Babies jumping over the seat to reach each other, while you are pushing the stroller hard, is the last thing parents want. As there is a great deal of safety issues associated. To alleviate that risk, side by side umbrella strollers are the perfect remedy. For parents with twins or children close in age, it’s a dream for both indoor and outdoor travels. Instead of your children sitting one in front of the other, they get to enjoy the ride side by side and experience the same sights.
This type of stroller is a great choice if you want something that is easy to steer and quick to load your kids in for the ride. We understand that finding a side by side umbrella stroller can be difficult with so many different options online, so we’ve compiled the most popular picks to help you find one that is right for your family. With our helpful guide, you will be able to make an informed buying decision on the best double stroller.
Top 3 Side by Side Double Stroller for Infant and Toddler – Editor’s Pick:
 | Chicco Echo Twin Stroller | ||
 | Evenflo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Double Stroller | ||
 | Zoe Twin+ (Zoe XL2) Stroller |
Side by Side vs. Tandem Stroller
Using a Side by Side Umbrella Stroller
For parents of twins or children close in age, a side by side umbrella stroller is a popular choice to stroll around the town. If you prefer quick access to your kids along with better maneuverability, you will want to go with this type of stroller model.
While double umbrella strollers are not designed for vigorous runs or jogging, they can be used for a variety of surfaces both indoors and outdoors. If you plan on taking your children for walks around the park, errands or the amusement park, you will want to use the side by side double umbrella stroller.
What is the Difference Between a Tandem Stroller and a Side by Side Umbrella Stroller?
- Side by side umbrella strollers allow your children to sit next to each other while in tandem strollers, one is sitting behind the other.
- Side by side strollers require less exertion to turn, because the weight of your children is evenly distributed on both sides.
- It is easy to access both kids in a side by side when you only have quick access to the child sitting in the back of the tandem stroller.
- The side by side stroller can be slightly wider, but it does turn much quicker and is easier to jack up for steps or sidewalks.
Choosing a Side by Side Stroller
Whether you have twins or children of different ages, there are several factors to consider when choosing a side by side umbrella stroller.
First, you will need to verify that the stroller is safe for your children’s current ages. If you plan to use the stroller for newborns, ensure that the model you are looking at can adapt to infant car seats or the seats can fully recline. Also, look at the weight capacity of each seat to ensure it will hold your children safely.
Some double strollers can be a bit bulky, so make sure to look at the dimensions of the stroller to make sure it will fit in your vehicle. Also, consider how lightweight the stroller is as it’s weight will make a huge difference especially when traveling. When you are carrying around two children, you want to find a stroller that is not too heavy or bulky.
Check that the side by side double stroller you plan on purchasing has all of the features that are important to you as a parent. If you like to have beverages or snacks within arm’s reach, look for a model with children and parent cup holders. If you value extra storage space, find a model that has storage pockets or baskets built-in.
Finally, must-have feature for outdoor travel is the extended sun shade. The more shade your children have, the happier they will be when you are strolling around in the hot sun or even the rain.
Is there a Downside?
Parents who are shopping for a double stroller, are often concerned with the extra width that comes with side by side models compared with a tandem stroller.
The reality is that most side by side umbrella strollers are not much wider than a wheelchair or other full-size tandem strollers. Some models can still fit through standard doorways, so if that is important to you, make sure to look at the width of the stroller you plan on purchasing.
Top 5 Side by Side Double Stroller for Infant and Toddler Reviews
1. Chicco Side by Side Double Stroller, Coal Review
If you are looking for a compact double stroller, the Chicco Echo Twin Stroller is an excellent combination of comfort and functionality for your travel needs. The sleek, charcoal design can be used for either gender, whether you have two boys, two girls or a boy and a girl.
Your little ones will sit side by side in comfort with the padded backrests that can be adjusted to 4 different positions. While, the leg rests are adjustable to two different positions making it easy to lean the stroller seats forward and back for nap-time or exploration.
The umbrella canopies are individually adjustable so you can zip on and off the flaps for each seat. For a double stroller, it is surprisingly lightweight, weighing at 34 pounds and measuring 33.5 x 30.75 x 41.5 inches. You can also easily fold up the stroller and grab the carrying handle for transportation.
Your child’s belongings will fit in the included mesh storage basket that has room for plenty of baby gear. Designed for children 6 months up to 40 pounds per seat, this elegant stroller features European wheels and embroidered seat pads that make it stand out from other umbrella double strollers.
Pros
- Increased stability
- Higher weight limit
- Huge sun shade
Cons
- Only one cup holder
- Canopies are small for limited shade
2. JOOVY Twin Groove Ultralight Umbrella Stroller Review
The JOOVY Twin Groove Ultralight Umbrella Stroller is a durable, lightweight double stroller weighing at only 26 pounds. The aluminum frame securely holds the two soft fabric seats together for your children to ride side by side in comfort.
