When you’re a parent who’s on the go, having an umbrella stroller can make a lot of difference. Their name might be confusing, so let’s clear that up right away; umbrella strollers are not known for having an umbrella on top of them. No, the term is referring to the fact that these strollers are much more lightweight than the regular kind and can be folded up to around the size of an umbrella.
As you may have realized, umbrella strollers are made for travel and portability. Some might have a strap for easier carrying, but the convenient folding is what makes it a logical investment. If you’re a family who has a lot of errands to run, road trips to go on, or planes to catch, such a stroller is probably invaluable.
For those who have twins, or a baby and toddler, double umbrella strollers are the way to go. They’re a bit heavier than regular umbrella strollers, but the best ones would still fold up quite small when you need them to.
How to Find the Right Double Umbrella Stroller
There are many models of double umbrella strollers available now, so you have some choice when looking around. Be careful, some models might look and feel the same, but their performance could be very different.
Value for Money
If you want a double stroller that’s lightweight, durable, and easy to maneuver all at once, it might be difficult to get it for a low price. You might have to compromise on certain features in order to get the most value for your money. For instance, a lightweight stroller might not have many wheels, which makes it difficult to operate.
Since you’d need a double stroller for handling babies and toddlers, keep in mind that performance is one of the most major concerns at hand. If you can’t push a stroller easily through the airport or a slightly bumpy terrain, it’s not worth cutting corners on the price you pay.
Weight and Size When Folded
The weight of a double umbrella stroller is important, since it’s usually purchased for travelling purposes. A heavy stroller could be problematic when you have to go up and down even a few stairs. Hauling it into an overhead baggage space in an airplane is even more difficult.
If your stroller is lightweight, or as light as possible, you’d find it easier to maneuver and stow away until needed. The same goes for the folded size; it’s necessary to have a stroller that can fold up as small as possible while you’re on the go.
Unfortunately, many double umbrella strollers are a bit heavier than the single kind. Even when you look at the lighter options, they would be very long when folded. This makes them hard to fit into overhead compartments, car trunks, etc. Such a stroller might not be feasible if you don’t have a large van for road trips or not enough strength to lift the stroller every time a journey starts.
Ease of Folding and Unfolding
Since umbrella strollers are designed for travelling, they should be quite easy to fold up and stow away. It should also be fairly easy to unfold them when they’re needed. Whether you’re on a plane or train, holding up other passengers while you struggle with a stroller is not an ideal situation.
The same goes for when you’re on road trips or even just running errands. If the stroller has straightforward folds and doesn’t require too many steps, it’s going to make things much easier for the parents. You’d want to look for automatic locks, the ability to stand while folded, and other such features when looking for the right umbrella stroller.
Brakes
Many lightweight double strollers are equipped with double or triple action brakes. These might need a several pedal engagement to provide proper stability. As a parent, you usually don’t have much time or the memory to press each and every pedal every time you stop. Skipping these steps might cause accidents and injuries, so it’s best to go for single-action brakes whenever possible.
Single-action brakes will require you to engage just one pedal. Ideally, a brake on any stroller should be easy to release and set, won’t be stiff, and won’t disengage spontaneously. It’s also a bonus if you can set it with your feet even while barefoot or wearing sandals.
Pay Attention to the Wheels
Strollers are an expensive investment, but also necessary for most parents. When you’re on the go, you need the wheels of your babies’ double umbrella stroller to be especially hardy and long-lasting. Unfortunately, most models for such strollers usually come with plastic wheels. The good news is that we can switch the out; the same goes for strollers whose wheels have worn out. Instead of buying a whole new stroller, it might be possible to just get new wheels and extend its life by several years.
