Graco Ready2Grow 2.0 Double Stroller: A Real Mom’s Honest Review
Have you ever felt like you needed an extra set of hands, or maybe a magic carpet, to get your kids from point A to point B? I know that feeling all too well. Juggling two little ones, I was on the hunt for a double stroller that wouldn’t make me want to pull my hair out. Enter the Graco Ready2Grow 2.0 – a stroller that promised versatility and ease. Could it really live up to the hype?
First Impressions
When the box arrived, I was a bit skeptical. Double strollers have a reputation for being bulky and difficult to maneuver, and the sheer size of the package didn’t do much to ease my worries. But, as I started unpacking, I noticed that the build quality felt good. The frame was sturdy, and the fabric seemed durable. The color, a nice neutral gray called ‘Clark’, looked sleek and modern, just as I had hoped. The assembly process was surprisingly simple. I managed to put it together myself in about 15 minutes without needing any extra tools. That was a good start.
Diving into the Features
This stroller is packed with features designed to make life easier for parents with multiple children. The main thing that caught my attention was the various seating configurations.
- There’s a front seat that can hold a child up to 50 pounds, with a five-point harness and padded support.
- It reclines into two positions with a one-handed mechanism, which is a lifesaver when you have a sleeping baby.
- The back seat, meant for a child up to 40 pounds, is positioned so that the child is facing you. This is great for keeping an eye on younger kids.
- The back seat is removable, which opens up other options.
- You can use it as a bench seat for an older kid or as a standing platform if they prefer to ride that way.
- No extra attachments needed – everything is built into the design.
- It has a surprisingly large storage basket underneath, and a cup holder on the front arm bar, which is removable.
- Each seat has its own large canopy for sun protection. I was impressed with the level of thought put into making this stroller adaptable.
Real-World Testing
After using the Graco Ready2Grow 2.0 for some time, I can confidently say it has made our outings much smoother. I’ve taken it on various surfaces – sidewalks, grass, gravel – and it handles them all with ease. It doesn’t feel like I’m pushing a double stroller at all; it maneuvers like a single. My two-year-old loves the bench seat, and my infant is comfy in the back. I even tried the infant car seat attachment; it was a breeze to set up and made it so easy to move my baby from the car to the stroller. The ability to recline the front seat with one hand has saved many a nap time. I’ve also used the undercarriage storage for diaper bags, lunch boxes, and even a few grocery items. It’s been a reliable companion for park visits, shopping trips, and casual strolls.
Where It Could Be Better
Now, no product is perfect, and there are a couple of areas where the Graco Ready2Grow 2.0 could improve. My main gripe is the limited number of cup holders. There are only two, one on the front and one on the back. For a double stroller, I would have liked at least one more. A snack tray for the front seat would also have been helpful. The shoulder straps for the harness also tend to slip off when the stroller is folded. It’s not a major issue, but it’s a small annoyance. I would also love if the back seat reclined. It’s a fixed position, which is fine for a younger child, but not ideal for a toddler who might want to nap. These are minor points, though, and overall, the stroller’s advantages far outweigh these minor drawbacks.
How It Stacks Up
I’ve tried other double strollers before – some were side-by-side, others front-to-back. The side-by-side ones were too wide to fit through doorways, and the front-to-back ones were so difficult to steer. What sets the Graco Ready2Grow 2.0 apart is its unique sit-and-stand configuration and its compact fold. Many other double strollers require you to buy extra attachments or remove pieces to fold them. This Graco stroller folds in one step and stands on its own. It’s surprisingly lightweight for a double stroller. It’s not quite as compact as an umbrella stroller, but it’s much more versatile and comfortable. It’s also significantly more affordable than some other name brands, making it a great value.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the Graco Ready2Grow 2.0 is a fantastic option for families with multiple young children. Its versatility, ease of use, and compact fold make it an ideal choice for both everyday outings and travel. It’s not without its minor issues, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. If you’re looking for a double stroller that won’t break the bank and can grow with your family, I would highly suggest giving this one a look. It has made my life so much easier, and I think it can do the same for other parents. It’s a practical choice that does what it says, and does it well. This is a great stroller for a newborn and a toddler. I have used it with my 2-year-old and infant car seat. It has been amazing so far. I can’t wait to see how it grows with my family.
