Joovy Caboose Sit and Stand Double Stroller Review: The Ultimate Solution for Growing Families?

There’s a specific kind of controlled chaos that comes with having two young children with different needs. I remember the scene vividly: a frantic trip to the grocery store with a six-month-old in an infant carrier and a fiercely independent three-year-old. The mission was simple—grab milk, bread, and sanity. But five aisles in, my toddler’s brave legs gave out. He was done. His protest began as a whimper and escalated into a full-blown sit-down strike next to the cereal. Meanwhile, the baby started fussing, needing a paci re-insertion. Juggling a heavy car seat, a defiant toddler, and a shopping cart felt less like an errand and more like a poorly planned Olympic event. This is the moment every parent of two (or more) understands intimately—the moment you realize your single stroller is no longer enough, and the prospect of a massive, unwieldy double stroller feels just as daunting.

What to Consider Before Buying a Tandem Stroller

A tandem stroller is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for family mobility. Unlike their wide, side-by-side counterparts, tandem strollers maintain the slim profile of a single stroller, allowing you to navigate crowded sidewalks, narrow store aisles, and busy airport terminals without constantly apologizing or getting stuck. This inline design is a logistical game-changer, turning stressful outings into manageable adventures. The primary benefit is efficiently transporting two children, often of different ages, with one in front of the other, preserving maneuverability and sanity in a world not built for double-wide vehicles.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a parent facing the exact scenario I described: managing an infant or young baby who needs a car seat or a reclining seat, alongside a toddler or preschooler who is in that tricky “in-between” stage. This older child doesn’t always want to be confined to a stroller seat but lacks the stamina for long walks at the zoo, mall, or theme park. A sit-and-stand model like the Joovy Caboose Sit and Stand Double Stroller is custom-built for this dynamic. However, it might not be the best fit for parents of twins who both require identical, fully-reclining seats for naps, or for families who need a rugged, all-terrain stroller for jogging or hiking on uneven trails.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The single most important factor is often the folded size. Will it fit in your car trunk? The Joovy Caboose excels here, with a surprisingly compact fold that users confirm fits even in small sedans. Also, consider the operational dimensions; at just over 21 inches wide, it meets Disney park size requirements and glides through standard doorways with ease.
• Capacity/Performance: Check the total weight capacity (90 lbs for the Joovy Caboose) and how it’s distributed. A stroller’s performance can change dramatically with two children aboard. Look for features like a good suspension system—the Joovy has four-wheel suspension—which is critical for a smooth ride and easier pushing when fully loaded.
• Materials & Durability: The frame is the stroller’s skeleton. The Joovy Caboose uses a robust combination of alloy steel and aluminum, providing a sturdy feel without excessive weight. While this ensures longevity, some users have noted that strollers with many moving parts can develop squeaks over time, so periodic maintenance is a good practice.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Think about the daily grind. How easy is it to fold and unfold? Can you do it one-handed while holding a baby? How simple is the assembly? The Joovy Caboose is praised for its quick, 20-minute setup. Also, consider the fabric—is it easy to spot clean after the inevitable snack-cidents?

While the Joovy Caboose Sit and Stand 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: Smart Design Straight Out of the Box

Unboxing the Joovy Caboose Sit and Stand Double Stroller, the first thing we noticed was its intelligent, no-fuss packaging. Everything was secured and easy to identify. The main frame felt substantial yet manageable, a testament to its alloy steel construction. Assembly was refreshingly straightforward and intuitive. Echoing the sentiment of many parents, we had it fully assembled and ready to roll in under 20 minutes, even with the “help” of a curious toddler. The wheels snap on, the canopy clicks into place, and the universal car seat adapter is simple to install. The overall aesthetic is sleek and functional, especially in the classic black colorway. It doesn’t scream “cumbersome double stroller”; instead, it projects a sense of compact capability. We were particularly impressed with the inclusion of a custom-fit rain cover—a thoughtful touch that many other brands sell as a pricey accessory. It immediately felt like a product designed by people who actually understand the practical needs of parents. You can see its full feature set and all included accessories online.

