Choosing a Double Travel Stroller
A double stroller can be a lifesaver when you have a lot of children. Choose strollers double that's light and folds small enough to fit in the trunk of your car or in an airplane overhead bin.
Review the manufacturer's seat weight recommendations, and try to avoid exceeding the recommended weights to avoid fatigue of the frame. Other essentials include adjustable canopy and a variety of seating options for children of different age groups, and plenty of storage.
Easy of Use
Double strollers get an undeserved reputation for being heavy and difficult to put together however, this type of strollers has come a long way from the behemoth vintage 1980s versions. The best double strollers have sleek designs and can be adapted to meet your family's specific needs, whether it's a tandem (single seating in a file) or a side-by-side arrangement. They're also light enough to travel and to fit in the trunks of cars as well as onto most airplanes and can be gate-checked like any other luggage.
It's essential to have a stroller that's easy to maneuver over different surfaces and fits into tight spaces, especially for families living in urban zones where space is limited and public transport is the primary mode of transport. The lightweight and agile double strollers that we test can navigate crowded sidewalks and tight subway gates, making them indispensable for busy city life.
The ease of use by considering a number of factors, such as how fast and intuitive the setup and folding process is, and if it is adjustable for families with different heights. We also look for a large storage bin, reclining seats with easy access and adjustment, as well as the weight limit of the canopy and seat. The Zoe Twin+ earned top marks in this category because of its ample storage bin, super-sized canopies, and the ability to fold quickly.
If you're looking to purchase a light stroller that will easily fit into car trunks that are small the Mountain Buggy Nano Duo is a great option. It's one the lightest double strollers that we've ever tested. It folds down into an easy-to-carry, compact package. It's also the smallest double umbrella stroller we've tried, which makes it a great choice for travel and can even be gate-checked on some airlines.
For parents with twins, a side-byside stroller that can support two infant car seats is essential. Some double strollers such as 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 consider a tandem stroller that allows you to keep your children within earshot and in sight.
Comfort
A well-padded, high-quality and comfortable seat is vital to ensure your child's safety on walks. Look for one with an adjustable backrest and reclining feature, and a wide seat area that allows kids to relax or sit up easily. Consider a stroller with a spacious undercarriage to accommodate bags for storage or other things without affecting the positioning of the seats.
The size and weight of a double travel stroller can affect its performance. Find a model with sturdy wheels and suspension that is able to glide smoothly over rough surfaces. A quality double stroller is also able to turn in tight spaces and maneuver narrow hallways, crowded sidewalks, and subway gates. If you intend to utilize a double stroller often you should choose one with a simple one- or two-step fold that can fit into the trunk of a car or a compact vehicle.
Parents who travel with young children usually use a double stroller for getting their children around, particularly in urban regions where space is at an all-time low and public transportation is common. A streamlined, modular double stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle S is a great choice for this situation, since it lets parents mix and match seat units, cot attachments, and car seats to meet the changing needs of their family, including when infants outgrow their infant car seats.
Another alternative is a double umbrella stroller that tends to be smaller and lighter than the traditional models. These are usually ideal for travel, since they fold easily and quickly and are gate-checked on planes, and usually meet Disney's stroller size requirements. They also have plenty of onboard storage for toys, snacks, and other items.
People with twins or siblings that are close in age will benefit the most from the use of a stroller that is side-by-side. This kind of double stroller is usually less expensive than a modular one, and the seats typically have ample recline options, legroom and canopies that provide ample coverage. The only drawback to side-by-side strollers is that it may be more difficult to maneuver through narrow corridors or in crowded sidewalks and the longer frame could make it harder to get through certain doors.
Folding Ease
When you are choosing a double travel stroller the most important thing to consider is the ease of folding. This is particularly important when you have to fold your stroller in tight spaces or on busy sidewalks with cars and other people nearby. The best strollers come with an easy, simple folding operation with a few steps. They fold easily and without any twitches that could lead to body parts colliding against each one another or sliding. Some of our favorite double travel stollers that fold quickly are the Evenflo Pivot Xplore and Babyzen YOYO2 connect Double.
When you're looking for a double travel stroller, be sure to think about how long you intend to use it. If you're planning to keep your kids in the same seats until they reach preschool age, then you may want to look into a side-by-side model that can be adapted to include bassinets for infants or car seats. If you think your kids are ready to move to separate seats before then the double stroller convertible is worth considering.
Some of the best double strollers in our reviews come with a flat recline that makes it easy for your children to sleep or take a break for a snack while on the go. Some strollers have an alternative recline for each seat. For tandem double stroller of the UPPAbaby Double v2 Double is nearly flat while the second seat is nearly upright. This kind of disparity in position can cause kids to fight over which seat they'd like to sit on.
You'll also need to consider the size of your car's trunk, as some double travel strollers are somewhat bulky and don't fit in the back of smaller vehicles. We suggest that you pick a double stroller that fits easily in your car's trunk and can be folded and put away when not in use. We also recommend double strollers that have tiny, light footprints with a low weight and 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 among the lightest strollers and can still be able to meet airline gate-check luggage weight limits. It's Disney-sized approved!
Stores
The huge strollers from the 1980s may have given double strollers the wrong impression however, they've evolved a great deal. Modern, sleek, modular strollers are available in tandem or side-by-side designs. They can be tailored to accommodate children from birth to kindergarten. 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 through versatility and resale.
A few factors to consider when looking for a double travel stroller are the weight limit for each seat, storage space and whether each seat has a recline. A recline that is deep is ideal for naps while on the move, and a canopy that offers UV protection keeps kids from overheating in the sun. Some double strollers come with cup holders for parents and dual snack trays to make it easier for parents on the move.
The weight of the stroller is important, as it can affect the ability of you to maneuver it in tight areas. Some of the best lightweight strollers, such as 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 is easy to carry through airports and into vehicles.
If you are on an extremely tight budget, you might consider checking out double strollers available on sites such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. These websites often have gently used double strollers for sale at low prices. Find a double stroller that's in good condition and is free of rust or loose screws. If you've purchased a second-hand double stroller make sure you perform a thorough inspection, including looking over the axles of the wheels for damage prior to using it with your kids. Some cities rent strollers, however this option isn't available everywhere. It can also be expensive if you plan to use the stroller frequently.