Choosing a Double Umbrella Stroller
It's important to consider your family's needs and priorities when choosing a double stroller. This will allow you to narrow your choices and focus on the most essential features.
The UPPAbaby G-Link 2 double umbrella stroller is a well-made, high-end product that folds compactly. It has large canopies as well as a huge storage bin and is very simple to move.
Lightweight
The top double umbrella strollers provide a lot of functionality in a light, compact package. They aren't as heavy as a traditional stroller or jogger, and are generally smaller when folded, too. Although they lack the whistles, bells, and storage space of larger strollers, they offer large canopy areas and reclining seats.
A compact double umbrella stroller is a popular choice for families who travel together. It folds easily, fits into most trunks and airplane carry-on bags, and is the best option for navigating the narrow streets and narrow doors. It's also less expensive than an extra-featured "travel stroller" which you could use for everyday walks.
A few of the best double umbrella strollers, like the UPPAbaby G-Link 2, have certain features you won't see on the cheaper models. This double umbrella stroller includes hanging storage pockets and trays on each seat to store kids' toys and snacks as well as two parent cupholders. The sleek design makes this double umbrella stroller one of the smallest on the market. It also comes with an extra wide canopy that protects both seats.
Other lightweight options such as the Joovy Kooper X2, offer more bells and whistles than one would expect from a double stroller umbrella. It also offers a more comfy ride for both children thanks to padded seats and a deeper recline on each seat. The more features you choose the more heavy the stroller. Additionally, due to the way these strollers are able to open and close you'll need to be careful not to let tiny fingers get caught on frames or hinges, particularly if your child is sitting in either seat.
Compact
The smallest double umbrella strollers, when folded are easy to maneuver and fit well in tight spaces. These strollers are a great choice for parents who will frequent the streets, shopping malls, or to navigate tourist attractions such as the zoo or aquarium. double single pushchair that are lightweight can also be great for commutes or as a backup to a heavier, more feature-packed stroller when traveling.
There are two kinds of lightweight double umbrellas: those that have very few features and those with a variety of options for comfort and convenience in addition to their tiny size. Some of the better examples are large pop-out canopies with SPF 50 and peekaboo windows with padding seats and 5-point safety harnesses for both seat areas, reclining seats, and adjustable leg rests. You should also consider whether you want a car seat attachment as well as a tray for parents and the amount of storage space that is available in each seat.
The Delta Children LX Double Umbrella is a great example of a simple, no-frills option that is incredibly light and very affordable. This stroller weighs just 18 pounds and comes with a convenient carrying strap that can be schlepped easily in the trunk of your car or in a front hall closet when not in use. Its front wheels have precision technology and swivel to provide smooth riding and easy steering. The new Kinderwagon Hop is a tandem umbrella stroller with a narrow width that is also ultralight and easy to maneuver through doors. The model was out of production for a couple of decades but is now back and is worth looking into. It also comes with three panels of canopy that provide more sun protection than smaller models.
Easy to Fold
The simplest umbrella strollers collapse like an umbrella and weigh a lot less than other kinds of strollers. They are easy to carry, lift and store when you don't want or can't bring your full-size stroller for some reason (traveling on an airplane, traveling in an unfamiliar city, or visiting grandma). They often aren't as well-equipped as a fully-featured stroller, however they should have the essential features 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 improves its maneuverability and pushability. It's an excellent option for a double travel stroller--and it's approved by Disney!
A double tri-folded stroller such as the Joovy Kooper X2 offers all the convenience and ease of use of an umbrella stroller within a body similar to a large-sized stroller. This type of stroller is fast replacing the traditional double umbrella, and might be the best choice if you need a versatile lightweight stroller to travel with.
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 extremely lightweight and easy to fold (though it's also quite narrow). This is a great choice for those looking for a simple inexpensive double umbrella stroller that you can easily put in your trunk for short trips. It even has two hanging storage bags on the backs of each seat as well as parent cupholders. It's so bare bones that it's unlikely to help your children get through the airport without making them cranky--but it will help make the journey more enjoyable.
Comfortable Seats
The majority of umbrella strollers don't come with many bells and whistles since they are intended to only transport two children from point A to B. This means they typically have seats that are comfortable and spacious, but don't have reclining options or all-terrain wheels.
The UPPAbaby G-Link 2 is the exception. It's a surprisingly light and compact double umbrella stroller with two seats that weigh less than 18 pounds each, making it a fantastic choice for anyone who travels (it meets Disney size requirements). It has a large canopy with three panels that protect children from the sun. Both seats come with plenty of storage, but not like some of our top choices. It also comes with the essential 5-point safety harnesses that are in both seats, as well as peek-a-boo windows in their canopies.
The G-Link lacks the bellybar and snack tray we'd love to see on our top choices. But those features aren’t essential for an umbrella stroller. Like any umbrella stroller, it must be used with care so that fingers - whether your own or a child's--don't get stuck in the hinges of the frame that fold 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, however they usually have a difference in seating options which could cause your kids to fight over who gets the better seat. This was pretty evenly divided among our previous testers, so it really boils down to a personal choice.
Safety
The safety of your children is a primary consideration when you choose 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 offers the same level of security as the full-sized strollers, a few models are comparable. They typically come with 5-point harnesses, calf and feet rests for children, as well being able to extend UPF 50plus sunvisor. They tend to be smaller and lighter compared to other double umbrella strollers. This makes them easier to maneuver through tight spaces like airports or on city streets.
Some models, like the Kinderwagon Hop are side-byside and are easy to push in tight spaces. This stroller is perfect for parents who travel with their children and who need a convenient and fast way to get around. It is also compact enough to fit into the trunk.
The UPPAbaby G-Link 2 is another model that is worth considering. It is one of the most light double strollers that we have test-driven. It features a surprisingly robust design for an umbrella-style product and comes with a large, accessible storage basket, reclining seats and a peek-a-boo view. The seat is able to hold 35 lbs. and is able to meet Disney stroller specifications.
Other models, such as the Jeep PowerGlide double stroller, are more bare-bones in design and may not offer as many features. However these strollers are extremely light and can be used as a backup or for occasional travel purposes. They're also less expensive than renting a stroller for the duration of a trip or vacation. They are also easy to lift, carry and fold.