Choosing a Double Umbrella Stroller
When looking for a double umbrella stroller, it is important to consider your family's needs and priorities. This will simplify your options and let you concentrate on the aspects that matter most.
Uppababy G-Link 2 is an excellent double umbrella stroller that's well-manufactured and folds down compactly. It comes with big umbrellas and a large storage bin and is simple to move.
Lightweight
The top double umbrella strollers offer many functions in a light, compact package. They're not as heavy as a traditional jogger or stroller and tend to be smaller when folded. While they don't have the whistles, bells, and storage space that are found in full-size strollers; they do provide large canopy and seating that reclines.
Many families choose a light double umbrella stroller because it's an ideal stroller for traveling. It folds easily, can be tucked away in the majority of trunks and carry-on bags, and is generally an excellent choice for getting around tight doorways and crowded sidewalks. It's also less expensive than an extra-featured "travel stroller" which you could take for walks on a daily basis.
A few of the best double umbrella strollers, like the UPPAbaby G-Link 2, have certain features that you can't find on the cheaper models. This double umbrella stroller features hanging storage pockets, snack and toys trays in each seat and two cupholders for parents. Its sleek design makes it one of the smallest double umbrella strollers on the market. It folds easily and has an extra-wide canopy to protect both seats.
Other lightweight options like the Joovy Kooper X2, offer more bells and whistles than one would expect from a double stroller umbrella, such as a more comfy ride for both children due to padded seats and a higher recline for each seat. It's important to note that the more features you choose 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 because of how they open and close.
Compact
When folded, the smallest double umbrella strollers are easy to maneuver and can fit into tight spaces. They're a good option for parents who intend to take their stroller regularly on sidewalks, in shopping malls or to get around tourist attractions like the zoo, aquarium or museums. These lightweight, compact strollers may also be ideal for commuting or as a backup to a heavier, more feature-packed stroller when traveling.
There are two types of lightweight double umbrella products: those with very few features, and those that provide numerous convenience and comfort 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 padded seats and 5-point safety harnesses for both seating areas as well as reclining seats and adjustable leg rests. You should also consider whether you want a car seat attachment, a parent tray and the amount of storage space that is available in each seat.
The Delta Children LX Double Umbrella provides a lightweight, low-cost umbrella that is affordable. The stroller weighs only 18 lbs and comes with an easy-to-carry strap and can be easily put in the trunk of your vehicle or in the front closet of your home. Its front wheels are precision technology and swivel to provide more comfort and ease of steering. Another option to consider is the new Kinderwagon Hop, a super narrow tandem umbrella stroller that's also ultralight and easy to navigate through doorways. The model was off the market for a while but is now returning to production and is worth a look. It also comes with a larger three-panel canopy that offers better sun protection than the less-than-perfect models in this review.
Easy to Fold
double pram and pushchair fold like umbrellas, and they weigh less than other models. This makes them easy to carry, lift, and stow for use when you don't want or can't bring your full-size stroller for some reason (traveling on an airplane, exploring an unfamiliar city, or visiting grandma). These strollers are typically less feature-rich than full-featured models, but they should offer the essentials, such as storage and a sun canopy.
The latest version of the UPPAbaby G-Link 2 is lighter and narrower than the predecessor, and has an improved front wheel that increases the maneuverability and pushability. It's an excellent option for a double travel stroller--and it's Disney-approved!
A double tri-folded stroller, such as the Joovy Kooper X2 offers all the convenience and ease of use of an umbrella stroller in the same form as the size of a full-size stroller. This kind of stroller is quickly replacing the traditional double umbrella, and could be the best option if you need a versatile stroller that is lightweight and easy to carry around.
Most of the double umbrella strollers we recommend are side-by-side models. The exception is the Kinderwagon Hop, a tandem umbrella stroller that's lightweight and easy to fold (though it's also a bit small in width). If you're looking to buy a cheap, simple, no-frills double umbrella stroller you can toss in your trunk or back pack for short trips, we recommend this one. It comes with two hanging storage bags on the sides of each seat, as well as cup holders for the parents. It's so basic, it might not get your kids through the airport without causing them to be cranky, but it will to make the trip more comfortable.
Comfortable Seats
The majority of umbrella strollers don't come with much in the way of bells and whistles, because they're made to do one thing: transport two children from point A to point B. That means they usually offer seats that are comfortable and roomy but do not have recline options or all-terrain wheels.
The UPPAbaby G-Link 2 is the one exception. It is a lightweight and compact double umbrella stroller that comes with two seats that weigh just 18 pounds. This makes it an ideal choice for travelers. It's got a fantastic suspension, a massive three-panel canopy that shields children from the sun and a decent amount of storage space in both seats, but not quite as much as our top selections. It comes with 5-point safety belts on both seats, as well as a peek-a-boo window in the canopy.
The G-Link lacks the bellybar and snack tray that we'd like to see on our top choices. However, these features aren't essential to an umbrella stroller. As with any umbrella stroller, it must be used with care so that fingers - whether your own or a child's--don't get caught in the hinges of the frame that fold and mechanisms.
The seats in a double umbrella stroller are usually side-by-side, but there are some models that are inline (one seat behind the other). Inline models can be easier to maneuver in doorways than side-by-side models, but they often have a disparity in seating options that can cause your children to argue over who has the better seat. This issue was pretty evenly split between our previous test participants, so it really is a personal choice.
Safety
When you are choosing a stroller for your child safety must be your top priority. The design of an umbrella for a double stroller can determine its performance. Although it's difficult to find a lightweight double stroller that can provide the same level of safety as the full-sized strollers, a few models are close. They typically come with 5-point harnesses, calf and foot rests for children, and an extendable, UPF 50+ sun visor. They are usually narrower and lighter compared to other double umbrella strollers. This makes them more maneuverable in tight spaces such as airports or city streets.
Some models, like the Kinderwagon Hop are side-byside and are easy to push in small spaces. This stroller is an excellent option for parents traveling with young children and require a quick and easy way to get around. It is also compact enough to fit in a trunk.
The UPPAbaby G-Link 2 is another model that is worth a look. It is one of the most lightweight double strollers we've test-driven. It has a very robust design for an umbrella and features an ample, easily accessible storage basket, reclining seats, and a peek-aboo window. The seat is able to hold 35 lbs. and is in line with Disney stroller requirements.
Other models, like the Jeep PowerGlide double stroller, are more bare-bones in design and might not have the same features. However these strollers are extremely light and can be used as a backup for occasional travel needs. These strollers are also less expensive than renting one for a full vacation or for a trip. They are also easy to lift, carry and fold.