Choosing a Double Travel Stroller
A double stroller is a lifesaver if you have a lot of children. Pick a stroller that is lightweight and can be folded down so that it can fit in the trunk of your car or into an overhead bin.
Avoid exceeding the manufacturer's recommended seat weight to avoid fatigue of the frame. Other must-haves include adjustable canopies, versatile seating for children of various ages and plenty of storage.
Simple to Use
Double strollers are often criticized as being heavy and difficult to put together. However, they have come a long ways since the 1980s. The top double strollers have modern designs and can be customized to meet your family's specific needs, whether it's a tandem (single seat in the file) or a side-byside configuration. They're also light enough to transport and fit in the trunks of cars as well as on planes, where they can be checked at the gate just like other luggage.
A stroller that's easy to navigate over various ground surfaces and fit into small spaces is especially important for families who live in urban environments in which space is limited and public transportation is the primary mode of getting around. The light and agile double strollers we test can weave through busy sidewalks and tight subway gates, making them essential for the bustling city.
We consider a variety of aspects when evaluating a stroller for ease of use, including how easy it is to fold and set up, and if it can be adjusted to accommodate different family members with different heights. We also look for a spacious storage bin and reclined seats that are easy to access and adjust as well as an extremely high weight limit for the seat and canopy. The Zoe Twin+ earned top scores in this category thanks to its adequate storage bin with super-sized canopy, as well as a the ability to fold quickly.
If you're looking for a lightweight stroller that fits into trunks of cars that are small The Mountain Buggy Nano Duo is an excellent option. It's among the lightweight double strollers we've ever tested. It also folds into compact, easy-to-transport packages. It's also the tiniest double umbrella stroller we've tried, which makes it an excellent option for travel. It is even gate-checked by some airlines.
For parents with twins, a stroller that is side-by-side and supports two infant car seats is essential. Some double strollers, like the Graco DuoGlider Elite, allow you to use both infant car seats at the same time which can save time and energy by removing the need to change children. You may also want to think about a tandem stroller that will allow you to keep your children in earshot and within sight.
Comfort
If you want to ensure your children are comfortable during strolls, a high-quality cushioned seat is essential. It is recommended to choose a stroller that has a reclining backrest, a backrest that can be adjusted, and a large seat area so that your child can sit up or stretch out. For added comfort, consider a stroller with a roomy undercarriage that is able to accommodate bags of storage and other things without compromising the seating position of the seats.
The size and weight of a double travel stroller can affect its performance. Select a model with sturdy wheels and suspension to glide easily over rough surfaces. A quality double stroller will also be capable of turning in tight spaces and maneuver narrow hallways, busy sidewalks, and subway gates. If you intend to use a double stroller regularly, opt for one with a simple one- or two-step fold, which can be tucked away in the trunk of a car or a compact vehicle.
Parents traveling with small children usually use a double stroller to transport them around, especially in densely populated urban regions where space is at an all-time low and public transportation is the norm. A compact modular double stroller such as the CYBEX Gazelle S is the ideal choice for this situation, since it lets parents mix and match seats, cot attachments, and car seats to suit changing family needs, including when infants outgrow their infant car seats.
Another alternative is a double umbrella stroller that tends to be lighter and smaller than traditional models. They are generally great for travelers, as they fold quickly and easily and can be gate checked on airplanes, and often comply with Disney's stroller size specifications. Some also offer plenty of space onboard for snacks, toys, and other equipment.
A double stroller that is side-by-side is a great option for parents who have twins, or siblings who are close in age. This type of double-stroller is usually less expensive than a model with a modular frame. The seats are spacious and have plenty of recline options, legroom and canopy covers that provide ample coverage. The only downside to a stroller that is side-by-side is that it may be difficult to maneuver in narrow spaces or on sidewalks that are crowded and the larger frame can make it difficult to navigate through some doors.
Folding is easy
When you are choosing a double travel stroller, the most important factor is the ease of folding. This is especially important if you have to fold your stroller down a crowded sidewalk or in confined spaces. The best strollers come with an intuitive, simple folding procedure that takes only a few steps. twin stroller fold quickly and without any awkwardness that could lead to body parts hitting each one another or sliding. The Babyzen YOYO2 Connect Double and the Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon are two of our most favored double strollers that fold quickly and compactly.
It's important to consider the duration of time you'll be using a double stroller. If you intend to keep your children in the same car seats for at least the pre-school years, you may want to look into the side-by-side design which allows you to add an bassinets or infant car seats. If you think your kids are ready to move into separate seats before, an convertible double stroller is worth considering.
The top double strollers that we have reviewed come with a flat recline that makes it easy for your kids to lie down or have a snack break while on the move. Some strollers have a different recline on each seat. For example the front seat of the UPPAbaby Double v2 Double is nearly flat, while the second seat is upright. This kind of disparity in recline can cause children to fight over which seat they want to sit in.
You'll have to take into account the dimensions of the trunk of your vehicle, as double strollers are bulky and will not fit in the back of smaller vehicles. This is why we recommend choosing a double stroller that fits well in your trunk and is easily folded and stored when not in use. We also recommend double strollers that feature tiny, light footprints with a low weight and a simple design, like the ZOE Twin+. It's the most compact double stroller we've test, and with just 19 pounds it's among the lightest strollers that can still meet airline gate-check luggage weight limits--it's Disney-size approved!
Storage
Double strollers may have gotten an unpopular reputation due to the huge, oversized versions of the 1980s many millennials from the past however, they've come far. Nowadays modern, minimalist models can accommodate a wide range of options for customization, and fit kids from birth through kindergarten and come in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) models. Some also support infant car seats and an attachable riding board. Although you might have to put more money into the purchase, the investment can be rewarded in the form of versatility and the resale value.
double buggy of the things to take into consideration when choosing a double travel stroller include the weight limit for each seat, storage space and whether the seats have a recline. A recline that is deep allows for easy napping while moving about and a canopy that has UV protection will prevent your child from overheating. Some double strollers offer 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 it in tight places. Some of the most lightweight double strollers, like the Kolcraft Cloud Plus, weigh less than 23 lbs and can hold kids up to 40 pounds. It's lighter than a single stroller, and is easy to carry through airports and in cars.
If you're on the tightest budget, think about looking at double strollers on websites such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. These websites often have gently used double strollers for sale at low prices. Double strollers in good condition are free of rust and loose screws. If you are considering using a used double stroller with your children make sure you do a thorough inspection, including inspecting the wheel axles. Some cities rent strollers, but this option is not available everywhere. It can also be expensive if you intend to use the stroller frequently.