Choosing a Double Travel Stroller
A double stroller is a godsend for parents who are busy with several young children. Find one that is lightweight and folds small enough to fit in the trunk of your car or an airplane overhead bin.
Review the manufacturer’s seat weight guidelines and try to avoid exceeding the recommended weights to avoid fatigue of the frame. Other must-haves include adjustable canopies as well as a seating option that is flexible for children of different ages and plenty of storage.
Simple to Use
Double strollers are often given an undeserved reputation for being cumbersome and difficult to assemble, but this category of strollers has made a huge leap from the behemoth vintage 1980s versions. The top double strollers are sleek and come with a range of customizations to meet the needs of your family regardless of whether you’re looking to purchase a tandem (single-file seating) or side-by-side configuration. They’re also lightweight and can be tucked away in trunks of cars and on many planes.
A stroller that can navigate across a variety of surfaces and fits into small spaces is important for families living in urban areas, where space is limited and public transportation is the main method of travel. The lightweight and nimble double strollers we tested can weave through the crowded streets and squeeze through subway gates. They are essential for urban life.
We consider a variety of factors when evaluating the stroller’s ease of use, including how easy it is to fold and set up and fold, as well as if it is able to be adjusted to accommodate family members of varying heights. We also look for a spacious storage bin and reclining seats that are simple to access and adjust and also an extremely high weight limit for the seat and canopy. The Zoe Twin+ earned top marks in this category because of its ample storage bin as well as its huge canopy and quick fold.
If you’re looking to purchase a light stroller that fits into trunks of cars that are small the Mountain Buggy Nano Duo is an excellent choice. It’s among the lightest double infant stroller strollers we’ve tested and it folds down into a compact double buggy package that’s easy to carry up and down stairs than many other models. It’s also the smallest double umbrella stroller we’ve tried, which makes it a great option for traveling and can even be gate-checked with some airlines.
A car seat that can accommodate two infants is crucial for parents of twins. Some double strollers like the Graco DuoGlider Elite allow you to use two infant car seats simultaneously, saving time and energy. You might also want to think about a tandem stroller that will allow you to keep your children in ear and sight.
Comfort
A comfortable, high-quality, padded seat is crucial to ensure your children’s comfort on strolls. It is recommended to choose a stroller with a reclining backrest, adjustable backrest, and a wide seat that allows your child to sit up or stretch out. Consider a stroller that has a spacious undercarriage to accommodate storage bags or other items without interfering in the position of the seats.
The weight and size of a double car seat stroller stroller can also affect its performance. Look for a model with solid suspension and wheels that glides easily over rough surfaces. A quality double stroller will also be maneuvered in tight spaces, maneuver through narrow hallways and crowded subway gates and sidewalks. If you intend to use a double stroller frequently choose an option with a quick one- or two-step fold, which can be tucked away in a trunk or compact car.
Double strollers are frequently used by parents traveling with their children, particularly in urban areas that are densely urbanized and where public transportation is a common feature. This scenario is best served by a sleek and modular double stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle, which allows parents to mix and match seat units, cots and car seats to accommodate changing requirements.
Another alternative is a double umbrella stroller that tends to be lighter and smaller than the traditional models. They are ideal for travel as they can be folded up quickly and easily. They can also be gate checked in airplanes, and typically comply with Disney stroller size requirements. Many of them have ample storage space for toys, snacks and other items.
A side-byside double stroller is a great option for parents with twins, or siblings who are similar in age. This kind of double stroller is generally cheaper than a modular model, and the seats typically come with plenty of recline, legroom, and canopy options that offer plenty of coverage. The only downside to side-by-side strollers is that it may be more difficult to maneuver through narrow corridors or in crowded sidewalks, and the wider frame can make it difficult to navigate through some doors.
Folding is easy
The ability to fold is the primary consideration when choosing a double travel pram. This is particularly important if you need to fold your stroller in tight spaces or on crowded sidewalks with cars and other people close by. The top strollers fold in just a few simple steps that are intuitive and simple. They fold quickly and without any twitches that could lead to body parts slamming against each one another or sliding. The Babyzen YOYO2 Connect Double and the Evenflo PivotXplore Wagon are among our top double travel strollers that fold swiftly and compactly.
When looking for a double stroller, be sure to think about how long you intend to use it for. If you’re planning to keep your children in the same seats until they’re at least the age of preschool, then you might want to think about an option that is side-by-side with the ability to add bassinets or infant car seats. If you think your kids will be ready to transition to separate seats before then the double stroller that converts to a convertible is worth considering.
A few of the top double strollers we’ve reviewed have a recline that is nearly flat, which makes it comfortable for your kids to lie down or take a break for a snack while on the move. However, some products have an individual recline for each seat (the front seat of the UPPAbaby Vista Double v2 Double goes almost flat, while the second seat remains upright). This could result in kids having a fight over which seat to take a seat in.
It is important to consider the dimensions of the trunk of your vehicle, as double strollers can be heavy and won’t fit in the back of smaller vehicles. We suggest you select a double stroller which fits easily in your car’s trunk and can be folded up and stored when it is not in use. We also recommend double stroller with bassinet strollers that feature tiny, light footprints with a light weight and a simple design, such as the ZOE Twin+. It is the smallest double stroller that we’ve test. With just over 19 pounds, it’s among the lightest strollers to still meet airline gate check baggage weight limits. It’s Disney-size-approved!
Storage
Double strollers might have earned an unpopular reputation due to the huge, oversized versions of the 1980s that many of the millennials of the past remember but they’ve come quite far. These days sleek, modular models are able to accommodate a range of options for customization, and fit children from birth to kindergarten, and are available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) designs. Some models also accommodate infant car seats and some have an adjustable riding board. It is possible to pay more initially, but the investment will pay off through the flexibility and resale.
A few factors to consider when looking for a double stroller include the weight limit for each seat, storage space, and whether the seats have recline. A deep recline is great for naps on the move and a canopy that offers UV protection can help keep kids from getting too hot in the sun. Some double strollers offer parents-facing cupholders as well as dual snack trays for on-the-go convenience.
Another thing to take into consideration is how much the stroller weighs in order to determine your ability to move it around and maneuver it through tight areas. Some of the top lightweight strollers, such as the Kolcraft Cloud Plus weigh less than 23 pounds and carry children up to 40 pounds. It’s lighter than the typical single stroller and easy enough to schlep through airports, into overhead bins and into cars.
If you’re looking to save money, check out the used options available on sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, where you can often find gently used double strollers on sale at bargain prices. Double strollers that are in good condition are free of loose screws and rust. Before you use a used double-stroller with your kids, perform a thorough check and inspect the wheel axles. There are also strollers to rent in some cities, although this isn’t a possibility everywhere and could be expensive when you plan to use the stroller frequently.