Choosing a Double Umbrella Stroller
When looking for a double umbrella stroller it is important to consider your family's requirements and priorities. This will help streamline your options and let you 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 large canopies and a large storage bin and is easy to move around.
Lightweight
The top double umbrella strollers are small and light, yet provide plenty. They're not as heavy as a standard stroller or jogger and they're typically smaller when folded too. Although they lack the bells, whistles, and storage space of full-size strollers, they do have large canopy areas and reclined seats.
Many families opt for a light double umbrella stroller because it's an ideal travel stroller. It is easy to fold and can be tucked away in the majority of trunks and carry-on bags for planes. It is also a great alternative for narrow doors and crowded streets. It's cheaper than an extra-featured "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 some features you won't find on the cheaper models. The double umbrella stroller comes with hanging storage pockets with trays for toys and snacks in each seat, and two cupholders for parents. Its sleek design makes it one of the slimmest double umbrella strollers on the market, when folded. It also comes with a wide canopy to protect both seats.
Other options that are lightweight such as the Joovy Kooper X2, offer more bells and whistles than one would expect from a double stroller umbrella, such as the ability to provide a more comfortable ride for both children due to the padded seats and more reclined seat. The more features you choose the more heavy the stroller. Also, due to the way strollers open and close it is important to be cautious not to let little fingers get caught on hinges or frames, especially when your child is seated in either seat.
Compact
The smallest double umbrella strollers when folded are easy to maneuver and can be tucked away in tight spaces. They're an excellent option for parents who plan to take their stroller regularly on sidewalks, in shopping malls or to get around tourist attractions such as the zoo, aquarium or museums. These compact, lightweight strollers may also be ideal to commute in or as a backup to the heavier, more feature-packed stroller when traveling.
There are two main types of double umbrellas that are lightweight that have a few features, and those that provide numerous comfort and convenience features, in addition to their compact size and lightweight weight. Some of the most effective examples include large pop-out umbrellas that come with SPF 50, peekaboo windows and seating cushions. Get the facts come with 5-point safety harnesses on both sides, leg rests and reclining seats. You should also consider whether you want a car seat attachment or a tray for the parent and the amount of storage space available in each seat.
The Delta Children LX Double Umbrella offers a lightweight, low-frills umbrella that is affordable. This stroller weighs only 18 pounds and comes with an easy-to-carry strap that can be schlepped easily in the trunk of your car, or a front hall closet when it is not in use. Its front wheels are precise and can swivel to give you an easier ride and smoother steering. The new Kinderwagon Hop is a tandem umbrella stroller that has a narrow width that is also ultralight and easy for you to navigate through doorways. The model was out of the market for a few years, but is back in production and is worth a look. It also has a three-panel canopy, which provides more sun protection than smaller models.
Easy to Fold
The simplest umbrella strollers fold down like umbrellas, and they weigh less than other models. This makes them easy to carry, lift, and stow for use when you don't need or need to bring your full-size stroller for some reason (traveling on an airplane, exploring a foreign city, visiting grandma). These strollers are typically less well-equipped than fully-featured models, but they should provide the basic features including storage and a sun canopy.
The latest version of the UPPAbaby G-Link 2 is lighter and narrower than its predecessor, with an improved front wheel structure that improves mobility and pushability. It's a great option for a double stroller. And it's approved by Disney!
A double tri-fold stroller like the Joovy Kooper X2, offers all the features of an umbrella-style stroller but with a body comparable in size to a regular full-size stroller. This kind of stroller is replacing the classic double umbrella stroller. It may be your best option if you are seeking a light, versatile stroller.
Most of the double umbrella strollers that we recommend are side-by-side models. The exception is the Kinderwagon Hop, a tandem umbrella stroller that's extremely light and easy to fold (though it's also relatively narrow). If you're looking to buy a cheap, 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 bags hanging from the backs of each seat and parent cupholders. It's so basic, it might not allow your kids to get through an airport without making them 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 since they are intended to do one thing: get two kids from one location to B. They typically have spacious, comfortable seats but no reclining options or all terrain wheels.
The UPPAbaby G-Link 2 stands out. It's a light and compact double umbrella stroller that has two seats that weigh less than 18 lbs each, making it a great option for those who travel (it meets Disney size requirements). It has a large canopy with three panels to protect children from the sun. Both seats offer a good amount of storage but not like some of our top picks. It comes with 5-point safety belts on both seats, as well as a an open-air window in the canopy.
The only downside to the G-Link is that it doesn't have the belly bar and snack tray we've come to see in our top picks, however they aren't essential features for an umbrella stroller, anyway. Like all umbrella strollers, it should be handled with care to avoid fingers getting stuck in hinges and mechanisms.
In the majority of double umbrella strollers, the seats are side-by-side. However there are models that have inline seating (one seat is in front of the other). Inline models are simpler to maneuver through doors than models that are side by side however their seating arrangement could cause your kids to argue over which is the best seat. Our previous testers were pretty evenly divided on this matter and it's a personal decision.
Safety
Your child's safety is a primary consideration when choosing a stroller, and the design of double umbrella strollers can determine the quality of its operation. While it's hard to find a light double stroller that can provide the same level of security as the full-sized strollers, a few models are close. These strollers usually have 5-point harnesses and feet and calf rests for children, as well as an extendable UPF 50plus sunvisor. They tend to be smaller and lighter than other double umbrella strollers. This makes them easier to maneuver through tight spaces like airports or city streets.
Some models, like the Kinderwagon Hop, are side-by-sides and are simple to maneuver through narrow spaces. This stroller is an excellent option for parents who are traveling with their children and need a fast and convenient method of getting around. It's also small enough to fit easily in the trunk or in a storage space.
The UPPAbaby G-Link 2 is another model that is worth considering. It is among the most light double strollers that we have test-driven. It features a surprisingly robust design for an umbrella-style product and has large, easy-to-access storage basket, reclining seats, and a peek-a-boo view. The seat is also able to hold 35 pounds and is in line with Disney stroller size requirements.
Other models, like the Jeep PowerGlide double stroller, are more minimalist in their design and might not have the same features. However these strollers are extremely light and can be utilized as a backup for occasional travel purposes. They're also less expensive than renting the stroller for a whole vacation or for a trip. They are also easy to fold, lift, transport, and stow away.