Graco Ready2Grow 2.0 Double Stroller Review: The Ultimate Family Flexibility Test

The moment we found out our second child was on the way, a familiar wave of joy washed over us, quickly followed by a tide of logistical panic. Our trusty single stroller, a veteran of countless park visits and grocery runs, suddenly seemed obsolete. How do you wrangle a curious, independent toddler who wants to walk one minute and ride the next, while also safely cradling a newborn? The thought of navigating doorways with a monstrous side-by-side stroller felt like a non-starter, and the idea of buying a high-end convertible system that costs more than a used car was equally daunting. This is the modern parent’s dilemma: finding a solution that offers flexibility for different ages and stages without sacrificing sanity, space, or your savings account. The challenge is real, and the wrong choice can lead to daily frustration, turning simple outings into complex, stressful operations.

What to Consider Before Buying a Tandem Stroller

A tandem stroller is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for managing the mobility of a growing family. Unlike their side-by-side counterparts, tandem (or in-line) strollers maintain the width of a single stroller, making them champions of navigating narrow aisles, crowded sidewalks, and standard doorways. Their main benefit is providing multiple seating options in a streamlined footprint, allowing you to transport two children of varying ages—from twins in infant car seats to a baby and a preschooler—without the bulk. This design is a game-changer for parents who value accessibility and need a system that can adapt as their children’s needs evolve from napping infants to adventurous toddlers.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the classic “two under five” scenario, especially with an age gap. Parents with a newborn and a toddler will find the combination of a full seat or car seat adapter with a bench seat or standing platform invaluable. It caters to the toddler’s burgeoning independence while keeping them safely contained when needed. However, a tandem stroller might not be suitable for those who prioritize equal views and interaction for both children, as one child always sits behind the other. It may also be less ideal for parents who primarily navigate very rough terrain, as the longer wheelbase can sometimes be more challenging to steer than a compact, all-terrain side-by-side. For those families, a stroller wagon or a dedicated jogging double might be better alternatives.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Pay close attention to both the unfolded and folded dimensions. A key advantage of a tandem is its width, but its length can make tight turns tricky. Crucially, measure your car’s trunk to ensure the folded stroller will fit, especially since double strollers, even “compact” ones, are inherently larger and heavier than singles.
• Capacity/Performance: Check the weight capacity for each seat, bench, and platform. This determines the stroller’s longevity with your family. Also, evaluate the seating configurations; does it accept one or two infant car seats? Can the seats face forward and backward? A stroller with more modes offers greater flexibility as your children grow.
• Materials & Durability: The frame should be sturdy, typically made of aluminum or steel, to handle the weight of two children without flexing. The fabric, like the polyester used in the Graco Ready2Grow 2.0, should be durable and easy to clean. Wheels are also critical; look for a balance between durability and a smooth ride, as plastic wheels can feel rickety on uneven surfaces.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A complicated fold can ruin an otherwise great stroller. Look for a one-handed or simple one-step fold. Consider how easy it is to switch between seating modes, adjust harnesses, and access the storage basket. For long-term care, removable and machine-washable seat pads are a massive bonus.

While the Graco Ready2Grow 2.0 Double Stroller is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Surprisingly Compact Powerhouse

Unboxing the Graco Ready2Grow 2.0 Double Stroller in the “Rafa” style felt substantial. You immediately recognize this isn’t a flimsy piece of gear. The materials feel solid, and the polyester fabric is both practical and pleasant to the touch. Assembly was refreshingly straightforward, a sentiment echoed by numerous users. We had it ready to roll in under 20 minutes, with the wheels and canopies clicking into place intuitively. The only hiccup we’ve seen mentioned, though we didn’t experience it ourselves, is that a few users reported missing cotter pins for the rear wheels, which is a frustrating quality control issue to be aware of. Right away, its clever design is apparent. While it’s undeniably a double stroller, its footprint feels manageable. Graco’s claim that it “folds like a single stroller” is a bit of marketing optimism, but it’s not far from the truth—it’s impressively compact for what it is, folding down to a self-standing package that, as one parent happily confirmed, fits even in the trunk of a Chevy Cruze. The initial feel is one of robust, thoughtful engineering designed for real-world family life, and you can see the full specifications and design details here.

A Deep Dive into the Graco Ready2Grow 2.0’s Real-World Performance

A stroller’s spec sheet only tells half the story. The real test comes on the cracked sidewalks, in the tight grocery store aisles, and during the inevitable toddler meltdowns. Over weeks of rigorous testing, we put the Graco Ready2Grow 2.0 Double Stroller through its paces, evaluating the features that matter most to parents of multiple children. From its chameleonic seating to its much-touted compact fold, here’s our in-depth breakdown.

