Choosing a Double Umbrella Stroller
When looking for a double umbrella stroller, it's important to evaluate your family's needs and priorities. This will help you narrow down your choices and allow you to concentrate on the aspects that matter most.
The UPPAbaby G-Link 2 double umbrella stroller is a well-made, high-end product that folds up easily. It has big canopies as well as a large storage container. It's also easy to maneuver.
Lightweight
The top double umbrella strollers are small and lightweight, yet provide plenty. They aren't as heavy as a standard stroller or jogger, and are typically smaller when folded, too. While they don't have the whistles, bells, and storage space of full-size strollers; they do provide large canopy areas and seating that reclines.
Many families opt for a light double umbrella stroller as it's a great travel stroller. It folds easily, fits in the majority of trunks and airline carry-on bags, and is generally a good choice for navigating narrow sidewalks and tight doors. It's also less expensive than more feature-rich "travel stroller" which you could take for walks on a daily basis.
Some of the top double umbrella strollers, such as the UPPAbaby G-Link 2, have certain features you won't see on lighter models. This double umbrella stroller has hanging storage pockets and trays inside each seat for kids' toys and snacks as well as two parent cupholders. The streamlined design makes this double umbrella stroller among the smallest on the market. It also comes with an extra-wide canopy to protect both seats.
Other options that are lightweight such as the Joovy Kooper X2, offer more bells and whistles than you would expect from a double stroller umbrella. It also offers a more comfy ride for both children thanks to the padded seats and higher recline for each seat. It's important to note, though, that the more features you select the more your stroller weighs. It is also important to be sure that your child doesn't put their fingers on the hinges or frames of these strollers due to how they open and close.
Compact
The smallest double umbrella strollers when folded are easy to maneuver and fit in tight spaces. They're an excellent option for parents who intend to use their stroller often on sidewalks, in shopping malls or to travel around tourist destinations such as the zoo, aquarium or museums. These compact, lightweight strollers are great for commutes, or as a backup stroller to a larger stroller with more features while traveling.
There are two general styles of lightweight double umbrella products: those with very few features and those that offer numerous comfort and convenience features in addition to their compact size and lightweight weight. Some of the better examples include nice-sized pop-out canopies with SPF 50, peekaboo windows and padding seats and 5-point safety harnesses for both seating areas with reclining seats, as well as adjustable leg rests. Other important aspects to consider are whether or not you require a tray for your child or car seat attachment and the amount of storage space each seat has.
The Delta Children LX Double Umbrella is a fantastic example of a simple minimalist stroller that is extremely lightweight and affordable. This stroller is only 18 pounds, comes with a handy carrying strap and can be put in the trunk of your car or in the front closet of your home. Its front wheels are high-tech and swivel to provide more comfort and ease of steering. The brand new Kinderwagon Hop is a tandem umbrella stroller with a super-narrow width that is also light and easy for you to maneuver through doorways. This model was out of production for a couple of decades however it's returning and worth checking out. It also has a larger three-panel canopy that offers better sun protection than the smaller, basic models in this review.
Easy to Fold
The simplest umbrella strollers fold up like an umbrella and weigh less than other kinds. They are easy to lift, carry and store when you don't want or can't bring your large stroller due to some reason (traveling on an airplane, touring a foreign city, visiting grandma). They usually have fewer features than a fully-featured stroller, however they should provide the basic functionality you need like the sun canopy and storage.
The G-Link 2's newest version is smaller, lighter and has an efficient wheel structure on the front that enhances its maneuverability and pushability. It's an excellent option for a double stroller. And it's Disney-approved!
A double tri-fold stroller, like the Joovy Kooper X2, offers all the features of a stroller with an umbrella, but in a body that's comparable in size to a regular full-size stroller. This type of stroller is replacing the classic double umbrella stroller. It's probably the best option if you are seeking a light, multi-purpose stroller.
The majority of double umbrella strollers we recommend are side-by-side models. The exception is the Kinderwagon Hop, a tandem umbrella stroller that's light and easy to fold (though it's also quite small in width). If you're looking to buy a cheap simple, minimalist, no-frills umbrella stroller you can toss in your trunk or back pack for short trips, we recommend this model. It includes two storage bags that hang from the bags at the back of each seat, as well as cup holders for the parents. It's so basic, it may not get your children through the airport without causing a fuss. However, it can make the trip more enjoyable.
Comfortable Seats
The majority of umbrella strollers don't come with many bells and whistles since they're designed with one purpose: to get two children from A to B. They typically have spacious, comfortable seats, but they don't have recline options or all-terrain wheels.
The UPPAbaby G-Link 2 is the exception. It is a compact and lightweight double umbrella stroller that comes with two seats that weigh just 18 lbs. This makes it a great option for families who travel. It comes with a large canopy with three panels to protect children from sun. stokke double stroller offer plenty of storage, but not as much as some of our top picks. It has 5-point safety belts in both seats, and a peek-a-boo window in the canopy.
A downside of the G-Link is that it doesn't have the belly bar and snack tray that we love to see in our top picks, but those aren't the most important features to have on an umbrella stroller in the first place. Like all umbrella strollers, it must be handled with caution to avoid getting your fingers stuck in hinges and mechanisms.
The seats in a double umbrella stroller are usually side-by-side however there are some models that are inline (one seat behind the other). Inline models are more convenient to maneuver through doorways than side-by-side models, but they usually have a difference between the seating options that could make your kids fight over who gets the best seat. This issue was pretty equally split among our previous test participants It really is a personal choice.
Safety
Your child's safety must be the top consideration when choosing a stroller, and the design of double umbrella strollers can affect this aspect of its performance. Although it's difficult to find a lightweight double stroller that offers the same level of security as full-sized strollers, some models do come close. These strollers typically have 5-point harnesses as well as feet and calf rests for children, as well with an extendable UPF 50+ sunvisor. They are also usually narrower and lighter than other double umbrella strollers making them easier to maneuver in tight spaces such as airports or streets in cities.
Some models, like the Kinderwagon Hop are side-byside and are simple to push even in tiny spaces. This stroller is perfect for parents who travel with their children and those who require a comfortable and fast way to get around. It's also small enough to fit in the trunk of a car.
The UPPAbaby G-Link 2 is another model that is worth considering. It is one of the most light double strollers that we have examined. It is a robust design for an umbrella-style stroller and features a large, accessible storage basket, reclining seats, and a peek-aboo window. The seat can also hold 35 lbs and is able to meet Disney stroller size requirements.
Other models, such as the Jeep PowerGlide Double Stroller, may be more basic in appearance and may not come with as many features. These strollers are lightweight and can be used for backups or for occasional travel. They're also less expensive than renting a stroller for the duration of a trip or vacation. They are also easy to fold, lift, transport, and stow away.