A Deep Dive into the Joovy Caboose’s Real-World Performance

A stroller’s true test isn’t in a showroom; it’s in the trenches of daily life. It’s navigating a tight cafe, gliding over cracked sidewalks, and folding down in a rainy parking lot. We put the Joovy Caboose Sit and Stand Double Stroller through weeks of rigorous testing on school runs, shopping trips, and park adventures to see how its features hold up under pressure.

Design and Maneuverability: The Nimble Navigator

The single greatest strength of the Joovy Caboose Sit and Stand Double Stroller is its maneuverability. This is where it truly outshines so many of its competitors. Pushing this stroller feels remarkably like pushing a single. As one user aptly put it, it’s a “dream come true” to be able to “push and steer this stroller with one hand” even with two children on board. We confirmed this time and again. Weaving through the narrow, crowded aisles of a local market was effortless. Pivoting in tight spaces and making sharp turns felt fluid and controlled, not like steering a bus, which is how many double strollers can feel. One parent on a vacation trip said they felt like they were “skating on air right past all the side by side strollers.”

This agility is a product of its tandem design and well-engineered four-wheel suspension. The ride is smooth on pavement, sidewalks, and even moderately bumpy park grass. The easy-tap rear brake is responsive and holds the stroller firmly in place. It’s worth noting that physics still applies; as some users with two older, heavier children pointed out, turning can require a bit more effort when you’re pushing the upper limits of the weight capacity. However, for its intended use with a baby and toddler, we found the handling to be top-tier. It’s a feature that really sets it apart and makes daily errands significantly less stressful. For parents dreading the bulk of a double, the nimble feel of the Caboose is a revelation.

Rider Versatility and Comfort: Adapting to Your Family’s Needs

The core concept of the Joovy Caboose Sit and Stand Double Stroller is flexibility, and it delivers this in several configurations. For families with a newborn, the included Universal Car Seat Adapter is a huge plus. It creates a cradle for most major infant car seat brands to rest in. We tested it with a Graco SnugRide, and while some users expressed nervousness that it doesn’t “click” in like a dedicated travel system, we found it to be very secure, held in place by the adapter’s frame and a safety strap. The major trade-off, and a critical point of consideration, is that using the car seat requires the front seat to be in its most reclined position. This significantly encroaches on the rear passenger’s space, making the standing platform the only comfortable option for the older child. As one parent noted, her older son was “kind of squished” in this setup.

Once the younger child graduates to the front seat (around 6 months), the dynamic changes. The front seat offers a new 3-position recline, which is a fantastic upgrade for napping on the go. The older child in the back can then use the padded rear bench seat or the standing platform. Our 3-year-old tester loved the freedom this offered. He could easily hop on and off, choosing to sit when his legs were tired or stand and look around when he was curious. The bench seat cleverly slides back and forth to give the front rider more recline room, but as one user pointed out, it lacks a locking mechanism, so it can sometimes slide back on its own during travel. For families who need a full second seat, Joovy sells the optional Caboose Rear Seat accessory, which transforms it into a more traditional tandem stroller, further extending its useful life.

Practicality for Parents: The Fold, The Storage, and The Ride

Beyond how the kids ride, a stroller has to work for the parent. This is where the Joovy Caboose Sit and Stand Double Stroller truly shines in some areas and makes clear compromises in others. The fold is, without a doubt, a massive selling point. It collapses into an impressively compact form for a double stroller. We were able to fit it into the trunk of a compact sedan with room to spare, a feat that many single strollers struggle with. This was a consistent theme in user feedback, with parents of Hyundai Elantras and Ford Fusions specifically calling out its fantastic portability. At about 27.5 pounds, it’s not feather-light, but it’s certainly manageable for lifting in and out of a car.

