14 Common Misconceptions About Double Travel Stroller
Choosing a Double Travel Stroller
A double stroller is a godsend for parents who are busy with several young children. Look for one that's lightweight 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 kids of different ages, adjustable canopies and plenty of storage.
Simple to use
Double strollers are often criticized for being heavy and difficult to assemble. However, they have come a long ways since the 1980s. The most effective double strollers are sleek and support 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 light and can be tucked away in car trunks, as well as on the majority of planes.
A stroller that is easy to maneuver across a variety of surfaces and fits into tight spaces is particularly important for families living in urban areas, where space is limited and public transportation is the main method of travel. The lightweight and agile double strollers we test can weave through busy sidewalks and tight subway gates, making them essential for busy city life.
The ease of use by considering a number of 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 and also the highest weight limit for the canopy and seat. The Zoe twin pushchair+ earned top marks in this category thanks to its ample storage capacity, super-sized canopies, and easy folding.
If you're looking for a light stroller that can easily fit into car trunks that are small The Mountain Buggy Nano Duo is a great option. It's among the lightest double strollers we've tried, and it folds down into an extremely compact twin stroller size that is easier to transport up and down stairs than many other models. It's the smallest double umbrella stroller we've tested, making it an excellent option for traveling. Some airlines allow you to gate-check the stroller.
A car seat with a side-by-side that can hold two infants is essential for parents of twins. Some double strollers, such as the Graco DuoGlider Elite allow you to use two infant car seats at the same time to save time and energy. You might also want to consider a tandem stroller that lets you to keep your children in ear and sight.
Comfort
If you want to make sure your children are comfortable on walks, a good quality, padded seat is crucial. It is recommended to choose a stroller with a reclining backrest, a backrest that can be adjusted, and a large seat area that allows your child to sit up or stretch out. For added comfort, consider a stroller with a large undercarriage that is able to accommodate bags of storage and other things without compromising the seats' position.
The size and weight of a double travel stroller can also affect its performance. Select a model with sturdy wheels and suspension to effortlessly glide over rough surfaces. A well-constructed double stroller can also turn in tight spaces, and navigate narrow hallways, crowded subway gates. If you plan to use a double stroller frequently you should choose a model with a quick, one or two-step fold that will fit in a trunk or compact double stroller car.
Parents traveling with young children often use a double stroller to transport them around, especially in densely populated urban areas where space is a premium and public transportation is common. A streamlined, modular double stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle S is a great choice for this situation, since it lets parents mix and match seats including cot attachments, cots, and car seats to meet the changing needs of their family and needs, such as when babies outgrow their car seats for infants.
A double umbrella stroller is a different option. They are typically smaller and lighter than traditional strollers. They are generally ideal for those traveling, as they fold up quickly and easily and can be gate checked on airplanes, and often comply with Disney's stroller size specifications. Many also provide plenty of storage space onboard for snacks, toys, and other gear.
A double stroller that is side-by-side is a great option for parents who have twins or siblings who are similar in age. This type of double stroller is generally cheaper than a modular one, and the seats usually come with plenty of recline options, legroom and canopy options that offer plenty of coverage. A side-by-side double stroller comes with only one drawback: it can be difficult to navigate through narrow hallways and crowded sidewalks. The wider frame may also make it difficult to pass through certain doorways.
Folding is easy
When you are choosing a double travel stroller, the most important factor is ease of folding. This is particularly important if you have to fold your stroller in small spaces or on sidewalks with cars and other people nearby. The most efficient strollers fold in only a few steps that are easy and straightforward. They fold effortlessly and without any awkwardness that could result in body parts hitting each one another or sliding. The Babyzen YOYO2 Connect Double and the Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon are among our top double travel strollers that fold quickly and compactly.
It's important to consider the duration of time you'll be using a double travel stroller. If you plan to keep your children in the same seat for at least the preschool years, you might want to look into the side-by-side design that lets you add an bassinets for infants or car seats. Convertible double strollers are a great option if you think your children are ready to move into separate seats prior to that point.
The best twin buggy double-strollers we reviewed offer a flat recline. This makes it easy for your children to lie down or eat a snack while moving. However, some strollers come with a different recline for each seat (the front seat of the UPPAbaby Vista Double v2 Double goes almost flat, while the second seat remains almost upright). This kind of disparity in seating can cause children to argue over which seat they'd like to sit on.
You'll need to consider the dimensions of your trunk vehicle, as double strollers can be bulky and will not fit in the back of smaller vehicles. We suggest that you pick a double stroller that can fit easily into your trunk and can be folded and stored when it is not in use. We also recommend double strollers with tiny footprints, low weight, and a simple design. The ZOE Twin+ is one of these. It's the most compact double stroller we've test, and with just 19 pounds it's among the lightest strollers that can still meet airline gate-check luggage weight limits. It's also Disney-sized-approved!
Storage
The massive vintage strollers of the 1980s might have caused double strollers to get the wrong impression, but they have evolved a great deal. These days modern, minimalist models can be fitted with a range of options for customization, and fit kids from birth through kindergarten, and are available in side-byside or tandem (single-file seating) formats. Some models also accommodate infant car seats and a riding board that can be attached. Although you might have to spend more upfront but the investment will be rewarded in the form of versatility and the potential for resales.
Some of the things to take into consideration when choosing a double travel stroller are the weight limit per seat, storage space, and whether each seat has a recline. A deep recline is great for naps on the move, and a canopy that offers UV protection keeps kids from getting too hot in the sun. Some double strollers also offer parent-facing cupholders and dual snack tray for on-the-go convenience.
The weight of the stroller is important, as it will affect the ability of you to maneuver it in tight spaces. Some of the lightest double strollers, such as the Kolcraft Cloud Plus, weigh less than 23 pounds and can hold kids up to 40 pounds. It's a little lighter than the standard single stroller and simple enough to get through airports, through overhead bins, and into cars.
If you're on a budget consider looking at the used options available on sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, which usually have gently used double strollers available at affordable prices. Look for a double stroller in good shape, with no signs of rust or loose screws. If you've found a used double stroller, make sure you perform a thorough inspection, including inspecting the axles of the wheels for damage, before using it with your kids. There are strollers available for rental in certain cities, but this option isn't available everywhere and could be expensive if you plan to use the stroller regularly.