Choosing a Double Travel Stroller
A double stroller is a lifesaver if you have a lot of children. Look for one that’s lightweight and compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car or an overhead bin of an airplane.
Review the manufacturer’s seat weight recommendations, and be sure to not exceed them to prevent frame fatigue. Other must-haves include versatile seating arrangements for children of different age groups, adjustable canopy and plenty of storage.
Ease of Use
Double strollers are often criticized as being heavy and difficult to construct. However, they’ve improved a lot since the 1980s. The best double strollers have a sleek design and can be customized to meet your family’s unique requirements, whether that’s a tandem (single file seating) or a side-byside configuration. They are also lightweight and can fit in most car trunks, as well as on the majority of planes.
It is essential to have a stroller that is easily maneuverable over various surfaces and fit into tight spaces, particularly for families who live in urban zones where space is limited and public transportation is the main mode of transportation. The lightweight and agile double strollers we test can weave through busy sidewalks and tight subway gates, making them indispensable for the bustling city.
We assess a stroller’s ease of use by looking at several aspects, including how quick and intuitive the folding and setup process are, and whether it is adjustable for different family members with 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 canopy and seat. The Zoe twin buggy from birth+ earned top scores in this category thanks to its adequate storage bin, super-sized canopies, and easy folding.
The Mountain Buggy Nano Duo stroller is an excellent choice if you are looking for a lightweight stroller that fits easily into tiny car trunks. It’s one of the lightest double strollers we’ve tested, and it folds into an extremely compact size that is easier to transport up and down stairs than 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 on some airlines.
A side-by-side car seat that can hold two infants is crucial for parents of twins. Some double strollers, such as the Graco DuoGlider Elite, allow you to use both infant car seats at once which can save time and energy by eliminating the need to change children. It is also possible to consider a tandem stroller that allows you to keep your children in ear and sight.
Comfort
A well-padded, high-quality and comfortable seat is essential for ensuring your child’s safety on walks. Look for one with an adjustable backrest and recline feature as well as a spacious seating area that allows kids to relax or sit up easily. For extra comfort, think about a stroller that has a spacious undercarriage that can accommodate bags for storage and other items without affecting the seat’s position.
The size and weight of a double travel stroller can also impact its performance. Make sure you choose a model with solid wheels and suspension that can effortlessly glide over rough surfaces. A good double stroller should also be capable of turning in tight spaces and maneuver narrow corridors, crowded sidewalks, and subway gates. If you intend to use a double stroller frequently choose one with a simple, one- or two-step fold that will fit into a trunk or compact car.
Parents traveling with young children usually use a double stroller to transport their children around, particularly in urban areas where space is a premium and public transportation is a common sight. This situation is best served by a streamlined double stroller that is modular, such as the CYBEX Gazelle that allows parents to mix and combine seats, cots, and car seats to accommodate changing needs.
A double umbrella stroller is a different option. They are typically smaller and lighter than the standard ones. They are generally great for travelers, as they fold quickly and easily and are gate-checked on airplanes, and often meet Disney’s stroller size requirements. Some also offer plenty of storage space onboard for snacks, toys and other equipment.
A double stroller that is side-by-side is best for parents who have twins, or siblings who are similar in age. This kind of double-stroller tends to be less expensive than a model with a modular frame. The seats offer plenty of legroom, reclining options, and canopy covers that offer plenty of coverage. A side-byside double stroller has one disadvantage: it can be difficult to maneuver through narrow hallways and crowded sidewalks. Its wider frame can make it more difficult to get through some doors.
Folding is easy
The folding ease is the primary consideration when choosing a double travel pram. This is especially important if you have to fold your stroller down a crowded sidewalk or in cramped spaces. The best strollers have an intuitive, straightforward folding process that requires only a few steps. They also fold without any awkward issues that result in banging parts of the body or sliding. Our top double travel stollers that fold quickly include the Evenflo PivotXplore and Babyzen YOYO2 connect Double.
When looking for a double stroller, be sure to take into consideration how long you’ll be able to use it for. If you are planning to keep your children in the same car seats for at least the preschool years, you may be interested in a side by side design that allows you to add infant car seat or bassinets. Convertible double strollers are a good option if you think your children will be ready for separate seats prior to that point.
The best double-strollers we reviewed offer a flat recline. This makes it simple for your kids to sleep or have a snack while on the move. Certain strollers offer an alternative recline for each seat. For example the front seat of the UPPAbaby double travel buggy v2 Double is nearly flat, while the second one is upright. This sort of dissimilarity in seating can cause children to argue over which one they’d like to sit on.
You’ll also need to consider the size of your car’s trunk, as some double strollers are somewhat bulky and don’t fit in the back of cars with smaller trunks. We recommend that you choose a double stroller that fits easily into your trunk and can be folded up and stored when it is not in use. We also recommend double strollers with smaller footprints with a low weight and a simple design, such as the ZOE Twin+. It is the smallest double stroller that we’ve test. At just over 19 pounds, it’s one of the lightest strollers to still allow for airline check-in luggage weight limits. It’s Disney-size-approved!
Storage
The huge strollers of the 1980s might have caused double strollers to get an unpopular image however, they have evolved a great deal. Modern, sleek, modular strollers are available in tandem or side-by-side designs. They can be customized to accommodate children from birth until kindergarten. Some models also accommodate infant car seats, and some include an attached riding board. Although you might have to invest more up front but the investment will pay off in versatility and the resale value.
A few factors to consider when shopping for a double stroller include the weight limit per seat, storage space, and whether the seats have 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 come with cup holders for parents as well as dual snack tray to make it easier on the go.
Another thing to take into consideration is the weight of the stroller and how much it weighs, as this can affect your ability to lug it around and maneuver it into tight areas. Some of the most lightweight double strollers, like the Kolcraft Cloud Plus, weigh less than 23 pounds and can accommodate children up to 40lbs. It’s lighter than the average single stroller and simple enough to get through airports, in overhead bins, and into cars.
If you’re on a budget look for used options on sites such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, which often have gently-used double strollers available at affordable prices. Double strollers in good condition are free of rust and loose screws. Before you purchase a secondhand double-stroller with your kids make sure you do a thorough inspection for any issues, including checking the wheel axles. Some cities rent strollers, but this isn’t the case everywhere. It could be costly if you plan to use the stroller often.
