Buying guide for best double umbrella strollers
A double umbrella stroller is ideal for outings with a couple of kids in tow. These strollers fold up and expand like umbrellas, which makes them easier to fit into your vehicle than traditional double strollers. Most feature a fabric body stretched over a metal frame, so they’re lighter and easier to lift than traditional strollers, too. Double umbrella strollers have side-by-side seats, so they’re easy to steer and a natural choice for travel.
The right double umbrella stroller for your family depends on the age and size of your children, the height of you and your partner, and more. Do you need a lightweight model for occasional outings or a design to survive amusement park marathons? Are sun canopies or cup holders non-negotiable?
Our buying guide has all the details you need to consider when shopping for double umbrella strollers. When you’re ready to buy, check out our recommendations for the best double umbrella strollers on the market, which you’ll find in the matrix above.
Key considerations
Age recommendations
The age of your children is a primary factor in choosing a double umbrella stroller for several reasons.
Umbrella strollers aren’t recommended for children under six months of age, unless the seat reclines fully. Babies less than six months old don’t have the head and neck control to safely sit in umbrella strollers since they offer less support and structure than traditional strollers.
Stroller shopping is one time when having twins simplifies your life. Weight and height differences don’t come into play since most twins are roughly the same size. Simply check that your children meet the double umbrella stroller’s weight limit, with some room to grow.
If your kids have a significant age gap, picking the right double umbrella stroller is trickier. Age differences of more than two years mean significant differences in weight, and double strollers with higher weight limits are more expensive. If this describes your family, look for strollers that distribute weight evenly, so the uneven load won’t leave you veering to one side.
Seats that recline independently are non-negotiable for children with significant age differences. This design allows the younger child to recline for a nap while the older child remains seated. Strollers without this ability force both passengers to either sit or recline at the same time.
Handle height
To keep umbrella strollers lightweight, some manufacturers place the stroller handles at heights better suited for the kids themselves. This forces adults to hunch uncomfortably when they push, potentially causing back and neck pain. On the other hand, petite pushers can suffer wrist strain from strollers with handlebars that are too high. A few double umbrella stroller models have adjustable handles, but most lack this higher-end feature.
Here are some basic guidelines for handle height:
- Caregivers who are 5’4” or shorter will be most comfortable with handles that measure 40 inches or less from the ground.
- Those who are 5’5” to 5’11” will be comfortable with handles 39 to 41 inches above the ground. This is the most common height for stroller handles.
- If you’re taller than 6’0”, look for strollers with handle heights of at least 42 inches. Some adjustable handles extend up to 45 inches.
Wheels
Wheels can make all the difference in the pushing and riding experience. Fixed wheels travel in a straight line, with no ability to pivot. They’re more stable than swivel wheels and handle rough terrain better. But they can be challenging on paths with many twists and turns.
Swivel wheels can pivot, so they adjust better to sharp turns and winding paths. But they aren’t as stable as fixed wheels and don’t maneuver well off-road.
Strollers with quality wheel suspensions absorb jolts and bumps along the path. This is especially important to avoid waking sleeping passengers. Look for this higher-end feature if you regularly drive your stroller over bumpy cobblestones or uneven pavement.
Brakes
Brakes are important for all strollers, but they’re especially imperative for double strollers. These strollers carry more weight and can build greater momentum if they roll away. Look for double umbrella strollers with brakes on both sides to make sure your kids are totally safe.
Stroller weight
Umbrella strollers are meant to be lightweight, but when you double the components it all adds up. Strong, quality fixtures usually weigh more than cheaper components. Balance your need for durability with the practicality of lifting and maneuvering the stroller. If you plan to use the stroller infrequently on flat surfaces, an inexpensive lightweight model may work. For rough terrain or amusement park trips, you’ll need something heavier and more durable. Double umbrella strollers used for travel should generally weigh less than 20 pounds.
Features
Canopies
Most quality double umbrella strollers include canopies to protect children from the sun’s rays. Canopies range from small panels to fully enclosed, adjustable covers. Young skin is especially sensitive to UV rays, so if you live in or visit sunny climates look for strollers with substantial canopies that protect your kids from all angles.
