Choosing a Double Travel Stroller
A double stroller is a lifesaver if you have a lot of children. Find one that is lightweight and compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car or in an overhead bin of an airplane.
Avoid exceeding the recommended weight for a seat by the manufacturer to prevent frame fatigue. Other essentials include flexible seating arrangements for kids of varying age, aprons that can be adjusted and plenty of storage.
Simple to use
Double strollers have a bad rap for being cumbersome and difficult to assemble However, this class of strollers has advanced from the behemoth vintage models of the 1980s. The top double tandem pushchair strollers are sleek and come with a range of customizations to suit your family’s needs regardless of whether you’re looking to purchase a tandem (single-file seating) or side-by-side configuration. They’re also light and can fit in most car trunks, as well as on the majority of planes.
It is essential to have a stroller that’s easy to maneuver over different surfaces and can fit into tight spaces, especially for families living in urban zones where space is limited and public transportation is the main mode of transport. The lightweight and agile double strollers we tested can maneuver through busy sidewalks and tight subway gates, making them indispensable for the bustling city.
We consider a variety of factors when evaluating the ease of use, including the ease with which it can be set up and fold and also if it can be adjusted to accommodate family members of varying 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+ was rated highest in this category due to its spacious canopy, ample storage bin and quick fold.
The Mountain Buggy Nano Duo stroller is a great option if you are looking for a lightweight stroller that fits easily into small trunks of cars. It’s one of the most light double strollers we’ve ever tested. It folds up into a compact, easy-to-transport package. 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 on some airlines.
Parents of twins need a side-by-side stroller that supports two infant car seats is crucial. Some double strollers, such as the Graco DuoGlider Elite, allow you to use both infant car seats simultaneously, which saves time and energy by removing the need to switch out children. It is also possible to think about a tandem stroller which allows you to keep both kids in your sight and in earshot.
Comfort
A well-padded, high-quality and comfortable seat is crucial to ensure your children’s comfort during strolls. You should look for a stroller that has a reclining backrest, adjustable backrest, and a spacious seat that allows your child to sit up or stretch out. For extra comfort, think about a stroller that has a spacious undercarriage that can accommodate bags for storage and other items without compromising the seat’s position.
The size and weight of a double stroller can also impact its performance. Select a model with robust wheels and suspension that allow it to effortlessly glide over rough surfaces. A quality double stroller will also be capable of turning in tight spaces, and navigate narrow hallways, busy subway gates, and sidewalks. If you plan on using a double stroller often you should choose one that folds in a matter of a few steps and fits into your trunk or in a compact car.
Double strollers are frequently used by parents who travel with small children, especially in urban areas that are populous and where public transportation is prevalent. A compact, modular double stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle S is ideal for this scenario, as it allows parents to mix and match seats, cot attachments, and car seats to meet changing needs of the family, including when infants outgrow their infant car seats.
Another alternative is a double umbrella stroller that tends to be lighter and more compact than standard models. These are great for traveling as they fold up quickly and easily. They can also be gate checked in airplanes and often comply with Disney stroller size requirements. Some of them offer plenty of storage space for toys, snacks and other items.
If you have twins or siblings who are close in age will benefit the most of a stroller that is side-by-side. This kind of double stroller is typically cheaper than a modular one, and its seats generally come with plenty of recline, legroom, and canopy options that offer ample coverage. A side-byside double stroller has one disadvantage: it can be difficult to navigate narrow hallways and overcrowded sidewalks. Its larger frame can make it more difficult to navigate through certain doors.
Ease of Folding
When you are choosing a double travel stroller the most important thing to consider is ease of folding. This is especially important when you need to fold your stroller down a crowded sidewalk or in tight spaces. The best strollers have an intuitive, simple folding operation with a few steps. They also fold without any awkward issues which can cause a bang on parts of the body or sliding. Some of our top double travel stollers that fold quickly are the Evenflo Pivot Xplore and Babyzen YOYO2 connect Double.
It is crucial to consider the length of time you will be using a double-travel stroller. If you’re planning on keeping 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 children are ready to move to separate seats prior to, an convertible double stroller is worth considering.
The top double strollers that we have reviewed come with a flat recline, which makes it comfortable for your kids to nap or take a break for a snack while on the go. Some strollers have a different recline for each seat (the front seat on the UPPAbaby Vista Double v2 Double reclines almost to the floor and the second seat remains nearly upright). This sort of dissimilarity in recline can cause children to argue 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 strollers can be somewhat bulky and don’t fit in the back of smaller vehicles. We recommend that you choose a double stroller that fits easily into the trunk of your car and can be folded and stored when it is not in use. We also prefer double strollers that have tiny footprints, low weight, and a minimalist design. The ZOE Twin+ is one of these. It’s the smallest double stroller that we’ve test. With just over 19 lbs it’s one the lightest strollers to still meet airline gate check baggage weight limits. It’s Disney-sized-approved!
Stores
The behemoth strollers of the 1980s could have given double strollers a bad name, but they have come a long ways. Modern, sleek, and modular strollers are available in tandem or side-byside models. They can be tailored to accommodate children from birth to kindergarten. Some models can also allow for infant car seats, and some even have an attached riding board. While you may need to put more money into the purchase however, the investment can yield in flexibility and resale value.
A few factors to consider when shopping for a double stroller include the weight limit for each seat, the storage space available and whether each seat has recline. A deep recline is great for naps on the go and a canopy that provides UV protection helps keep kiddos from overheating in the sun. Some double strollers offer parents-facing cupholders as well as dual snack trays for on-the-go convenience.
The weight of the stroller is also crucial, as it affects the ability of you to maneuver it in tight places. 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 a bit lighter than the standard single stroller, and is easy enough to schlep through airports, in overhead bins, and even into cars.
If you’re looking to save money look for used options on sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, which often have gently-used double strollers available at bargain prices. Look for a double stroller that is in good shape and is free of corrosion or loose screws. If you’ve found a second-hand double stroller make sure you perform an extensive inspection, which includes inspecting the wheel axles for damage prior to using it with your children. There are strollers available for rental in certain cities, though this isn’t a possibility everywhere and may be costly if you plan to use the stroller frequently.
