Choosing a Double Travel Stroller
A double stroller can be lifesaver for parents who have multiple young children. Find one that is lightweight and compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car or in an overhead bin of an airplane.
Check the manufacturer's seat weight guidelines and try to avoid exceeding them to prevent frame fatigue. Other essentials include a variety of seating arrangements for kids of various age, aprons that can be adjusted and plenty of storage.
Easy of Use
Double strollers are often given a bad rap because they're heavy and difficult to assemble, but this category of strollers has advanced from the massive models of the 1980s. The most effective double strollers are sleek and support various customization options to meet the needs of your family regardless of whether you're looking to purchase a tandem (single-file seating) or side-by-side configuration. They're also light enough to transport and fit in the trunks of cars and onto planes and can be checked at the gate just like other luggage.
A stroller that's easy to maneuver across various ground surfaces and fit into small spaces is especially important for families who live in urban areas, where space is limited and public transportation is the main method of transportation. The lightweight twin buggy and agile double strollers we tested could maneuver through the crowded streets and squeeze through subway gates. They are essential for urban living.
The user-friendliness by taking into consideration various aspects, including how quick and intuitive the folding and setup process is, and if it can be adjusted for different family members with varying heights. We also look for an ample storage bin, reclining seats with easy access and adjustment, and a maximum weight limit of the canopy and seat. The Zoe Twin+ earned top marks in this category because of its adequate storage bin as well as its huge canopy and the ability to fold quickly.
The Mountain Buggy Nano Duo stroller is a great choice if you are looking for a lightweight stroller that can easily fit in small trunks of cars. It's among the most light 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 tested which makes it a great choice for travel and can even be gate-checked with some airlines.
For parents of twins, a side-byside stroller that can support two infant car seats is crucial. 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 eliminating the need for switching out children. You may also want to think about a tandem stroller which allows you to keep both kids within sight and in earshot.
Comfort
A well-padded, high-quality and comfortable seat is crucial to ensure your children's comfort during strolls. It is recommended to choose a stroller with a reclining backrest, adjustable backrest and a spacious seat to allow your child to sit up or stretch out. Look for a stroller with a spacious undercarriage to accommodate bags of storage or other items without affecting the positioning of the seats.
The size and weight of a double stroller can also impact its performance. Find a model with sturdy wheels and suspension that glides easily over rough surfaces. A quality double stroller will also navigate tight spaces, navigate narrow hallways, crowded subway gates. If you plan to use a double stroller frequently you should choose one that folds in a matter of a few steps and fits in your trunk or a small car.
Double strollers are often used by parents traveling with their children, particularly in urban areas that are densely populous and where public transportation is common. This scenario is ideal for a slimmer double stroller that is modular, such as the CYBEX Gazelle, which allows parents to mix and blend seats, cots, and car seats to meet changing requirements.
A double umbrella stroller is an alternative option. They tend to be lighter and more compact models than the traditional ones. They are generally ideal for travel, since they fold easily and quickly, can be gate checked on airplanes, and often comply with Disney's stroller size specifications. Many also provide plenty of onboard storage for toys, snacks, and other items.
A side-by-side double stroller is ideal for parents with twins, or siblings who are close in age. This kind of double-stroller tends to be cheaper than one with a modular frame. The seats are spacious and have plenty of legroom, reclining options, and canopy covers that provide plenty of coverage. A side-by-side double stroller comes with only one drawback: it can be difficult to navigate narrow hallways and crowded sidewalks. Its wider frame can make it more difficult to navigate through certain doors.
Ease of folding
When you are choosing a double travel stroller the most important thing to consider is ease of folding. This is particularly important when you need to fold your stroller in tight spaces or on busy sidewalks with cars and people close by. The best lightweight double stroller strollers come with an intuitive, straightforward folding procedure that takes only just a few steps. They also fold without any awkward issues which can cause a bang on body parts or sliding. The Babyzen YOYO2 Connect Double and the Evenflo PivotXplore Wagon are two of our most favored double strollers that fold swiftly and compactly.
When you're looking for a double travel stroller, it's helpful to take into consideration how long you'll be able to use it for. If you're planning on keeping your kids in the same seat until they reach the age of preschool, then you might want to think about a side-by-side model with the option of adding bassinets for infants or car seats. 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 top double-strollers that we tested offer a near flat recline. This makes it easier for your children to lie down or eat a snack while on the move. Some strollers have the option of a different recline for each seat. For example the front seat of the UPPAbaby Double v2 Double is nearly flat, while the second seat is nearly upright. This type of difference in recline can cause children to argue over which one they'd like to sit on.
It is important to consider the dimensions of the trunk of your car, as some double strollers are large and cannot fit in the back of smaller vehicles. This is why we recommend choosing a double stroller that can fit comfortably in your trunk and is easily folded and stored away when not in use. We also recommend double strollers with smaller footprints, light weight, and a simple design. The ZOE Twin+ is one of these. It's the lowest-weight double stroller that we tested, and at just over 19 lbs, it's one of the lightest strollers and can still be used to meet the airline gate-check baggage weight limits. It's also Disney-sized-approved!
Stores
Double strollers may have gotten an unpopular reputation due to the massive 1980s models many elder millennials remember but they've come quite a long way. Modern, sleek, modular strollers are available in tandem or side-by-side designs. They can be tailored to accommodate children from birth until kindergarten. Some models can also allow for infant car seats, and some include an attached riding board. While you might need to invest more up front, the investment can yield in flexibility and the resale value.
When choosing a double tandem pushchair stroller, be aware of the weight limit for each seat as well as the storage space available, and whether or not the seats recline. A deep recline is great for naps on the go and a canopy with UV protection helps keep kiddos from overheating in the sun. Some double strollers have cup holders for parents as well as two snack trays to make it easier for parents on the go.
Another thing to be aware of is the weight of the stroller, as this will impact the ability of you to carry it around and maneuver it into tight areas. Some of the most strollers that are lightweight, like the Kolcraft Cloud Plus weigh less than 23 pounds and can hold children up to 40 pounds. It's lighter than a single stroller, and easy to carry through airports and in cars.
If you are on an extremely tight budget, you might consider checking out double strollers on sites such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. These sites often offer gently used double strollers for sale at bargain prices. Look for a double stroller in good condition and free of rust or loose screws. Before you use a used double-stroller with your kids, perform a thorough check, including inspecting the wheel axles. Some cities rent strollers, but this option is not available everywhere. It could be expensive if intend to use the stroller regularly.