Choosing a Double Travel Stroller

A double stroller can be lifesaver for parents who are busy with several young children. Choose one that's light and folds down small 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 essentials include adjustable canopy, versatile seating for children of all ages and plenty of storage.

Simple to Use

Double strollers are often criticized for being heavy and difficult to construct. However, they've come a long ways since the 1980s. The best double strollers have sleek designs and can be tailored to meet your family's unique requirements, whether it's a tandem (single seat in the file) or a side-by-side arrangement. They are also lightweight and fit into most car trunks, as well as on the majority of planes.

A stroller that's easy to navigate across different surfaces and fits into tight spaces is particularly important for families living in urban areas where space is scarce and public transportation is the primary mode of getting around. The lightweight and agile double strollers we test can weave through busy sidewalks and tight subway gates, making them essential for the bustling city.

We assess a stroller's ease of use by considering several factors, including how fast and intuitive the folding and setup process is, and if it can be adjusted for various family members of different heights. We also look for a spacious storage bin and reclined seats that are easy to access and adjust, as well as the highest weight limit for the canopy and seat. The Zoe Twin+ earned top scores in this category due to its adequate storage bin as well as its huge canopy and easy folding.

The Mountain Buggy Nano Duo stroller is a great option to consider if you're seeking a light stroller that can easily fit in small trunks of cars. It's among the Lightest double stroller double strollers that we've tested. It folds down into compact, easy-to-transport packages. It's also the tiniest nipper double buggy umbrella stroller we've tested which makes it a great option for traveling and is even gate-checked by certain airlines.

A car seat with a side-by-side that can accommodate two infants is crucial for parents of twins. Some double strollers, such as the Graco DuoGlider Elite, allow you to use both infant car seats at once, which saves time and energy by removing the need for switching out children. You may also want to look into a tandem stroller which will allow you to keep both children in the same area and within earshot.

Comfort

A padded, high-quality seat is essential for ensuring your children's comfort on strolls. Look for one with an adjustable backrest and a recline feature as well as a spacious seat area that allows kids to stretch out or sit up easily. For added comfort, consider a stroller that has a spacious undercarriage that can accommodate bags for storage and other items without interfering with the seat's position.

The weight and size can also affect the performance of a double travel jogger's performance. Choose a model that has robust wheels and suspension that allow it to glide effortlessly over rough surfaces. A quality double stroller is also capable of turning in tight spaces and navigate narrow hallways, crowded subway gates, and sidewalks. If you plan to use a double stroller regularly pick one that folds in one or two steps and fits into your trunk or in a compact vehicle.

Double strollers are frequently used by parents who travel with children who are small, particularly in urban areas that are heavily populated and where public transportation is prevalent. A compact modular double stroller such as the CYBEX Gazelle S is the ideal choice for this situation, since it lets parents mix and match seat units including cot attachments, cots, and car seats in order to meet changing needs of the family and needs, such as when babies outgrow their car seats for infants.

Another option is a double umbrella stroller, which is typically lighter and smaller than traditional models. These are usually ideal for travel, since they fold up quickly and easily, can be gate checked on airplanes, and often comply with Disney's stroller size specifications. Some also offer plenty of onboard storage for toys, snacks, and other equipment.

Those who have twins or siblings of similar age will benefit the most of a side-by-side stroller. This kind of double stroller is typically cheaper than a modular model and the seats typically come with plenty of recline options, legroom and canopies that provide plenty of coverage. A side-by-side double stroller has only one drawback: it isn't easy to maneuver through narrow hallways and overcrowded sidewalks. The wider frame may also make it harder to pass through certain doorways.

Folding is easy

When choosing a double travel stroller the most important thing to consider is ease of folding. This is especially important if you have to fold your stroller on a crowded sidewalk or in cramped spaces. The best strollers come with an easy, simple folding operation with just a few steps. They fold effortlessly and without any twitches which could lead to body parts hitting each other or sliding. Some of our favorite double travel stollers that fold quickly are the Evenflo PivotXplore and Babyzen YOYO2 connect Double.

When looking for a double travel stroller, it's helpful to consider how long you plan to use it. If you intend to keep your children in the same car seats for at least the time of their preschool years, you might be interested in a side-by-side model that lets you add an bassinets for infants or car seats. Convertible double strollers are an excellent option if you think your kids will be ready for separate seats prior to that point.

A few of the top double strollers we've reviewed come with a flat recline that makes it easy for your kids to lie down or take a break for a snack while on the go. Some strollers have distinct reclines for each seat (the front seat on the UPPAbaby Vista Double v2 Double goes almost flat while the second one remains almost upright). This could result in kids having a fight over which seat to sit in.

You'll also need to consider the size of your vehicle's trunk, since some double strollers can be somewhat bulky and don't fit in the back of cars with smaller trunks. We suggest you select a double stroller that fits easily into your trunk and can be folded and stored when it is not in use. We also recommend double strollers with tiny, light footprints with a low weight and a simple design, such as the ZOE Twin+. It is the smallest double stroller we've test. With just 19 lbs it's one the lightest strollers and still meet airline gate check luggage weight limits. It's Disney-sized-approved!

Storage

The behemoth strollers from the 1980s could have caused double strollers to get a bad name however, they've evolved a great deal. These days sleek, modular 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) models. Some models can also allow for infant car seats, and some include an attached riding board. You may have to spend more initially but the investment will pay off in the form of the flexibility and resale.

Some of the things to take into consideration when shopping for a double stroller include the weight limit per seat, storage space and whether each seat has recline. A recline that is deep is ideal for naps while on the go and a canopy with UV protection helps keep kiddos from overheating in the sun. Some double strollers have cup holders for parents and dual snack tray to make it easier on the move.

Another factor to be aware of is how much the stroller weighs in order to determine your ability to move it around and maneuver it through tight places. Some of the most lightweight double strollers, like the Kolcraft Cloud Plus, weigh less than 23 pounds and can hold kids up to 40lbs. It's lighter than the average single stroller, and is easy enough to schlep through airports, into overhead bins and into cars.

If you're on a tight budget consider looking at used options on sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, which usually have gently used double strollers on sale at affordable prices. Double strollers in good shape are free of loose screws and rust. If you've purchased a used double stroller, make sure you perform an extensive inspection, which includes checking the axles of the wheels for damage prior to using it with your kids. You can also find strollers available for rental in certain cities, though it's not available everywhere and could be expensive if you plan to use the stroller regularly.