There are several kinds of wheels that might serve to make your travels easier. Let’s have a look at their information in a table. so that we can make this decision as quickly as possible:
Kinds of Wheels/ Qualities | Pneumatic | Standard Rubber | Air Wheels With Ball Bearings | Filled With Air |
Requires Maintenance | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Useful for | Jogging | Smooth, commercial terrains with even surfaces | All kinds of surfaces and terrains | On uneven terrains and general walking |
Defining Features | Contains compressed air, made of reinforced rubber | Plastic coated with rubber | Larger and relatively more durable; best for a smooth experience | Tube tires |
Example of Surface | Paths in parks or neighborhoods | Malls, airports, stores, etc. | Rough paths, sidewalks, grounds, gardens, almost anyplace | City roads and streets |
Additional Considerations
The above factors are important when you want the best for your baby, but there are several others to keep in mind as well. Here’s a summary of these before we look at some of the best options on the market today:
- Storage: Strollers might come with a large storage bin or basket, with some pockets, a mesh bag, and cup holders. Ideally, the storage should be enough so that you don’t need to carry around a diaper bag or the daily essentials. It’s also expected that the storage shouldn’t affect the compactness of the stroller when folded. Finally, make sure the storage options are easily accessible.
- Sunshade or Canopies: The canopy of any stroller should be large enough to shield the babies’ faces from the sun and perhaps even provide a bit of protection from drizzling rain, ocean spray, etc. You’d usually find the larger shades on high-end strollers, along with peekaboo windows and even flip-out visors. Some models might have removable canopies or zippered panels for extra ventilation.
- Harness: As with high chairs, a 5-point harness is your safest bet. This should be adjustable for different lengths and heights, while the buckles should be easy to use as well. It’s especially convenient if the buckles can be operated with one hand.
- Seats: Since double umbrella strollers are for travelling, they should have seats that are comfortable enough for napping. For this, a reclining back, adjustable leg rests, and even padded leg rests are preferable.
- Easy Setup: There should be a manual included about the setup, which ideally shouldn’t require tools. If the stroller is quick and easy to assemble and unfold, it would be a very convenient option.
- Maneuverability: Unfortunately, lightweight strollers aren’t the best at maneuverability. If you’re travelling often, a heavier and sturdier option will be better for sharp turns, all kinds, of terrain, etc.
- Quality: The product construction, frames, and wheels of your stroller should all be of quality, long-lasting materials. Paying attention to the details is important; there should be no rough edges or fabric that might affect the baby’s sensitive skin.
As you can see, the matter of choosing a double umbrella stroller is not a straightforward matter. Fortunately, there are quite a few options with a lot of the features we’ve mentioned above. Let’s have look at some of these now:
The Top 5 Double Umbrella Strollers in 2021
Here are some of the best double umbrella strollers (within a reasonable price) that you can find on the market today
1. Best for Parents on a Budget: Chicco Echo Twin Stroller
This double umbrella stroller is one of the most popular options available. It offers several reclining positions, adjustable leg rests, and a removable canopy to boot. For the low price range, it’s nice to see that it still offers safety features and storage options. There might be some compromises, but this one will do for parents of twins or young kids close in age. One surprising factor in this stroller’s favor is that it’s actually suitable for very tall people to maneuver, so you might want to take that into account.
Specifications
- Age range: Under 36 months
- Maximum recommended weight: 40 pounds
- Weight: 34 pounds
- 4 reclining positions
- Dual front wheels
- Product Dimensions 33.5 x 30.75 x 41.5 inches
Key Features
- Storage basket
- Five-point harness
- One cup holder
- Carry handle included
- Canopy panels with zip off and enclosures
Pros
- Five-point harness keeps baby safe and secure
- Easy to push and maneuver, even for those who are taller than average
- Storage basket
- Removable canopies for ventilation
- Front wheels have locking swivels and suspension
Cons
- No extendable canopy
- Canopy might be too small for older babies
2. Best for Early Use: JOOVY Twin Groove Ultralight Umbrella Stroller
Not many lightweight strollers are suitable for tiny babies, but this is one of the few exceptions you can go for. It also contains a nice bit of storage, with convenient pockets and cup holders for all your travelling needs. Overall, this is the model you want when on the go with very small babies. When they’re a bit older, the cup holders and easy buckles will also allow for a bit of independence for the kids.
