Parents of two have a lot to contend with- not least the logistics of getting around as smoothly as possible. Traveling with our little crew has not always been a walk in the park, and I have tried all sorts of solutions to make journeys more enjoyable. Luckily, those days are gone, but never forgotten! One thing that got us by as we traveled was a is a great double stroller.
There are a lot of double-travel strollers out there. My hunt for the best travel double stroller for taking two kids on the road has taken me through many makes and models- some far more successful than others. After several calamities and triumphs, I can confidently say that the Thule Shine Stroller stands out as my top pick for an everyday stroller that accommodates two little ones.
Thule Shine Stroller with Rider Board Attachment: My Favorite Double Travel Stroller
Finding a great travel stroller for a toddler and infant hasn’t been easy. There are plenty of options for two young babies that hold two infant car seats or have two spots for tiny people, but finding one that suits different ages has been less straightforward.
The Thule Shine Stroller itself is not a double, but the Rider Board Attachment turns it into a super convenient and practical way to get around with a baby and toddler- or two toddlers.
What Makes This the Best Double Stroller for Travel with Two Children?
Here are some of the things I love about traveling with the Thule Shine Stroller and Rider Board Attachment that make it one of the best double strollers out there, in my opinion.
Lightweight and Compact Travel Stroller Design
One of the top priorities for the best double stroller for travel is ease of movement. For that, you need a lightweight double stroller with a compact design that doesn’t feel bulky or awkward. While this isn’t the lightest double stroller out there, it is the most compact double stroller I have found that is still robust enough to comfortably support my kids.
It is narrow enough to fit in most places- and light enough to easily maneuver through winding streets. I’m pretty short, but even I could comfortably push it around (and uphill) with both my little ones on board- diaper bag and all! The adjustable handlebar helps you get the best positioning and better control- no matter what height you are.
Super Comfy for Kids
On its own, the Thule Shine Stroller is a pretty great single design. It has a generous seat that can face toward the front or back, an extendable wind cover and add-on rain cover, a large storage basket beneath the seat, and an adjustable reclining seat.
The material is soft and smooth with just the right amount of squish on the padded seat. It also reclines to an almost completely flat position to let little ones stretch out and sleep comfortably. Another feature I love is the peekaboo window on the canopy- which lets your little one stay connected with the world even when the cover is pulled down to protect them from the weather.
This is all great, but what about baby number 2? The Rider Board Attachment combines functionality with fun- and let me tell you, when my son was small and we had his cousin with us, they loved riding together with the help of this attachment. It connects underneath to provide a platform for small children to stand on- holding onto the handlebar to look out over the stroller (depending on their height).
Of course, how many toddlers do you know that don’t need a little sit down from time to time? This was my original concern when I first bought this, but there was nothing to worry about as it converts to a makeshift lounger for littles. The way it sits means my toddler could fully stretch out beneath the main seat- using the storage bag as a little bed. It sounds odd, but it really works.
Both my babies have great naps in this double stroller (and everyone knows napping time is golden time for babies and parents alike- especially when you are on the go!).
Easy to Fold with One Hand
Oh, the hours of my life lost to fighting with strollers trying to fold and unfold them. I know I am not alone there, so when I realized how easy the one-handed fold was, I was completely sold and had to share!
It takes a few seconds to fold (one-handed) down into a travel-sized bundle- then you can shorten the handle right down so it doesn’t stick out or get in the way. You can easily fit it into small compartments- ideal for stowing away in the car, train, or plane. It is also a bonus if you are staying in a hotel room without loads of spare space.
Sturdy and Strong over Rugged Design
A pretty stroller is great, but it needs a bit of reinforcement to be any use carrying two kids. One thing I really love about the Thule Shine Stroller is the built-in wheel suspension- a game-changer for anyone who is not always on smooth city streets.
It feels robust and has no trouble over cobblestone streets, dirt tracks, and grass. The added suspension also makes it a smoother ride for the little ones.
Versatile Detachable Board
I already spoke a bit about the board attachment, but I want to add a bit more. The board is what makes this the best travel stroller for a toddler- particularly one who is curious, energetic, and wants to experience the journey with you.
In the past, convincing my toddler to get in the stroller has been a battle, but then he started looking forward to it. Standing on the Rider Board Attachment is an adventure for him and a break for me. Sure, the added weight gives me an extra leg workout, but it is nothing compared to chasing him down the street as he makes a break for freedom!
Versatility is the name of the game here. Toddlers can stand on it, sit on it, and lie down on it- so it works for every energy level. Being tucked away safely on the board gives my toddler a comfy spot to stretch out that feels like his own little den- he loves it!
Why Choose This Style over Side-by-Side Double Strollers?
You get a lot of lightweight double strollers that have two seats side-by-side. These are certainly useful if you have two young babies who can’t do much standing or walking, but I find them quite cumbersome and difficult to move around. I wouldn’t ever consider traveling with a two seat stroller. Not a chance!
My old double umbrella stroller was brilliant for short walks, but I would never have felt comfortable traveling with it. You take up a lot of space pushing one of those around, that’s for sure.
I prefer this because of the freedom it gives me, and I feel more relaxed knowing I don’t have to worry if we will fit, or just get in the way.
I understand as well as anyone that no two parents have exactly the same challenges, and I am not saying this is the best choice for everyone. Other strollers offer very different benefits. It depends on what you are looking for and how old your children are.
- There is no connection for an infant car seat. If you prefer to transfer your baby from a car to a stroller, look for one with a universal car seat adapter instead.
- This doesn’t really work for two young babies. The rider board attachment is best for a toddler who is already walking but needs a spot to sit or rest sometimes while out and about.
- You can’t use this for jogging. Strollers designed for exercise are better if a baby jogger city tour is on your travel agenda- or if you are looking for something to use regularly for jogging at home.
Make sure to see my roundup of the top travel gear, where I recommend items that I’ve added to my travels over the years to make our journey less stressful!
Summary
If you need a compact, lightweight stroller to travel with your young children comfortably, the Thule Shine Stroller with Rider Board Attachment is my recommendation. It is the only stroller I have found that offers the best solution for my baby, my toddler, and myself- and that feels like a help rather than a hindrance when we are traveling.