The seats recline independently, which is great for when one child is napping and the other wants to enjoy their surroundings. With a bassinet mode for newborns, this umbrella stroller will accommodate your child from birth to 50 pounds. It measures 32.2 x 30 x 42.75 inches, which is narrow enough to fit through most doorways.
Your kids will be able to keep all of their bottles, snacks or toys close-by with the four mesh pockets built into the seats. Parents also can bring along their beverages and valuables with two zippered pockets and three cup holders.
The umbrella canopies provide added 50 UPF sun protection which is especially important if you live in a sunny climate or like to stroll around in hot weather. If you want to venture out in the evening or at night, the sides of the stroller have safety reflectors that light up in the dark. This stroller is great for your travels and can be carried easily over your shoulder with the attached safety strap.
Pros
- Can be used for newborns
- Lots of built-in pockets
- Safety reflectors
Cons
- Limited under-seat storage
- No attached parent organizer
3. ZOE Umbrella XL2 Double Stroller Review
The Zoe Umbrella XL2 Double Stroller is the ultimate lightweight stroller designed for travels with two kids. Weighing at 16 pounds and measuring 33 x 29 x 40.2 inches, this is one of the most compact side by side umbrella strollers which makes it the ultimate choice for airline travel or public transportation. Folds up easily for travel and the aluminum frame is both stable and long lasting for your children to come along for many trips.
With two child cup holders, a snack tray and a parent cup holder, this model have plenty of compartments for your family to bring along beverages and snacks. There is no shortage of storage space in this side by side umbrella stroller with a large under-seat storage compartment and pockets on the back of each canopy.
The huge canopies are extendable to provide shade, when your child is ready for a quick nap. There is even a magnetic window for parents to peek into the two canopies. This stroller is ideal for urban use, such as for trips to the grocery store or cruising through the city.
Pros
- Lighter than almost all double strollers
- Extensive storage space
- Compact for easy travel
Cons
- Doesn’t include a shoulder strap
- Cup holders are not removable
4. Guzzie and Guss Double Umbrella Stroller, Black Review
Twice Double Umbrella Stroller from the Guzzie+Guss, can help make travels with two children easier as it weighs only 28 pounds. Infants from 5 pounds for up to 40 pounds can fit in the seats for your indoor as well as outdoor adventures.
As a parent of two, you know that your kids won’t always be wanting to nap at the same time, which is where the separate seat recline controls come in handy. You can simply grab the lever on either seat to adjust it to multiple positions. The leg rests also are adjustable for maximum comfort.
The extendable umbrella canopies on both seats are designed to protect your child from the wind, rain and sun. This stroller model is ideal for those who want to save on space as it measures 22 x 40.5 x 16.5 inches. It is also easy to fold up for when you are ready to put it in your vehicle.
For storage, the large basket behind the seats is quick for access to grab your items and baby essentials when you need them. This stroller offers plenty of space and comfort for your growing baby to relax.
Pros
- Easy access to the storage
- Hand controlled reclining seats
- Huge canopies
Cons
- Doesn’t include rain-cover
- Narrow size for older children
5. Maclaren Denim Twin Triumph Stroller Review
The Maclaren Denim Twin Triumph Stroller features a timeless design that will make this stroller stand out while your two little ones are in tow. The rich indigo denim is attractive with its intricate double stitching and authentic patch.
For added convenience, this side-by-side umbrella stroller has back pockets behind each seat. It is very lightweight, weighing at only 22 pounds and measuring 30.7 x 29.1 x 41.3 inches.
For child comfort, the seat recline to multiple positions with added cushioning for their legs. Each seat is independently controlled and can hold up to 55 pounds.
Whether it is sunny outside or raining, your kids will be protected with the extendable canopies with sun visors that are both waterproof and UPF 50+. Even though it is a double stroller, it will still fit through standard doorways which is a huge plus if you are running errands indoors. With self-service replaceable parts and coordinating accessories such as an ID tag and rain-cover included, this stroller will last for years of outdoor expeditions.
Pros
- Fits through doorways
- Extremely lightweight
- Rain-cover and accessories included
Cons
- Doesn’t include cup holders
- No parent organizer
Conclusion
The winner out of these five popular side by side strollers is the Zoe Umbrella XL2. Not only it’s one of the most lightweight and compact double umbrella stroller models, but it comes included with many different storage compartments for baby gear, snacks and beverages. Your child will enjoy the extendable canopies for shade from the sun and you will love being able to peek in through the magnetic window. This stroller is perfect for travel and has a plethora of convenience and safety features.