The Seating Chameleon: Unpacking Its Unmatched Versatility

The single greatest strength of the Graco Ready2Grow 2.0 Double Stroller is its sheer adaptability. This isn’t just a stroller; it’s a complete child transport system that evolves with your family. We tested numerous configurations, and the transitions were remarkably smooth. For families with twins, the ability to click in two Graco infant car seats simultaneously is a massive, cost-effective advantage. This feature alone makes it a top contender for parents of multiples from day one.

Where it truly shines, however, is with children of different ages. We found the “close-to-you” rear seat to be a brilliant design choice. With our infant clicked into a Graco SnugRide car seat in the rear position, we could maintain eye contact and offer comfort easily, a feature one user specifically praised, noting she disliked other strollers where the baby is positioned low and forward-facing. Meanwhile, our three-year-old was perfectly happy in the front seat, complete with his own removable armbar and cupholder for snacks and drinks. This configuration feels balanced and secure, providing peace of mind for the parent and comfort for both kids.

As our older child grew more independent, the bench seat and standing platform became our go-to features. Removing the rear seat to reveal the bench is simple, and it provides a perfect perch for a tired preschooler. One parent we spoke with mentioned their 9-year-old could even use the platform on long trips to amusement parks, showcasing its surprising durability. This sit-or-stand option is liberating. It acknowledges that older toddlers and young children don’t always want to be strapped in, giving them the freedom to hop on and off while still keeping them close and safe. This adaptability is what sets the Graco Ready2Grow 2.0 Double Stroller apart from many of its competitors, making it a long-term investment rather than a short-term fix.

The “Single Stroller Fold”: Reality vs. Marketing

Graco heavily markets the compact, “single stroller” fold, and this was a feature we were keen to test. The mechanism itself is a huge win. It’s a genuine one-step process: slide a button and twist the handle, and the entire frame collapses downward. It even locks automatically and stands on its own, which is incredibly helpful when you’re trying to load it into a car while also holding a baby. This simplicity cannot be overstated; it’s the easiest folding double stroller we’ve tested in this price range. Several users confirmed this, with one calling it “the easiest stroller I’ve used for folding up too!”

Now, for the reality check. Is it as small as a single stroller? No. It’s a bit bulkier and certainly heavier. However, compared to other tandem doubles, its folded footprint is truly impressive. It’s not about being tiny; it’s about being manageable. We had no trouble fitting it into the trunk of our mid-size SUV with plenty of room to spare, and we believe the user who fit it into a Chevy Cruze. The weight, however, is its Achilles’ heel. It’s heavy. There’s no getting around it. A user recovering from a C-section noted it was too heavy to lift, which is an important consideration. While the fold is easy, lifting it into the trunk requires some muscle. This is the trade-off for a sturdy frame that can safely carry two children and all their gear. It’s a compromise we think is worthwhile for the stroller’s overall utility, and you can check the latest price and value proposition online.

On the Pavement: Maneuverability, Comfort, and Convenience

Pushing a double stroller can often feel like steering a barge, but the Graco Ready2Grow 2.0 Double Stroller handles surprisingly well on smooth surfaces. In malls, on paved paths, and through grocery store aisles, it glides with relative ease. The inline design makes it a dream for navigating doorways and tight spaces where side-by-sides simply can’t go. The wheels are stable and held up well during our tests, providing a smooth ride for the little passengers.

However, the stroller’s weight becomes more apparent when you encounter inclines or uneven terrain. As one user with a 17-month-old and a 6-month-old noted, it can be “heavy and hard to push” when fully loaded. This is a common characteristic of tandem strollers due to their length and weight distribution. Another significant drawback we confirmed is the non-adjustable handlebar. I am of average height and found it comfortable, but for my shorter partner, it was less than ideal. A 5-foot-tall user explicitly stated this made it difficult for her to push, which is a critical piece of feedback for petite parents. Furthermore, the rear seat’s inability to recline is a major miss. While it’s designed for an infant car seat (which is reclined), if you’re using the toddler seat for a younger baby who still naps, the upright position can be a problem, as one user found when her 6-month-old was uncomfortable.

