Last updated on September 28th, 2021 at 01:29 pm
Are you wondering if the Graco Modes Duo double stroller is right for your twins? Find out all the details below to determine if it’s a good choice for your family.
Graco Modes Duo Double Stroller Features
- 27 riding options for two children from infant to youth
- Accepts two Graco® SnugRide® Click Connect™ Infant Car Seats
- Two removable, reclining seats can be positioned multiple ways
- Built-in bench seat gives your big kid a place to rest
- One-hand standing fold, folds with seats on or off
- Locking front swivel wheels for superior maneuverability
- Expertly designed, with extra wheels, to make taking turns easier
- One-step brakes make stopping, and going again, quick and easy
- Both front and rear seats hold up to 50 lbs
- Extra-large storage basket holds your travel essentials
- Parent cup holder for on-the-go convenience
- Features two removable arm bars with one cupholder each
- Convertible 3 or 5 point harness grows with your child
- Meets Disney Size Requirements
What does Twiniversity think of the Graco Modes Duo?
The Graco Modes Duo is a good budget option for twins. It’s one of the only true tandem strollers on the market and at $349 retail it’s at a competitive price (you can typically find it for less on Amazon.) You can use it with two Graco SnugRide Click Connect infant car seats, but it is not compatible with other car seat brands.
The Graco Modes Duo double stroller has a large basket but it can only be accessed from the top which can be difficult when the seats are installed. It has ample room between the front and back seats, which is very important once your twins get to be about 2 years old. It’s not the smoothest ride on all surfaces and it makes a good amount of noise when you’re out for a walk so naptime may be difficult in this stroller. It’s also pretty heavy so you won’t want to use this in and out of your car on a daily basis — it may be better as a stroller for neighborhood walks.
Always check when you’re shopping for a tandem stroller to make sure there will be enough room for the child in the back when they are wearing hard-soled shoes. Many strollers that are really single strollers with an add-on front seat don’t allow for enough room for the kiddo in back once they reach around 2 years old. We would advise to avoid strollers like this. Going with a true tandem stroller (a stroller that cannot be a single stroller) for twins is a good rule of thumb.
What our community thinks about the Graco Modes Duo
The Graco Modes Duo double stroller is awesome! Their car seats click right into it, so it’s super easy to run errands and go to dr appointments! It has an extra set of wheels to easily glide through aisles (my husband loves drifting like a racecar?). It is extremely easy to fold up and put in my small SUV. Plus, when they’re bigger, I’ll put the seats it came with back on and not have to worry about getting another stroller. It was recommended to me by a coworker and I am not disappointed! – Kimberly S.
We had the Graco Modes Duo double stroller and I hated it! The latches that the front car seat hook into flip down for closing it and they don’t lock up so they would constantly fall down when I was trying to attach the car seat. Then when we switched to the included seats I was annoyed to have to deal with the same thing over again with those because it wouldn’t fold down with the seat attached. Such a pain! – Kimberly T.
I had the Graco Modes Duo double stroller. We liked it. Pros: Lots of cup holders. I loved how the seats could be rearranged in different ways. Cons: there’s like rollerblade wheels underneath the footrest for older kids and they were so loud on every surface. Yeah, it sounded smooth and quiet in the store but go out on concrete and people can hear you coming from the next town over. – Rebecca R.
What is the best double stroller?
As far as which is the best? That’s hard to say because each family will choose one based on price, features, width, travel ability and other factors that aren’t universal. What’s best for a trip to Disney may not be best for a trip to the zoo. So (and I hate when people say this) there isn’t a “best”; the best one is the one that’s right for you.
How do you use the Graco double stroller?
Very carefully. Just kidding, LOL! You use the Graco double stroller with two infant car seats or the two seats that come with the stroller. You can fold it up and store it at home or in the trunk of your car.
How do you close a Graco double stroller?
To close your Graco Modes Duo double stroller, start by pushing down on the lever near the rear wheels with your foot to apply the brakes. If the canopy is open, fold it down as far as it will go. Then, recline the seat back as far as you can. Once the seat is reclined, look for a lever on the left or right-hand side of the seat.
