Choosing a Double Travel Stroller
A double stroller is a godsend for parents who have multiple young children. Look for one that's lightweight and folds small enough to fit in the trunk of your car or an airplane overhead bin.
Do not exceed the recommended weight for a seat by the manufacturer to avoid frame fatigue. Other must-haves include adjustable canopies, versatile seating for children of various age groups, and plenty of storage.
Ease of Use
Double strollers are often criticized as being heavy and difficult to construct. However, they've come a long ways since the 1980s. The best cheap double buggy strollers are sleek and support a range of customizations to suit your family's needs whether you're looking for a tandem (single-file seating) or a side-byside configuration. They are also lightweight and can be tucked away in car trunks, as well as on the majority of planes.
It's important to have a stroller easily maneuverable over various surfaces and can fit into tight spaces, particularly for families who live in urban areas where space is limited and public transportation is the main mode of transport. The lightweight and agile double strollers that we test can navigate crowded sidewalks and tight subway gates, making them essential for city life.
We look at a range of factors when we evaluate a stroller for ease of use, including how easy it is to set up and fold, and if it can be adjusted to accommodate different family members of varying heights. We also look for a spacious storage bin and reclining seats that are simple to access and adjust, as well as a high maximum weight limit for the seat and canopy. The Zoe Twin+ earned top marks in this category due to its ample storage capacity, super-sized canopies, and the ability to fold quickly.
If you're looking for a lightweight stroller that fits into car trunks that are small, the Mountain Buggy Nano Duo is an excellent option. It's one of the tiniest double strollers we've tested, and folds into an extremely compact size that is easy to carry up and down stairs than many other models. It's also the smallest double umbrella stroller we've tested, which makes it an excellent option for travel. It can even be gate-checked on some airlines.
Parents of twins need a stroller that is side-by-side and supports two infant car seats is crucial. Some double strollers such as the Graco DuoGlider Elite allow you to use two infant car seats at the same time which can save time and energy. It is also possible to consider a tandem stroller that will allow you to keep your children within earshot and in sight.
Comfort
If you want to ensure your children are safe during strolls, a high-quality cushioned seat is vital. Find one that has an adjustable backrest and reclining feature, and a wide seat area that allows kids to relax or sit up easily. To make your stroller more comfortable, you should consider a stroller that has a spacious undercarriage that can hold storage bags and other items without compromising the seating position of the seats.
The weight and size of a double travel stroller can also affect its performance. Look for a model with solid wheels and suspension that glides easily over rough surfaces. A well-constructed double stroller will also be capable of turning in tight spaces and navigate narrow hallways, crowded subway gates, and sidewalks. If you intend to use a double stroller frequently you should choose one that folds in one or two steps and fits into your trunk or in a compact car.
Parents who travel with young children usually depend on a double stroller to transport them around, particularly in urban regions where space is at a premium and public transportation is a common sight. This scenario is best served by a sleek and modular double stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle which allows parents to mix and match seats, cots and car seats to meet changing requirements.
Another option is a double umbrella stroller (https://www.webwiki.nl), that tends to be lighter and more compact than standard models. They are ideal for travel, as they can be folded quickly and easily. They can also be gate checked on airplanes, and typically are able to meet Disney stroller requirements for size. Some of them offer plenty of storage space for toys, snacks and other gear.
A double stroller that is side-by-side is ideal for parents who have twins, or siblings who are similar in age. This kind of double-stroller tends to be cheaper than one with a modular frame. Its seats have plenty of legroom, reclining options, and canopy covers that offer plenty of coverage. A side-by-side double stroller comes with only one drawback: it can be difficult to maneuver through narrow hallways and overcrowded sidewalks. Its wider frame can make it more difficult to pass through certain doorways.
Folding Ease
When you are choosing a double travel stroller, the most important factor is the ease of folding. This is particularly crucial when you need to fold your stroller down a crowded sidewalk or in cramped spaces. The top strollers fold in just the simplest of steps that are simple and easy. They fold without awkward complications which can cause a bang on body parts or sliding. Our top double travel stollers that fold easily include the Evenflo PivotXplore and the Babyzen YOYO2 connect Double.
When looking for a double stroller, you should consider how long you plan to use it. If you are planning to keep your children in the same seats for at least the preschool years, you might be interested in a side-by-side model that allows you to add bassinets or infant car seats. Convertible double strollers are an excellent option if you think your children are ready to move into separate seats prior to that point.
The best double-strollers that we tested offer a flat recline. This makes it simple for your children to lie down or have a snack while on the move. However, some strollers come with a different recline for each seat (the front seat of the UPPAbaby Vista Double v2 Double is almost flat and the second seat remains nearly upright). This could result in kids fighting over which seat they should sit in.
Also, you'll need to think about the size of your car's trunk, as some double strollers can be quite bulky and will not fit in the back of cars with smaller trunks. We suggest that you pick a double stroller which fits easily into your trunk and is able to be folded and stored when it is not in use. We also like double strollers that feature tiny, light footprints with a low weight and simple design, like the ZOE Twin+. It's the smallest double stroller we test, and with 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-size approved!
Stores
The behemoth strollers from the 1980s might have caused double strollers to get a bad name however, they have come a long ways. Nowadays sleek, modular models can be fitted with a range of options for customization, and fit kids from birth through kindergarten and come in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) formats. Some also support infant car seats as well as a riding board that can be attached. You might have to pay more initially but the investment will pay off with versatility and resale.
A few things to think about when looking for a double travel stroller are the weight limit per seat, storage space and whether the seats have recline. A recline that is deep is ideal for naps on the go and a canopy that offers UV protection can help keep kids from overheating in the sun. Some double strollers offer parent-facing cupholders and dual snack trays for mobile convenience.
Another aspect to take into consideration is how much the stroller weighs, as this will impact your ability to move it around and maneuver it into tight spaces. Some of the best strollers that are light, 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 is easy to carry through airports and into vehicles.
If you're looking to save money consider looking at used options on sites like 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. If you are considering using a used double-stroller with your kids conduct a thorough examination, including inspecting the wheel axles. There are strollers to rent in some cities, though this isn't a possibility everywhere and can be pricey in the event that you intend to use the stroller often.