The most common complaint, which we share, is the storage basket. It is small, and access to it is severely limited, especially from the back where the rear platform sits. You won’t be fitting a large, structured diaper bag in there. The best approach is to place individual items—diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, snacks—directly into the basket. While one creative user managed to fit jackets and water bottles for three kids, most will find it requires a minimalist packing strategy. The other notable omission is a parent console or cupholders. These are available as a separate purchase, and while their exclusion helps keep the initial price point low, it’s an accessory most parents will find essential. On a positive note, taller parents will appreciate the handlebar height; at 5’9″, I found it very comfortable to push without stooping, and my foot never kicked the rear platform—a common annoyance on other sit-and-stand models.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across hundreds of reviews, a clear picture emerges of the Joovy Caboose Sit and Stand Double Stroller. The overwhelming sentiment is that it offers incredible value and solves a major problem for parents with two children of different ages. One parent with a 2-year-old and a 6-week-old called it a lifesaver, highlighting the “easy 20 mins” assembly and its surprising ability to fit in her small car’s trunk. Another user, who upgraded from a competing brand that became difficult to steer, praised the Joovy as a “dream come true,” specifically citing its effortless one-handed maneuverability even when fully loaded.

However, the praise is balanced with consistent, constructive criticism. The most frequently mentioned drawback is the cramped space for the rear child when an infant car seat is installed. As one parent explained, since the front seat must be reclined, the older child is “kind of squished,” leaving standing as the only viable option. Other common critiques focus on the small, hard-to-access storage basket and the lack of included parent accessories like a tray or cupholders, which many see as essential for daily use. A few users also mentioned a squeak developing over time, though this was not a universal experience.

How Does the Joovy Caboose Compare to the Alternatives?

The Joovy Caboose Sit and Stand Double Stroller occupies a unique niche, but it’s important to understand how it stacks up against other popular double strollers that you might be considering.

1. Joovy Kooper X2 Double Stroller

The Kooper X2 is Joovy’s side-by-side offering. The most obvious difference is the configuration—kids sit next to each other. This is great for twins or children of a similar age who might interact more. The Kooper X2 is wider than the Caboose, which can be a challenge in narrow spaces, but it offers benefits like individual reclining seats, adjustable leg rests, and dual snack trays, which the Caboose lacks. It also boasts a clever one-handed, tri-fold design that makes it exceptionally compact for a side-by-side. Families who prioritize individual comfort and features for both children and have ample space to navigate may prefer the Kooper X2.

2. Chicco Cortina Together Double Stroller

The Chicco Cortina Together is a more traditional tandem stroller that competes directly with the Caboose but with a different focus. Its key advantage is the ability to accept two Chicco KeyFit or Fit2 infant car seats (one in front, one in back), making it an excellent choice for parents of infant twins. It offers more creature comforts, like a parent tray and a larger storage basket. The trade-off is that it is significantly larger, heavier, and less nimble than the Caboose. The Cortina is for parents who need a robust travel system for two infants and value features over a lightweight, compact design.

3. WONDERFOLD W2 Original Stroller Wagon 2 Seater

The WONDERFOLD wagon represents a completely different approach to transporting two children. It’s less of a stroller and more of a utility wagon, featuring high sides, raised seats, and tons of space for both kids and cargo. It’s an absolute powerhouse for all-day adventures like trips to the zoo, beach, or sporting events where you need to haul gear. While it provides unparalleled space and a fun “playpen on wheels” experience, it is much bulkier and heavier than the Caboose and lacks the quick, nimble feel for everyday errands. This is for the family that prioritizes maximum capacity and utility for big outings over in-and-out convenience.

The Final Verdict: A Smart, Agile Solution for a Specific Need

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict is clear: the Joovy Caboose Sit and Stand Double Stroller is an outstanding choice for a very specific, and very common, family dynamic. It is designed almost perfectly for the parent of a baby and a toddler who needs to navigate the real world with ease. Its strengths are significant: single-stroller maneuverability, an impressively compact fold that saves trunk space, and the brilliant flexibility of the sit-and-stand concept that empowers independent toddlers.

While it makes compromises—namely the tight rear space in car seat mode and a small storage basket—these are conscious design choices made to achieve its slim profile and affordable price point. It doesn’t try to be a luxury, all-terrain beast. Instead, it commits to being a nimble, practical, and budget-friendly workhorse. If you’re tired of wrestling with bulky gear and need a smart solution that adapts as your children grow, the Joovy Caboose Sit and Stand Double Stroller is an investment that will simplify your daily life. For its clever design and exceptional value, it earns our enthusiastic recommendation. You can check the latest price and see all available colors right here.