Choosing a Double Travel Stroller
A double stroller can be a lifesaver if you have a lot of children. Look for one that's lightweight and folds small enough to fit in the trunk of your car or in an overhead bin of an airplane.
Review the manufacturer's seat weight recommendations, and try to avoid exceeding them to avoid frame fatigue. Other must-haves include adjustable canopies as well as a seating option that is flexible for children of various ages and plenty of storage.
Simple to use
Double strollers are often given an undeserved reputation for being heavy and difficult to put together However, this class of strollers has made a huge leap from the massive models of the 1980s. The most effective double strollers are sleek and come with different options for customization to meet the needs of your family whether you're looking for a tandem (single-file seating) or a side-byside configuration. They're also lightweight enough for travel and can fit into the trunks of cars as well as on planes, where they can be checked for gate access just like any other luggage.
A stroller that can navigate over different surfaces and fits into small spaces is important for families living in urban environments, where space is limited and public transportation is the primary method of travel. The lightweight and agile double strollers we tested can weave through the crowded streets and squeeze through subway gates. They are indispensable for urban living.
We take into consideration a variety of factors when evaluating a stroller for ease of use, including the ease with which it can be set up and fold, and if it can be adjusted to accommodate different family members with different heights. We also look for an ample storage bin, reclining seats with easy access and adjustment, and the weight limit of the canopy and seat. The Zoe Twin+ was rated highest in this category due to its spacious canopy with ample storage space and its quick fold.
If you're looking for a lightweight stroller that can easily fit into small car trunks the Mountain Buggy Nano Duo is a great option. It's one of the tiniest double strollers we've tested, and folds into smaller size, making it easier to transport up and down stairs than other models. It's the smallest double umbrella stroller we've ever tested which makes it a great choice for travel. Some airlines will even allow you to gate-check the stroller.
For parents with twins, a stroller that is side-by-side and supports two infant car seats is crucial. Some double strollers, such as the Graco DuoGlider Elite allow you to use two infant car seats simultaneously, saving time and energy. It is also possible to look into a tandem stroller which allows you to keep both children in your sight and close to your ears.
Comfort
If you want to ensure your children are comfortable during walks, a comfortable cushioned seat is vital. You should look for a stroller with a reclining backrest, adjustable backrest, and a wide seat to allow your child to sit up or stretch out. Consider a stroller that has an expansive undercarriage that can hold bags of storage or other items without affecting the positioning of the seats.
The weight and size of a double stroller can also affect its performance. Find a model with sturdy wheels and suspension that can easily glide over rough surfaces. A good double stroller should also be able to turn in tight spaces and navigate narrow hallways, crowded subway gates, and sidewalks. If you plan to utilize a double stroller often choose one with a simple, one- or two-step fold that can be tucked away in a trunk or compact car.
Parents traveling with small children typically depend on a double stroller to get them around, especially in urban areas where space is a premium and public transportation is a common sight. A streamlined and modular double stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle S is the ideal choice for this type of situation, since it allows parents to mix and match seats as well as cot attachments and car seats in order to meet the changing needs of their family, including when infants outgrow their infant car seats.
A double umbrella stroller is another option. They tend to be lighter and smaller than traditional strollers. These are great for traveling, as they can be folded quickly and easily. They can also be gate checked on airplanes and usually meet Disney stroller size requirements. Some offer ample onboard storage space for toys, snacks and other items.
If you have twins or siblings that are similar age will get the most use out of a side-by-side stroller. This kind of double-stroller tends to be cheaper than one with a modular frame. Its seats have plenty of space for reclining, legroom, and canopy covers that offer plenty of coverage. A side-by-side double stroller comes with only one drawback: it can be difficult to maneuver through narrow hallways and busy sidewalks. Its wider frame can also make it difficult to pass through certain doorways.
Ease of Folding
The folding ease is the most important factor to consider when selecting a double travel pram. This is particularly important if you have to fold your stroller on a crowded sidewalk or in confined spaces. The best strollers have an intuitive, straightforward folding procedure that takes only a few steps. They fold without any awkward issues that can result in slamming parts of the body or sliding. Some of our favorite double travel stollers for folding quickly are the Evenflo Pivot Xplore and the Babyzen YOYO2 connect Double.
It is important to think about the duration you'll be using a double stroller. If you plan to keep your children in the same car seats for at least the time of their preschool years, you may consider a side by side design that lets you add an infant car seat or bassinets. If you think your kids will be ready to transition to separate seats before then, an double stroller convertible is worth considering.
Some of the best double-strollers we tested have an almost flat recline. This makes it easy for your children to nap or eat a snack while moving. 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 sort of dissimilarity in recline can cause children to argue over which one they would like to sit in.
Also, you'll need to consider the size of your car's trunk, as some double strollers are a bit bulky and won't fit in the back of smaller vehicles. We suggest that you pick a double stroller that can fit easily in your car's trunk and can be folded up and put away when it's not in use. We also like double strollers with a small, light footprint with a low weight and a simple design, such as the ZOE Twin+. It's the smallest double stroller that we tried. With just 19 pounds, it's one of the lightest strollers to still meet airline gate check baggage weight limits. It's Disney-size-approved!
Stores
Double strollers might have earned negative reviews from the massive 1980s models many millennials from the past but they've come quite far. These days modern, minimalist models can accommodate a wide range of options for customization, and fit children from birth to kindergarten, and are available in side-byside or tandem (single-file seating) formats. Some models also accommodate infant car seats as well as a riding board that can be attached. While you may need to invest more up front, the investment can yield in flexibility and the resale value.
A few things to think about when shopping for a double stroller include the weight limit for each seat, storage space, and whether the seats have a recline. A deep recline is great for naps on the go, and a canopy that offers UV protection helps keep kiddos from getting too hot in the sun. Some double strollers come with cup holders for parents and two snack trays to make it easier on the move.
The weight of the stroller is important, as it affects your ability to maneuver in tight spaces. Some of the best lightweight double stroller s, like the Kolcraft Cloud Plus, weigh less than 23 lbs and can hold kids up to 40 pounds. It's lighter than a single stroller and easy to carry through airports and in cars.
If you're on the tightest budget, think about looking at double strollers available on sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. These sites typically offer gently used double strollers at affordable prices. Look for a double stroller in good condition and is free of corrosion or loose screws. Before you purchase a secondhand double stroller with your children make sure you do a thorough inspection and inspect the wheel axles. You can also find strollers for rent in some cities, though it's not available everywhere and could be expensive when you plan to use the stroller often.