids are ready to move to separate seats before then, the double stroller that converts to a convertible is worth considering.
Some of the best double strollers that we have reviewed offer a near-flat recline that makes it easy for your children to sleep or have a snack break 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 one is upright. This could result in kids having a fight over which seat to sit in.
You'll have to take into account the size of the trunk of your car, as some double travel strollers can be heavy and won't fit in the back of smaller vehicles. We recommend that you choose a double stroller that can fit easily in your car's trunk and can be folded up and stored when it is not in use. We also recommend double strollers with a small footprint, low weight, and a minimalist design. The ZOE Twin+ is one of these. It's the most compact double stroller we've tested, and at just over 19 pounds, it's one of the lightest strollers that can still be able to meet airline gate-check luggage weight limits. It's Disney-sized approved!
Stores
Double strollers may have gotten negative reviews from the huge, oversized versions of the 1980s many millennials from the past but they've come quite far. Modern, sleek, modular strollers are available in tandem or side-by-side models. They can be tailored to accommodate children from birth to kindergarten. Some models also accommodate infant car seats, and some even have an attached riding board. It is possible to pay more initially, but the investment will pay off with the flexibility and resale.
A few factors to consider when choosing a double travel stroller are the weight limit per seat, storage space and whether each seat has a recline. A recline that is deep allows for easy naps moving about and a canopy with UV protection will prevent your child from overheating. Double strollers can also feature parent-facing cupholders and dual snack trays for on-the-go convenience.
The weight of the stroller is also crucial, as it affects your ability to maneuver in tight areas. Some of the best lightweight strollers, such as 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 easy to carry through airports and into cars.
If you're on a tight budget consider looking at used options on sites such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, where you can often find gently used double strollers available at affordable prices. Double strollers in good condition are free of loose screws and rust. Once you've got a second-hand double stroller be sure to perform an exhaustive inspection, including inspecting the axles of the wheels for damage before using it with your kids. Some cities rent strollers, however this option is not available everywhere. It can be costly if you plan to use the stroller regularly.