Choosing a Double Travel Stroller
A double stroller is a lifesaver when you have multiple kids. Find one that is lightweight and folds down small enough to fit into the trunk of your car or an overhead bin for airplanes.
Make sure you check the manufacturer's weight guidelines, and be sure to not exceed them to avoid frame fatigue. Other essentials include a variety of seating arrangements for kids of various ages, adjustable canopies and plenty of storage.
Simple to Use
Double strollers have an undeserved reputation for being cumbersome and difficult to put together, but this category of strollers has advanced from the behemoth vintage 1980s versions. The best double strollers feature a sleek design and can be adapted to meet your family's unique requirements, whether that's a tandem (single seating in a file) or a side-by-side arrangement. They're also light enough to travel and to fit in the trunks of cars as well as onto planes which allows them to be checked at the gate just like other luggage.
A stroller that can navigate across various terrains and fit into tight spaces is particularly important for families living in urban environments, where space is limited and public transportation is the main mode of getting around. The double strollers that are light and agile we test can weave through crowded sidewalks and tight subway gates, making them essential for the bustling city.
We take into consideration a variety of aspects when evaluating the stroller's ease of use, including how easy it is to fold and set up, and if it can be adjusted to accommodate different family members with different heights. We also look for a large storage bin, reclining seats with easy access and adjustment, as well as a maximum weight limit of the seat and canopy. The Zoe Twin+ was rated the highest in this category due to its spacious canopy as well as its ample storage bin and its quick fold.
The Mountain Buggy Nano Duo stroller is a great choice when you're looking for a lightweight stroller that fits easily into small trunks of cars. It's one of the lightest double strollers we've tried, and folds into an extremely compact size that is easier to transport up and down stairs than other models. It's also the smallest double umbrella stroller we've tested, which makes it a great choice for travel and can even be gate-checked on some airlines.
A car seat with a side-by-side that can hold two infants is essential for parents of twins. Some double strollers, like the Graco DuoGlider Elite, allow you to use both infant car seats at the same time which can save time and energy, by removing the need to change children. You may also want to look into a tandem stroller which will allow you to keep both children within sight and in earshot.
Comfort
A well-padded, high-quality and comfortable seat is vital to ensure your child's safety on walks. You should look for a stroller with a reclining backrest, adjustable backrest, and a large seat area so that your child can sit up or stretch out. Look for twin stroller with an ample undercarriage that can accommodate storage bags or other items without interfering in the position of the seats.
The weight and size of a double stroller can affect its performance. Look for a model with solid suspension and wheels that can easily glide over rough surfaces. A quality double stroller will also navigate tight spaces, navigate narrow hallways and crowded subway gates. If you plan to use a double stroller regularly you should choose an option with a quick, one- or two-step fold that can fit into a trunk or compact car.
Parents traveling with small children typically depend on a double stroller to transport them around, particularly in urban regions where space is at a premium and public transportation is a common sight. A sleek and modular double stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle S is ideal for this scenario, as it lets parents mix and match seat units as well as cot attachments and car seats to meet changing needs of the family, including when infants outgrow their car seats for infants.
Another option is a double umbrella stroller, which tends to be smaller and lighter than standard models. They are generally ideal for those traveling, as they fold easily and quickly, can be gate checked on airplanes, and often comply with Disney's stroller size specifications. Some offer ample onboard storage space for toys, snacks and other equipment.
A side-byside double stroller is best for parents who have twins, or siblings that are close in age. This type of double-stroller is usually cheaper than one with a modular frame. Its seats have plenty of recline options, legroom and canopy covers that offer plenty of coverage. The only downside to a stroller that is side-by-side is that it may be more difficult to maneuver through narrow corridors or in crowded sidewalks and the longer frame could make it harder to get through certain doors.
Easy folding
The ease of folding is the most important consideration when selecting a double travel pram. This is especially important if you need to fold your stroller in tight spaces or on busy streets with cars and pedestrians nearby. The best strollers fold in the simplest of steps that are easy and simple. They fold easily and without any twitches that could result in body parts hitting each one another or sliding. The Babyzen YOYO2 Connect Double and the Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon are some of our favorite double travel strollers that fold easily and compactly.
When looking for a double travel stroller, it's helpful to think about how long you intend to use it. If you're planning to keep your kids in the same seat until they reach a minimum pre-school age, you may want to look into an option that is side-by-side that can be adapted to include bassinets or infant car seats. If you think your kids are ready to move into separate seats before the double stroller convertible is a good option.
Some of the top double-strollers we reviewed offer an almost flat recline. This makes it easy for your children to nap or eat their snacks while they are on the move. However, some strollers come with an individual recline for each seat (the front seat on the UPPAbaby Vista Double v2 Double is almost flat while the second one remains nearly upright). This can lead to kids fighting over which seat to take a seat in.
Also, you'll need to consider the size of your car's trunk, since some double strollers are quite bulky and will not fit in the back of smaller cars. We recommend choosing a double stroller that can fit comfortably in your trunk and is easily folded and stored when not in use. We also prefer double strollers that have smaller footprints, light weight, and a minimalist design. The ZOE Twin+ is one of these. It's the most compact double stroller we've tested, and at just over 19 pounds it's among the lightest strollers that can still be used to meet the airline gate-check baggage weight limits--it's Disney-size approved!
Stores
The behemoth strollers of the 1980s might have caused double strollers to get an unpopular image however, they've progressed a lot. These days sleek, modular models can accommodate a wide variety of customizations, fit children from birth to kindergarten, and are available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) formats. Some also support infant car seats and an attachable riding board. Although you might have to put more money into the purchase however, the investment can yield in flexibility and resale value.
A few things to think about when choosing a double travel stroller include the weight limit for each seat, the storage space available and whether each seat has a recline. A recline that is deep is ideal for naps on the go, and a canopy that provides UV protection keeps kids from getting too hot in the sun. Some double strollers offer parent-facing cupholders and dual snack trays for on-the-go convenience.
Another aspect to consider is the weight of the stroller, as this will impact your ability to move it around and maneuver it in tight areas. Some of the best lightweight double strollers, like the Kolcraft Cloud Plus, weigh less than 23 pounds and can accommodate children up to 40 lbs. It's lighter than a single stroller and is easy to carry through airports and in 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 affordable prices. Look for a double stroller that is in good shape and is free of corrosion or loose screws. If you've found an old double stroller, make sure you perform an exhaustive inspection, including looking over the axles of the wheels for damage before using it with your children. There are strollers available for rental in certain cities, though this isn't a possibility everywhere and could be expensive when you plan to use the stroller regularly.