So You've Bought Double Travel Stroller ... Now What?
Choosing a Double Travel Stroller
A double stroller can be lifesaver for parents who have multiple young children. Choose a stroller with a light weight that can fold down so that it can fit in the trunk of your car or in an airplane overhead bin.
Do not exceed the recommended weight of the seat to avoid frame fatigue. Other must-haves include versatile seating arrangements for kids of varying ages, adjustable canopies and plenty of storage.
User-Friendliness
Double strollers are often accused of being heavy and difficult to assemble. However, they've improved a lot since the 1980s. The best double strollers have sleek designs and can be customized to meet your family's unique requirements, whether it's a tandem (single seating in a file) or a side-by-side configuration. They're also light and can fit in most car trunks, as well as on the majority of planes.
It's important to have a stroller that's easily maneuverable over various surfaces and can fit into tight spaces, especially for families living in urban zones where space is limited and public transport is the primary mode of transport. The lightweight and agile double strollers that we test can navigate busy sidewalks and tight subway gates, making them essential for busy city life.
We consider a variety of aspects when evaluating the ease of use, including how easy it is to set up and fold and fold, as well as if it is able to be adjusted to accommodate different family members with different heights. We also look for a large storage bin and reclined seats that are easy to access and adjust as well as the highest weight limit for the seat and canopy. The Zoe Twin+ was rated top in this category due to its huge canopy with ample storage space and its quick fold.
The Mountain Buggy Nano Duo stroller is a great choice when you're looking for a lightweight option that is able to fit into tiny car trunks. It's among the lightest double strollers we've tested, and folds into a compact package that's 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 certain airlines.
For parents with twins, a stroller that is side-by-side and supports two infant car seats is essential. Some double strollers like the Graco DuoGlider Elite allow you to use two infant car seats at the same time, saving time and energy. You might also look into a tandem stroller which will allow you to keep both kids in the same area and within close to your ears.
Comfort
If you want to make sure your children are comfortable on walks, a comfortable, padded seat is crucial. Find one that has an adjustable backrest and recline feature, and a wide seat that allows children to stretch out or sit easily. For added comfort, consider a stroller with a roomy undercarriage that can hold bags of storage and other things without interfering with the seats' position.
The weight and size could also impact the performance of the double travel jogger. Choose a model that has solid wheels and suspension that glides easily over rough surfaces. A well-constructed double stroller can also be maneuvered in tight spaces, and navigate narrow hallways, crowded sidewalks and subway gates. If you plan to use a double stroller regularly pick one that folds in just a couple of steps and fits in your trunk or in a compact car.
Double strollers are often used by parents traveling with their children, particularly in urban areas that are populated and where public transportation is a common feature. A compact modular double stroller such as the CYBEX Gazelle S is a great choice for this type of situation, since it allows parents to mix and match seats, cot attachments, and car seats in order to meet the changing needs of their family as well as when children outgrow their car seats as infants.
A double umbrella stroller is a different option. They are typically smaller and lighter than the traditional ones. These are great for traveling as they fold up quickly and easily. They can also be gate checked on airplanes and often are able to meet Disney stroller requirements for size. Some also offer plenty of storage space onboard for snacks, toys, and other gear.
A double stroller that is side-by-side is ideal for parents with twins, or siblings that are similar in age. This type of double stroller usually cheaper than a modular one, and the seats usually offer plenty of legroom, recline options, and canopies that provide plenty of coverage. The only drawback to a side-by-side stroller is that it can be more difficult to maneuver through narrow corridors or in crowded sidewalks, and the wider frame can make it difficult to get through certain doors.
Folding is easy
When choosing a double travel stroller the most important aspect is ease of folding. This is particularly important when you have to fold your stroller in small spaces or on sidewalks with cars and people close by. The best strollers have an intuitive, simple folding process that requires only just a few steps. They fold without awkward complications that result in banging body parts or sliding. The Babyzen YOYO2 Connect Double and the Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon are two of our most favored double travel strollers that fold quickly and compactly.
It's important to consider the length of time you will be using a double travel stroller. If you plan to keep your children in the same seat until they're at least pre-school age, you may want to consider an option that is side-by-side that can be adapted to include infant car seats or bassinets. If you think your kids are ready to move to separate seats prior to the double stroller convertible is worth considering.
Some of the best double strollers we've 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 move. However, some strollers come with distinct reclines for each seat (the front seat of the UPPAbaby Vista Double v2 Double goes almost flat while the second one remains upright). This type of difference in seating can cause children to fight over which seat they would like to sit in.
Also, you'll need to consider the size of your vehicle's trunk, as some double strollers can be quite bulky and will not fit in the back of smaller cars. We suggest you select a double stroller that fits easily into your trunk and can be folded up and stored when it is not in use. We also like double-strollers with smaller footprints, light weight, and a simple design. The ZOE Twin+ is one of these. It's the lowest-weight double stroller that we tested, and at just over 19 pounds it's among the lightest strollers and can still be able to meet airline gate-check luggage weight limits. It's Disney-sized approved!
Storage
Double strollers might have earned an unpopular reputation due to the massive 1980s models many elder millennials remember but they've come quite many steps. Nowadays 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) models. Some models can also accommodate infant car seats, and some include an adjustable riding board. While you may need to put more money into the purchase but the investment will pay off in versatility and the potential for resales.
When choosing a double stroller, take into consideration the weight limit of each seat as well as the storage space available and whether or not the seats recline. A recline that is deep is ideal for naps on the go and a canopy with UV protection keeps kids from getting too hot in the sun. Some double strollers also offer parent-facing cupholders and dual snack trays for on-the-go convenience.
The weight of the stroller is also crucial, as it affects your ability to maneuver in tight areas. 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 lighter than the standard single stroller and is simple enough to get through airports, into overhead bins, and into cars.
If you are on an extremely tight budget, you might consider checking out double strollers available on sites such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. These websites often have gently used double strollers for sale at bargain prices. Double strollers in good shape are free of loose screws and rust. If you are considering using a used double-stroller with your kids, perform a thorough check, including inspecting the wheel axles. Some cities rent strollers, however this option is not available everywhere. It could be expensive if intend to use the stroller regularly.