Choosing a Double Umbrella Stroller
It's important to consider the priorities of your family and their needs when you are shopping for a double stroller. This will help streamline your options and allow you to focus on the essential features.
The UPPAbaby G-Link 2 double umbrella stroller is a well-made, upscale product that folds easily. It has large canopies as well as a huge storage bin and is very simple to move.
Lightweight
The best double umbrella strollers offer lots of features in a compact, light package. They aren't as heavy as a traditional stroller or jogger and are typically smaller when folded, too. They don't have the bells or whistles you'll find on large strollers, but they often provide large canopies with ample storage space, and seating that reclines.
Many families choose a lightweight double umbrella stroller because it's a great stroller for travel. It's easy to fold, fits into the majority of trunks and carry-on bags, and is the best option for navigating tight doorways and crowded sidewalks. It's cheaper than a more feature-rich "travel stroller" which you could use for your daily walks.
Some of the top double strollers, like the UPPAbaby G-Link 2 have features that aren't found on lighter options. This double umbrella stroller has hanging storage pockets and trays on each seat for children's toys and snacks as well as two parent cupholders. Its minimalist design makes it one of the most compact double umbrella strollers on the market when folded and features a large canopy to safeguard both seats.
A few other lightweight options like the Joovy Kooper X2, have more of the bells and whistles you might expect from a double umbrella stroller, such as a more comfortable ride for both children thanks to padded seating and a higher recline for each seat. The more features you pick, the heavier the stroller. Also, because of lightweight double buggy are able to open and close it is important to be cautious not to let your little fingers touch frames or hinges, particularly if your child is sitting in either seat.
Compact
When folded, the most compact double umbrella strollers are easily maneuverable and fit into tight spaces. They're a great option for parents who intend to take their stroller regularly on sidewalks, in shopping malls, or to visit tourist attractions like the zoo, aquarium or museums. These lightweight, compact strollers are also ideal for commutes or as a backup to a heavier, more equipped stroller when traveling.
There are two types of double umbrellas that are lightweight: those with very few features and those that offer numerous convenience and comfort features in addition to their compact size and lightweight weight. Some of the most effective examples are large pop-out canopies with SPF 50 and peekaboo windows and padding seats, 5-point safety harnesses in both seat areas, reclining seats, and adjustable leg rests. You should also think about whether you would like an attachment for your car seat or a tray for the parent and the amount of storage space that is available in each seat.
The Delta Children LX Double Umbrella is a great example of a basic, no-frills option that is incredibly light and very affordable. This stroller weighs only 18 lbs and includes a convenient carrying strap for schlepping and fits easily in the trunk of your car or in a front closet when not in use. Its front wheels have precision technology and swivel, ensuring a smooth ride and easier steering. Another highly recommended option is the new Kinderwagon Hop, a super narrow tandem umbrella stroller that's also light and easy to maneuver through the doorways. The model was out of production for a couple of decades, but it is now back and worth taking a look at. It also comes with a larger three-panel canopy for improved sun protection than the less-than-perfect models in this review.
Easy to Fold
The most basic umbrella strollers fold like umbrellas, and they weigh less than other models. This makes them easy to lift, carry and store when you don't need or need to bring your larger stroller due to a reason (traveling on an airplane, touring a foreign city, visiting grandma). They often aren't as well-equipped as a full-featured stroller, but they should offer the basic functionality you need like a sun canopy and storage.
The most recent version of the UPPAbaby G-Link 2 is lighter and narrower than the predecessor, and has a more efficient front wheel structure that improves the maneuverability and pushability. It's an excellent choice for a stroller that can hold two children. It's Disney approved!
A double tri-folded stroller, such as the Joovy Kooper X2 offers all the convenience and comfort of an umbrella stroller within the same form as a large-sized stroller. This type of stroller is replacing the standard double umbrella stroller. It's probably the best option if you are searching for a light and versatile stroller.
The majority of double umbrella strollers that 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 for a low-cost, simple, no-frills double umbrella stroller that you can put in your back pack or trunk for quick trips, we highly recommend this one. It comes with two storage bins that hang from the bag on the back of each seat, and cup holders for the parents. It's so basic, it might not help your children get through an airport without causing them to be cranky, but it will to make the trip more comfortable.
Comfortable Seats
Most umbrella strollers don't have much in the way of bells and whistles because they're made to do one thing: take two children from point A to point B. They usually have spacious, comfortable seats, but no recline options or all-terrain wheels.
The UPPAbaby G-Link 2 is the only exception. It is a compact and lightweight double umbrella stroller that has two seats that weigh just 18 lbs. This makes it an ideal option for families who travel. It has excellent suspension, a massive three-panel canopy that shields kids from the sun, and a decent amount of storage space in both seats, though not quite as much as our top selections. It comes with five-point safety belts in both seats, as well as the ability to peek into the canopy.
The G-Link lacks the bellybar and snack tray that we'd like to see on our top picks. But those features aren’t essential to an umbrella stroller. Like all umbrella strollers, it should be handled with care to avoid fingers getting stuck in hinges and mechanisms.
The seats in double umbrella strollers are usually side-by-side however, there are a few models that are inline (one seat behind the other). Inline models are easier to maneuver through doorways than models that are side by side however their seating arrangements could cause your kids to fight over the best seat. This was pretty evenly split between our previous test subjects It really is an individual choice.
Safety
When selecting a stroller to your child safety is the most important consideration. The design of the double stroller umbrella can determine its performance. While it's hard to find a lightweight double stroller that can provide the same level of security as full-sized strollers, some models do come close. These strollers usually have 5-point harnesses, calf and foot rests for children, as well as an extendable, UPF 50+ sun visor. They are also usually narrower and lighter than other double umbrella strollers which makes them easier to maneuver in tight spaces like airports or city streets.
Some models, such as the Kinderwagon Hop, are side-by-sides and are particularly easy to push through small spaces. This stroller is an excellent choice for parents who are traveling with young children and need a quick and convenient method of getting around. It's also small enough to fit comfortably in the trunk or in a storage space.
The UPPAbaby G-Link 2 is another model worth looking into. It is one of the lightest double strollers we have test-driven. It has a very robust design for an umbrella and has large, easy-to-access storage basket, reclining seats and a peek-a-boo window. The seat can also hold 35 lbs and meets Disney stroller dimensions.
Other models, like the Jeep PowerGlide Double Stroller, may be less basic in design and do not include as many features. These strollers are lightweight and can be used for backups or for occasional travel. They're also less expensive than renting the stroller for a whole vacation or for a trip. They are also easy to carry, lift and fold.