Choosing a Double Travel Stroller
A double stroller can be a lifesaver when you have multiple kids. Choose a lightweight stroller that can be folded up small enough to fit into the trunk of your car or in an overhead bin.
Check the manufacturer's seat weight guidelines, and avoid exceeding them to avoid frame fatigue. Other must-haves include versatile seating arrangements for kids of varying ages, adjustable canopies and plenty of storage.
User-Friendliness
Double strollers are often criticized as being heavy and difficult to construct. But they've come a long ways since the 1980s. The best double strollers feature sleek designs and can be customized to meet your family's specific requirements, whether that's a tandem (single seat in the file) or a side-byside configuration. They are also lightweight and fit into most car trunks, as well as on the majority of planes.
A stroller that's easy to navigate over various terrains and fit into small spaces is important for families who live in urban areas where space is scarce and public transportation is the main method of travel. The light and agile double strollers we tested can maneuver through busy sidewalks and tight subway gates, making them indispensable for city life.
We assess a stroller's user-friendliness by taking into consideration a number of factors, including how fast and intuitive the folding and setup process is, as well as whether it can be adjusted for different family members with varying heights. We also look for a large storage bin, reclining seats that have easy access and adjustment, and a maximum weight limit of the canopy and seat. The Zoe Twin+ was rated the highest in this category due to its spacious canopy as well as its ample storage bin and easy fold.
If you're looking for a light stroller that can easily fit into car trunks that are small The Mountain Buggy Nano Duo is an excellent option. It's one of the most light double strollers we've ever tested. It folds up into compact, easy-to-transport packages. It's also the tiniest double umbrella stroller we've tested which makes it a great option for traveling and is even gate-checked by certain airlines.
Parents of twins need a side-byside stroller that can support 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 to save time and energy. It is also possible to look into a tandem stroller which will allow you to keep both kids within sight and in earshot.
Comfort
If you want to make sure your children are comfortable during walks, a good quality cushioned seat is vital. Choose a model with an adjustable backrest as well as a recline feature and a large seat area that allows kids to relax or sit up easily. To make your stroller more comfortable, you should consider a stroller with a roomy undercarriage that is able to accommodate bags for storage and other items without compromising the seat's position.
The weight and size can also affect the performance of a double travel jogger. Choose a model that has sturdy wheels and suspension that is able to glide smoothly over rough surfaces. A good double stroller can also turn in tight spaces, maneuver through narrow hallways, crowded subway gates and sidewalks. If you plan to use a double stroller regularly pick one that folds in one or two steps and can fit into your trunk or compact vehicle.
Double strollers are commonly used by parents who travel with children who are small, particularly in urban areas that are heavily populous and where public transportation is common. A sleek, modular double stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle S is a great choice for this scenario, as it lets parents mix and match seats, cot attachments, and car seats in order to suit changing family needs, including when infants outgrow their car seats for infants.
A double umbrella stroller is another option. They tend to be lighter and more compact models than traditional strollers. These are usually ideal for those traveling, as they fold easily and quickly and can be gate checked on planes, and usually meet the Disney stroller size requirements. Some of them offer plenty of storage space for snacks, toys and other items.
A double stroller that is side-by-side is ideal for parents who have twins, or siblings who are similar in age. This type of double stroller is generally less expensive than a modular model, and the seats usually come with plenty of legroom, recline options, and canopy options that offer plenty of coverage. The only drawback to a stroller that is side-by-side is that it can be harder to maneuver in narrow spaces or on sidewalks that are crowded and the longer frame can make it more difficult to pass through some doorways.
Folding is easy
When selecting a double-travel stroller the most important aspect is the ease of folding. This is especially important when you need to fold your stroller down a crowded sidewalk or in cramped spaces. The best strollers have an easy, simple folding operation with just a few steps. They also fold without awkward complexities that result in banging parts of the body or sliding. The Babyzen YOYO2 Connect Double and the Evenflo PivotXplore are some of our favorite double travel strollers that fold swiftly and compactly.
It's important to consider the duration you'll be using a double-travel stroller. If you're planning on keeping your children in the same place until they reach pre-school age, you might want to think about a side-by-side design with the ability to add bassinets or infant car seats. Convertible double strollers are a good option if you think your kids will be ready for separate seats prior to that point.
Some of the top double-strollers we reviewed offer an almost flat recline. This makes it simple for your children to nap or eat a snack while they are on the move. Some strollers have a different recline for each seat (the front seat of the UPPAbaby Vista Double v2 Double is almost flat, while the second seat remains upright). This type of difference in position can cause kids to argue over which one they want to sit in.
Also, you'll need to think about the size of your car's trunk, as some double travel strollers are a bit bulky and won't fit in the back of smaller vehicles. This is why we recommend selecting a double stroller that is able to fit in your trunk and is easily folded and stored when not in use. We also like double strollers that have a small, light footprint with a low weight and a simple design, like the ZOE Twin+. It's the lowest-weight double stroller that we test, and with just over 19 lbs, it's one of the lightest strollers that still meet airline gate-check luggage weight limits. It's also Disney-sized-approved!
Stores
The massive strollers of the 1980s might have caused double strollers to get the wrong impression however they've progressed a lot. These days modern, minimalist models can accommodate a wide variety of customizations, fit kids from birth through kindergarten, and are available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) models. They also have infant car seats and an adjustable riding board. You might have to pay more initially, but the investment will pay off in the form of versatility and resale.
When shopping for a double stroller, you should take into consideration the weight limit of each seat and the storage space available and whether or not each seat reclines. A recline that is deep is ideal for naps while on the go, and a canopy with UV protection can help keep kids from getting too hot in the sun. Some double strollers offer cupholders for parents, as well as dual snack trays to make it easier for parents on the move.
Another aspect to be aware of is how much the stroller weighs in order to determine your ability to lug it around and maneuver it through tight spaces. Some of the most strollers that are light, such as the Kolcraft Cloud Plus weigh less than 23 pounds, and can hold children up to 40 pounds. It's a bit lighter than the average single stroller, and is sufficient to carry around airports, through overhead bins, and even into cars.
If twin pushchair on a budget consider looking at used options on sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, which often have gently-used double strollers for sale at affordable prices. Find a double stroller that's in good shape, with no signs of corrosion or loose screws. If you've found a second-hand double stroller ensure that you conduct a thorough inspection, including looking over the wheel axles for damage before using it with your children. Some cities rent strollers, however this isn't the case everywhere. It could also be expensive if you plan on using the stroller often.