Choosing a Double Travel Stroller
A double stroller is a lifesaver when you have a lot of children. Choose a lightweight stroller that can be folded up compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car or into an overhead bin.
Do not exceed the recommended weight for a seat by the manufacturer to avoid frame fatigue. Other must-haves include versatile seating arrangements for children of different age, aprons that can be adjusted and plenty of storage.
Ease of Use
Double strollers are often criticized for being heavy and difficult to construct. But they've come a long ways since the 1980s. The best double strollers are sleek and offer various customization options to suit your family's needs whether you're looking for a tandem (single-file seating) or a side-byside configuration. They're also lightweight enough for 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 navigate across different surfaces and fits into tight spaces is particularly important for families who live in urban areas where space is scarce and public transportation is the primary mode of getting around. The lightweight and agile double strollers we test can weave through the crowded sidewalks and narrow subway gates, making them indispensable for busy city life.
We look at a range of factors when evaluating a stroller for ease of use, including the ease with which it can be fold and set up, and if it can be adjusted to accommodate family members of varying heights. We also look for a large storage bin, reclining seats that have easy access and adjustment, and the weight limit of the seat and canopy. The Zoe Twin+ earned top marks in this category because of its adequate storage bin with super-sized canopy, as well as a quick fold.
If you're looking for a lightweight stroller that can easily fit into small car trunks The Mountain Buggy Nano Duo is an excellent choice. 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 many other models. It's also the tiniest double umbrella stroller we've tested which makes it a great option for traveling and can even be gate-checked with some airlines.
Parents of twins need a side-by-side stroller that supports two infant car seats is essential. Some double strollers like the Graco DuoGlider Elite allow you to use two infant car seats at the same time, saving time and energy. It is also possible 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 vital to ensure your children's comfort on strolls. Choose a model with an adjustable backrest and a recline feature, and a wide seating area that allows kids to stretch out or sit and stand double stroller up easily. Consider a stroller with an ample undercarriage that can accommodate storage bags or other items without interfering in the position of the seats.
The weight and size of the jogger can also affect the performance of a double travel jogger. Choose a model that has solid wheels and suspension that can effortlessly glide over rough surfaces. A good double stroller can also turn in tight spaces, maneuver through narrow hallways, crowded sidewalks and subway gates. If you intend to use a double stroller often pick one that folds in a matter of a few steps and fits in your trunk or compact car.
Parents who travel with young children often depend on a double stroller for getting their children around, particularly in urban areas where space is at a premium and public transportation is a common sight. This situation is best served by a streamlined and modular double stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle, which allows parents to mix and combine seats, cots, and car seats to accommodate changing requirements.
Another alternative is a double umbrella stroller which tends to be lighter and more compact than traditional models. These are typically great for travelers, as they fold up quickly and easily and are gate-checked on airplanes, and often meet Disney's stroller size requirements. Some offer ample onboard storage space for snacks, toys and other gear.
If you have twins or siblings of similar age will get the most use out of a stroller that is side-by-side. This kind of double-stroller tends to be less expensive than a model with a modular frame. The seats are spacious and have plenty of legroom, reclining options, and canopy covers that provide ample coverage. The only drawback to a stroller that is side-by-side is that it may be more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces or on sidewalks that are crowded and the larger frame can make it difficult to pass through some doorways.
Folding Ease
The ease of folding is the primary consideration when selecting a double travel pram. This is especially important if you have to fold your stroller on the sidewalk in tight spaces. The top strollers fold in just only a few steps that are simple and straightforward. They fold without any awkward issues which can cause a bang on body parts or sliding. Our top double travel stollers that fold quickly are the Evenflo PivotXplore and the Babyzen YOYO2 connect Double.
It is important to think about the length of time you will be using a double travel stroller. If you plan to keep your kids in the same seat until they reach pre-school age, you may want to consider a side-by-side design with the option of adding bassinets or infant car seats. If you think your children are ready to move to separate seats prior to an double stroller that converts to a convertible is worth considering.
The top double strollers we've reviewed have a recline that is nearly flat, which makes it comfortable for your children to sleep or take a snack break while out and about. However, some strollers double come with an individual recline for each seat (the front seat of the UPPAbaby Vista pushchairs double v2 Double goes almost flat, while the second seat remains upright). This can lead to kids fighting over which seat to take a seat in.
Also, you'll need to think about the size of your car's trunk, since some double travel strollers are somewhat bulky and don't fit in the back of cars with smaller trunks. For this reason, we recommend selecting a double stroller that is able to fit in your trunk and can be easily folded and stored away when not in use. We also recommend double strollers that have tiny, light footprints with a low weight and a simple design, such as the ZOE Twin+. It's the lowest-weight double stroller that we test, and with just over 19 pounds, it's one of the lightest strollers that still be able to meet airline gate-check luggage weight limits. It's Disney-sized approved!
Stores
The huge vintage strollers of the 1980s might have caused double strollers to get an unpopular image however they've come a long ways. Nowadays, sleek, modular models can be fitted with a variety of customizations, fit children from birth to kindergarten, and are available in side-byside or tandem (single-file seating) models. Some models also accommodate infant car seats, and some include an adjustable riding board. Although you might have to invest more up front but the investment will yield in flexibility and the resale value.
When shopping for a double stroller, you should be aware of the weight limit for each seat, the storage space available, and whether or not each seat reclines. A deep recline allows for easy naps on the move, and a canopy with UV protection will keep your child from overheating. Some double strollers also offer parents-facing cupholders as well as dual snack trays for mobile convenience.
Another aspect to take into consideration is the weight of the stroller in order to determine the ability of you to carry it around and maneuver it in tight areas. Some of the lightest double strollers, such as the Kolcraft Cloud Plus, weigh less than 23 pounds and can carry children up to 40 lbs. It's lighter than a single stroller and easy to carry through airports and in cars.
If you're on a tight budget look for used options on sites such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, which usually have gently used double strollers for sale at bargain prices. Double strollers in good condition are free of rust and loose screws. If you've found a used double stroller, make sure you perform an extensive inspection, which includes checking the axles of the wheels for damage prior to using it with your kids. You can also find strollers for rent in some cities, although this option isn't available everywhere and could be expensive in the event that you intend to use the stroller often.