Recline adjustments
Siblings rarely agree on anything, and it starts at an early age. Unless you have twins, who are on the same developmental schedule, look for strollers with independent recline adjustments. This lets each child sit or nap at a comfortable angle. Quality strollers should have at least three adjustments: one to fully recline, one to sit fully upright, and a third to relax at an angle.
Cup holders
Pushing a pair of kids is hard work. At some point, you’ll probably need to refresh yourself with a cool beverage. Many strollers have cup holders near the handles. Make sure the cup holder is large enough to hold your favorite reusable bottle, and carefully observe cup holder weight limits to avoid any problems.
Storage
Kids require a lot of gear, especially on the go. Most double strollers have storage compartments. Some use large seatback pockets, others include an under-seat bin, and a few strollers have both. Seatback pockets are easier to access but overloading them can lead to tipping accidents if a child stands up. Under-seat bins can hold larger objects, like lunch bags or towels, but can be hard to access while children are seated. When choosing, keep in mind where you’ll use your double stroller and how much gear you’ll really need.
Footrests
If an older child will occupy the stroller, you’ll definitely want footrests. Located below the seats, these rectangular strips give long-legged kids a place to put their feet. Otherwise, you may end up with lots of kicking – and dangerous foot-dragging – if your child gets bored, tired, or cranky.
Locking clip
Easy folding and unfolding is a prime reason parents buy double umbrella strollers. But an unexpected opening can injure both children and adults. Look for a model with a locking safety clip that holds your stroller together until you disengage it. This option is especially important for heavier strollers, which pack more of a punch if they fall open on a foot.
"Double umbrella strollers are convenient for children from six months to around four years old."
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Double umbrella stroller prices
Prices for double umbrella strollers vary greatly due to construction and accessories. You can find budget double umbrella strollers for under $60. They won’t recline or have many extras, but they’ll get your kids from point A to point B.
For more well-appointed double umbrella strollers, plan on spending $70 to $125. In this range, you’ll find strollers with substantial sun canopies and seats that recline independently. You’ll probably find thoughtful details like cup holders for parents as well.
There’s almost no limit to what you can spend on a high-end stroller. Double umbrella models range from $150 to more than $700, depending on the features. In this bracket, check to make sure you’re paying for the accessories you want but not inflating the price with those that you won’t use.
Tips
- Concerned your double umbrella stroller is too wide for walkways and doorways? Models that are as wide as standard wheelchairs can handle handicap-accessible passages.
- Storing gear in a bottom storage basket rather than a back pocket can help keep your stroller from tipping, especially if you tend to hang a heavy diaper bag on your handles.
- All double strollers should be safety-certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).
- All strollers should have safety straps to keep your child in place. A five-point harness is safest for children under one year of age. A three-point harness provides sufficient protection for older toddlers and restricts their arms less.
FAQ
Q. How do I clean a double umbrella stroller?
A. It’s best to spot clean because fabric seats usually aren’t designed for removal and doing so may void your warranty. To spot clean, first vacuum or brush out crumbs and debris. Stubborn messes should be wiped with a mixture of warm water and dish soap. A toothpick or skewer can poke crumbs out of crevices. To attack grime that’s stuck in challenging areas, scrub with an old toothbrush.
Q. At what age do most kids grow out of umbrella strollers?
A. There’s no magic age, though many experts recommend leaving strollers behind by age four. This can help build self-reliance as well as strong muscles and bones. Encouraging walking can also reinforce healthy habits and attitudes about activity. Theme park trips and large metropolitan areas are exceptions to this recommendation.
Q. Does my elementary-age child need a stroller at an amusement park?
A. Theme parks are a whole new ballgame, even if your kindergartner hasn’t used a stroller in years. Most adults log tens of thousands of steps, which is simply too much for many little legs. Plus, kids can easily get separated from parents. Keeping them contained between rides isn’t a bad idea. You’ve invested in a family vacation – make sure it’s enjoyable for everyone.