Specifications
- Full recline
- Suitable from birth to 50 pounds weight )for napping), can hold up to 100 pounds maximum
- Polyester fabric
- Weight: 26 pounds
- Product Dimensions 32.25 x 30 x 42.75 inches
Key Features
- Large sun shade with Velcro option
- Storage compartment under seat
- Leg rests that can be pulled up
- Shoulder strap included
- Bassinet option
- Canopy windows
- Water resistant
Pros
- The buckle is easy to operate and adjust
- Easy to use, even small kids can learn to climb in and out by themselves
- Wheels are suitable for uneven terrains like cobblestones
- Large shades make it suitable for moving about in the sun
- Large storage compartments
Cons
- Difficult to recline the seats
- Seat flop out when the stroller is folded
- Can’t access storage if seat is fully reclined
3. Best Stylish Stroller: Mountain Buggy Nano Duo
When you want a stylish, high-end double umbrella stroller, the Mountain Buggy Nano Duo is one of the best ones to choose. It doesn’t weigh much, but has a lot of features to make your life easier. The compact folding size, adjustable parts, and sleek design all make this stroller an impressive piece of gear.
Specifications
- Weight: 20.3 lbs
- Color-coded brakes
- Age range: Newborn to 33 pounds weight
- Full coverage canopies with videos
- Product Dimensions: 11 x 28.7 x 33 inches
Key Features
- Adjustable leg rests
- Able to stand when folded
- Storage bin included
- Tall seat with deep recline
Pros
- Smallest fold among several competing models
- Sleek and stylish design
- Large storage capacity
- Adjustable rests for baby’s comfort
- Convenient large gear tray for supplies
- Sun canopies provide full coverage
Cons
- High price
- Relatively hard to maneuver
4. Best Overall: UPPAbaby G-Link Stroller
While it still has a hefty price tag, the UPPAbaby G-Link is far from being the most costly stroller out there. The quality and material of the construction speaks for itself, while the maneuverability is better than many other models.
Specifications
- Weight: 21.3 lbs
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Age Range: 3 months to 55 pounds per seat
- Product Dimensions 27.5 x 28.5 x 42 inches
Key Features
- Storage bin included
- Carrying handle included
- Lightweight frame
- Multi-paneled canopies with extendable sun shades
Pros
- Easy to use
- High quality materials
- Attention to detail
- Large copies
- Storage bun is easy to access
- Independent reclining seats
- Versatile g-link
Cons
- In the expensive price range
5. Best Lightweight Stroller: ZOE XL2 BEST v2
This umbrella double stroller is lightweight, but it doesn’t compromise on the bells and whistles. You’d probably find all the features for your babies here, including a cup holder for yourself. It’s also light, folds up really small, and will be good for parents who have difficulty with lifting.
Specifications
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Age Range: 3 months to 45 pounds
- Item Weight: 19 Pounds
- UPF 50+ canopies
Key Features
- Can be suitable for multiples with add-on accessories
- One parent cup hold
- Two child cup holders
- Elastic storage basket
- Snack cup included
Pros
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Value for money
- Large storage capacity
- Deep recline seat
Cons
- Storage not suitable for heavy items
Analysis
The Chicco Echo Twin Stroller and the UPPAbaby G-Link Stroller are probably the best choices when maneuverability is very important. The Mountain Buggy Nano Duo also has several accessories to recommend it, including a conveniently large tray and a large storage basket. However, it’s also one of the more expensive options. We’d recommend the JOOVY Twin Groove Ultralight Umbrella Stroller for those who will be mostly moving on flat surfaces, as the lightness compromises the maneuverability. Since its storage is more like a zippered pocket, it’s clear that this one is not for long journeys. Finally, the ZOE XL2 BEST v2 might also be on the expensive side, but its range of cup holders, versatility, and deep recline also make for a highly recommended product.
After looking at all the great options above and musing on their features, it seems like the UPPAbaby G-Link Stroller is among the very top ones here. It’s not the most lightweight option, but that’s actually safer for babies under 6 months. Other than its weight, this stroller is recommended for its ease of use, maneuverability, and impressive storage among many other positive features.
Conclusion
There are a lot of features you want when looking for a double umbrella stroller. The right choice for you will depend on what you need from this purchase. Some parents might want this stroller for long road trips, plane trips, or other long journeys. Others might want it on a daily basis for running errands, jogging, or just going out in general. Make sure your final choice ticks as many boxes as possible, and you’d hopefully have a valuable piece of gear to make your travelling easier.