15 Surprising Facts About Double Travel Stroller
Choosing a Double Travel Stroller
A double stroller is a godsend for busy parents with multiple young children. Choose one that's light and compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, or an overhead bin of an airplane.
Check the manufacturer's seat weight guidelines and be sure to not exceed the recommended weights to avoid fatigue of the frame. Other must-haves include versatile seating arrangements for children of different age groups, adjustable canopy and plenty of storage.
Easy of Use
Double strollers are often given an undeserved reputation because they're heavy and difficult to put together, but this category of strollers has made a huge leap from the behemoth vintage models of the 1980s. The best double strollers are sleek and come with various customization options to meet the needs of your family, whether you're looking for a tandem (single-file seating) or a side-by-side arrangement. They're also light enough for transport and fit in the trunks of cars and on planes, where they can be gate-checked like any other luggage.
A stroller that can navigate across various terrains and fit into small spaces is especially important for families who live in urban environments where space is scarce and public transportation is the primary method of travel. The light and agile double strollers that we tested are able to maneuver through the crowded streets and squeeze through subway gates. They are essential for urban life.
We assess a stroller's ease of use by considering various factors, such as how fast and simple the setup and folding process is, and if it is able to be adjusted to accommodate various family members of different heights. We also look for a spacious storage bin and reclining seats that are simple to access and adjust, as well as a high maximum weight limit for the canopy and seat. The Zoe twin strollers for newborns+ earned top marks in this category because of its ample storage capacity, super-sized canopies, and the ability to fold quickly.
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 one the lightest double strollers that we've ever tested. It folds down into an easy-to-carry, compact package. It's the smallest double umbrella-style stroller we've tested and is a great choice for travel. Certain airlines will allow you to gate-check this stroller.
Parents of twins need a side-byside stroller that can support 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 which can save time and energy. It is also possible to consider a tandem stroller, which allows you to keep both kids within sight and in earshot.
Comfort
A well-padded, high-quality and comfortable seat is essential for ensuring your children's comfort during strolls. Look for one with an adjustable backrest and a reclining feature, as well as a spacious seating area that allows kids to stretch out or sit easily. To make your stroller more comfortable, you should consider a stroller with a roomy undercarriage that is able to accommodate bags for storage and other items without compromising the seating position of the seats.
The weight and size could also affect the performance of a double travel jogger. Find a model with sturdy wheels and suspension that can easily glide over rough surfaces. A quality double stroller will also turn in tight spaces, navigate narrow hallways and crowded sidewalks and subway gates. If you plan to use a double stroller often you should choose a model that folds quickly in one or two steps and fits in your trunk or compact vehicle.
Double strollers are commonly used by parents traveling with children who are small, particularly in urban areas that are densely populated and where public transportation is prevalent. A streamlined modular double stroller such as the CYBEX Gazelle S is a great choice 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 as well as when children outgrow their car seats as infants.
Another option is a double umbrella stroller which tends to be smaller and lighter than traditional models. These are usually ideal for those traveling, as they fold easily and quickly and are gate-checked on airplanes, and typically meet Disney's stroller size requirements. Many also provide plenty of space onboard for snacks, toys, and other equipment.
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 tends to be cheaper than one with a modular frame. The seats offer plenty of legroom, reclining options, and canopy covers that provide ample coverage. The only downside to side-by-side strollers is that it can be more difficult to maneuver through narrow corridors or in crowded sidewalks and the larger frame can make it more difficult to get through certain doors.
Folding is easy
The ease of folding is the most important factor to consider when choosing a double travel pram. This is especially important if you need to fold your stroller in small spaces or on streets with cars and pedestrians near. The most efficient strollers fold in only a few steps that are intuitive and straightforward. They fold without awkward complexities which can cause a bang on body parts or sliding. The Babyzen YOYO2 Connect double car seat stroller and the Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon are among our top double strollers that fold quickly and compactly.
When shopping for a double stroller, you should take into consideration how long you'll be able to use it. If you are planning to keep your children in the same seat for at least the pre-school years, you might want to look into a side-by-side model which allows you to add an bassinets or infant car seats. Convertible double strollers are an excellent option if you believe your children are ready to move into separate seats before that time.
The best double running stroller-strollers we reviewed offer a flat recline. This makes it easier for your children to lie down or eat a snack while they are on the move. Some strollers have distinct reclines for each seat (the front seat on the UPPAbaby Vista Double v2 Double is almost flat while the second one remains nearly upright). This could result in kids fighting over which seat to sit in.
You'll have to take into account the dimensions of the trunk of your vehicle, since some double travel strollers can be bulky and will not fit in the backs of smaller vehicles. We suggest that you pick a double stroller that fits easily into your trunk and can be folded and stored when it is not in use. We also like double-strollers with tiny footprints, low weight, and a minimalist design. The ZOE twin buggy from birth+ is one of these. It's the smallest double stroller we've tried. At just over 19 lbs it's one the lightest strollers that can meet airline gate check luggage weight limits. It's Disney-sized-approved!
Stores
The behemoth vintage strollers of the 1980s could have given double strollers a bad name, but they've evolved a great deal. Nowadays, sleek, modular models are able to accommodate a range of options for customization, and fit kids from birth through kindergarten, and are available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) formats. Some models can also allow for infant car seats, and some even have an adjustable riding board. While you might need to put more money into the purchase however, the investment can be rewarded in the form of versatility and the potential for resales.
When shopping for a double stroller, be aware of the weight limit for each seat and the storage space available, and whether or not the seats recline. A deep recline allows for easy naps on the move and a canopy that has UV protection will help keep your child from overheating. Some double strollers also offer cup holders for parents and dual snack tray for on-the-go convenience.
Another aspect to be aware of is the weight of the stroller and how much it weighs, as this can affect your ability to move it around and maneuver it in tight places. Some of the best lightweight double strollers, such as the Kolcraft Cloud Plus, weigh less than 23 lbs and can hold kids up to 40 pounds. It's lighter than the typical single stroller and is sufficient to carry around airports, in overhead bins and into cars.
If you're on a tight budget, check out used options on sites such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, which often have gently-used double strollers available at bargain prices. Look for a double stroller that's in good shape and is free of corrosion or loose screws. Once you've got a used double stroller, be sure to perform an extensive inspection, which includes checking the wheel axles for damage, before using it with your children. Some cities rent strollers, however this isn't the case everywhere. It could be expensive if plan on using the stroller frequently.