On the convenience front, Graco delivers. The large storage basket is a highlight. When the bench seat is pulled out for access, it’s cavernous, easily swallowing a large diaper bag, jackets, and shopping bags. The included parent cup holder is a simple but essential touch, as is the child’s armbar with its own cup holder. The full-sized canopies provide ample sun protection, though we agree with one reviewer that the top canopy could be a bit larger. These thoughtful features demonstrate that the stroller was designed by people who understand the daily grind of parenting.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the feedback from parents reinforces our own findings. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with users praising the Graco Ready2Grow 2.0 Double Stroller as a lifesaver for families with two young children. One enthusiastic parent declared, “If you are a mom of two, you need this stroller. I bought it for my newborn and toddler, and it’s the best decision I’ve made.” Another highlighted its incredible value, stating, “Do not pay $600 on a stroller when you can get this one for half.” The ease of assembly and the genius of the multiple riding options, especially the bench seat and standing platform for older kids, are consistently celebrated as game-changing features.

However, the criticisms are just as consistent and valid. The stroller’s weight is the most common complaint. “The stroller gets the job done but it is HEAVY!” is a line that captures the consensus perfectly. This heft, combined with the non-adjustable handlebar, can make it physically demanding for some parents. The other significant issue noted by a few frustrated users was receiving the product with missing parts, specifically the cotter pins for the wheels. While customer service appears to resolve this, it points to a potential lapse in quality control that can delay the use of a much-needed piece of baby gear.

How Does the Graco Ready2Grow 2.0 Compare to the Alternatives?

The Graco Ready2Grow 2.0 Double Stroller operates in a competitive market. While its versatility-to-price ratio is hard to beat, different families have different needs. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular alternatives.

1. Chicco Cortina Together Double Stroller

The Chicco Cortina Together is a direct competitor in the tandem stroller space. Like the Graco, it accepts two infant car seats (Chicco KeyFit models) and offers a front and back seating arrangement. Its key advantage is that both its seats feature a multi-position recline, including a full recline in the rear seat that creates a bassinet-like environment for newborns without a car seat. This is a significant feature that the Graco lacks. However, the Graco Ready2Grow 2.0 pulls ahead with its superior flexibility for older children, offering the dedicated bench seat and standing platform, which the Chicco does not. Families with a wider age gap may find the Graco’s options more practical in the long run.

2. WONDERFOLD W2 Original Stroller Wagon

The WONDERFOLD W2 isn’t a stroller; it’s a stroller wagon, and it serves a different purpose. This is the choice for adventurous families who need a utility vehicle for hauling kids and cargo. With high walls, a 5-point harness system, and a huge capacity, it’s perfect for beach days, farmers’ markets, or picnics in the park. It offers unparalleled storage and a fun, contained space for two toddlers to face each other and interact. The downside is that it’s not suitable for newborns in the same way the Graco is (it lacks infant car seat compatibility) and it’s much bulkier. The Graco is a better all-around daily driver for errands and walks, while the WONDERFOLD excels at specific, gear-heavy excursions.

3. Joovy Kooper X2 Double Stroller

The Joovy Kooper X2 represents the other main category of double strollers: the side-by-side. Its biggest advantages are maneuverability and equality. Both children get the same view, the same recline options, and the same legroom. It’s often easier to push and pop over curbs due to its wider, more stable wheelbase. The trade-off is its width. While the Kooper X2 is designed to fit through standard doorways, it will always be more challenging in narrow store aisles or crowded spaces than the tandem Graco. The Graco Ready2Grow 2.0 is the clear winner for navigating tight environments, while the Joovy is a fantastic option for parents who prioritize an equal experience for both children and primarily stroll in open areas.

The Final Verdict: Is the Graco Ready2Grow 2.0 Double Stroller Worth It?

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict is a resounding yes, but with a few important caveats. The Graco Ready2Grow 2.0 Double Stroller is the Swiss Army Knife of double strollers for the budget-conscious family. Its genius lies in its incredible versatility, seamlessly adapting from a twin-ready travel system to the perfect solution for a newborn and an independent toddler. The one-step compact fold is best-in-class for a tandem, and the storage capacity is exceptional. It successfully solves the core problem of transporting two children without the intimidating width of a side-by-side.

It’s not perfect. It is heavy, the rear seat doesn’t recline, and the non-adjustable handlebar is a miss for shorter parents. This is not the lightest, most luxurious, or most nimble double stroller on the market. But for its price, no other stroller offers this level of adaptability and thoughtful, family-friendly features. If you are a parent of two with an age gap, or have twins and want a system that will grow with you for years, this stroller offers unbeatable value. It’s a workhorse designed for the beautiful chaos of real family life. If you’re looking for a flexible, durable, and affordable solution to your double trouble, we highly recommend you check out the Graco Ready2Grow 2.0 Double Stroller today.