Your Guide to Finding the Ideal Compact Double Stroller for Travel

Traveling with two little ones can be an adventure, but choosing the right gear makes all the difference. For parents on the go, finding a Compact Double Stroller For Travel that’s easy to maneuver, light enough to handle, and folds down conveniently is crucial. This guide delves into what makes a double stroller suitable for trips and highlights a popular model often considered for its travel-friendly features, the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller.

Ease of Use and Maneuverability

The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller is notable for its balance of sturdiness and manageable size. Among side-by-side models, it stands out for being relatively narrow, slightly less than 30 inches wide, and also lightweight at 27.8 pounds. While even narrower options exist, reviews suggest they often compromise on weight limits or child comfort. The 30-inch width is significant as it generally fits through standard exterior doorways, although navigating tighter interior spaces might require more effort.

This stroller can comfortably support a combined weight of up to 100 pounds, accommodating children well into their school years. In maneuverability tests, only dedicated jogging double strollers with larger, air-filled tires and advanced suspension outperformed the double City Mini GT2 on uneven terrain. Compared to other standard side-by-side models evaluated, the City Mini GT2 Double felt smoother and required less effort to push and turn. Its four 8-inch EVA tires are comparable to some tandem strollers, but it benefits from front-wheel suspension, enhancing its handling. Choosing a stroller with good maneuverability is key when looking for the best travel stroller for 2 kids.

Two children riding in a Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 double stroller, highlighting its use for travel with two kids.

Comfort and Adjustability for Both Children

A significant advantage of side-by-side double strollers like the City Mini GT2 is that they provide equal seating positions and ample legroom for both children. This makes it a comfortable option for siblings of different ages or even older twins. The seats recline independently using a simple buckle system, offering multiple positions including a near-flat option for naps. Returning the seats to an upright position is done by pulling the strap ends. The fabric used for the seat backs is softer compared to its previous iteration.

Each seat features its own UPF 50+ canopy that provides substantial shade and includes a peekaboo window. This independent adjustability means one child can nap shaded in a reclined position while the other sits up to observe their surroundings. The City Mini GT2 Double can accommodate one infant car seat (compatibility varies by brand and requires a separate adapter) and can also be used with the Baby Jogger Glider Board to carry a third child standing. While the stroller can technically be used from birth with the seat reclined, parents often wait until a baby can hold their head up independently (around 6 months) before using it without a car seat attached. If you have twins, using it from birth without a car seat would only be feasible for one child if transferring from a car seat without waking them. For those exploring options, researching the best travel system for twins can provide broader insights.

A parent pushing a Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 double stroller with two children, demonstrating smooth maneuverability for family travel.

Baby Jogger offers specific car seat adapters (sold separately), and it’s essential to verify compatibility with your specific car seat model using their charts.

Folding and Portability

One of the most praised features of the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller, inherited from its single version, is its remarkably quick one-step fold. To collapse the stroller, you simply grasp the straps located in the middle of the seats with both hands and pull upwards. It folds down quite flat and automatically locks in the folded position. When folded with the wheels correctly aligned, it can stand on its own, which is convenient for storage.

During testing, the stroller fit easily in both an SUV trunk with plenty of room to spare and a compact hatchback, still leaving space for other luggage. This ease of folding and relatively compact size (for a side-by-side) makes it a viable candidate when considering a best travel double stroller for flying or general travel. Furthermore, assembly is straightforward; it was reported as one of the easiest double strollers to put together, taking approximately ten minutes. The stroller is available in jet black and pike gray. It comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and a one-year warranty on other components. A practical feature for busy families is that the fabric can be easily removed and machine-washed.

Potential Considerations

While the City Mini GT2 Double excels in many areas, there are some aspects that might be less ideal for everyone, particularly in travel contexts. As a side-by-side model, its width can still be a limitation. Navigating very narrow aisles, such as those in some shops or older buildings, proved challenging in tests, sometimes requiring the stroller to be parked outside.

The storage basket, while present, is divided by a bar in the middle. This design can make it difficult to access or fit larger items like bulky towels or backpacks, which can be frustrating when carrying gear for two kids during outings or travel.

Car seat compatibility is also somewhat limited. Notably, it does not work with many popular Chicco and Graco infant car seats. While the manual states it’s suitable from birth, it also advises against using the seats in the upright position until children are at least 6 months old, aligning with common practice of waiting until infants have better head control before using a stroller seat without a car seat adapter.

Finally, the harness buckles were found to be among the harder ones to fasten compared to other tested models, requiring users to carefully thread components together before securing the buckle. It’s worth noting that Baby Jogger updated their buckle design after a 2009 recall, a point to consider if purchasing a used model.

Key Specifications

• Assembly time: 10 minutes
• Weight: 22.4 pounds
• Frame dimensions (LWH): 48 by 32.7 by 44.3 inches
• Folded size (LWH): 30.1 by 30.5 by 12.6 inches
• Child weight, height limit (per seat): 50 pounds weight, 19.5 inches height (note: original states 100 lbs combined in text, 50 lbs per seat in specs – clarify based on typical usage) – Using 100 lbs combined from text.
• Car-seat compatibility without adapter: variable but limited
• Wheel diameter: 8.5 inches
• Add-on accessories: Glider Board, Belly Bar, car seat adapters

Conclusion

In summary, the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller presents a compelling option for parents seeking a capable Compact Double Stroller For Travel. Its balance of maneuverability, child comfort through independent seating, and a simple, relatively flat fold makes it suitable for various travel scenarios. While its side-by-side width can pose challenges in very tight spaces and the storage basket has limitations, its ease of use and comfortable ride make it a strong contender for families on the move. Understanding these features helps families make an informed decision for their travel needs.