How do you put a carseat in a Graco double stroller?
Align the attachment points on the Graco Modes Duo double stroller with the adapter points on the car seat and snap it in. It’s as easy as pie.
Tips for Air Travel with Double Strollers
Strollers and all baby carriers will need to be screened by X-ray and or manually. If you have a stroller and car seat, only one can be checked at the gate. If you are not planning to use the car seat on the plane, you will want to check it at the ticket counter. On some airlines, strollers over 20 lbs must be checked at the ticket counter and strollers under 20 lbs can be used in the airport and then checked at the gate. Check ahead with your carrier to find out their rules for stroller weight. If you must check your double stroller at the ticket counter, plan to use baby carriers throughout the airport.
Be aware that some airlines have a weight limit to gate check a stroller. According to the American Airlines website (as of April 2017), their policy states, “Each ticketed customer is allowed 1 stroller. Only small, collapsible and light strollers (up to 20 lbs/9kgs) can be checked at the gate. Any stroller that weighs over 20 lbs/9 kgs, is too large, or is non-collapsible must be checked at the ticket counter.”
This policy does not take into account that the average double stroller weighs between 26 and 37 pounds. As any parent of twins knows, our double stroller is one of the most important pieces of equipment we have.
When you are traveling with multiple small children — especially if you are traveling alone — it is extremely difficult to manage an airport without a stroller that can be gate-checked. And the fact of the matter is that there are very few double strollers on the market that meet the 20 lb. weight limit.
Features to Look for in a Double Stroller
A handlebar that reaches all the way across is key, and you can find that with the Graco double stroller. You’re going to need that full handlebar to maneuver your twin stroller with one hand at times. Strollers with two handles are typically more difficult to steer. An adjustable handlebar will make life so much easier.
Independent reclining seats. You definitely need to be able to have each seat at a different recline. What if one baby is wide awake and wants to look around, but the other is sound asleep and could use a bit of recline? You’ll also want to find seats that recline as far back as possible to allow for good stroller naps!
5-point harnesses. Yes, some strollers only come with 3-point harnesses (only across the lap) but you absolutely need a 5-point harness (which also holds them back at the shoulders) to make sure your babies don’t fall forward out of the stroller when you have to make a sudden stop.
A solid frame. Look for a twin stroller that has a sturdy, solid frame that was meant to safely hold two children for the length of its use. Many single strollers can convert into a double stroller by adding a second seat, but these strollers were made for two children of different ages and are not ideal for two children of the same age, height, and weight. These strollers typically have a lower weight limit for one of the seats because it’s really been made for a baby + toddler. The stroller frame should be super sturdy!
A large basket. Storage baskets! Your stroller that’s meant for two kids should have room to fit STUFF for two kids! That’s another problem with single strollers that convert to doubles — the basket is meant to hold stuff for just one child. You’ll also want to make sure there is easy access to the basket from different spots around the stroller so it’s easier to get items out. Cup holders are great too!
It fits in your trunk. You should not have to wrestle with your stroller to get it to fit in your trunk. Bonus points if you don’t have to take one of the seats off to fold it. Be aware that some strollers will fit better once you remove the tires, which typically can be popped back on in a snap. Always look for a good travel system.
Canopies that extend far down. When you’re walking towards the sun this is going to make a HUGE difference! The canopies should also work independently (not stuck in the same position together) such as the canopies on the Graco double stroller.
Peek-a-boo windows that are ventilated. These are on the back of each stroller seat so you can see what the kiddies are up to without having to peek into the front of the stroller. Ideally, these are mesh to allow for extra air flow, with a flap so you can keep it covered when it’s too cold or windy. This will ultimately allow for a smooth ride.
It’s easy to fold and lift up. If you’re having a hard time getting it to fold after a few tries, take it back. If it’s too heavy for you to lift into your car’s trunk, take it back. These things will only cause you more annoyance as time passes.
It fits in your house. Measure all of your doorways and hallways to make sure that the stroller will fit inside your home, ideally without having to fold it up first. Side by side strollers are often less convenient for this reason. When you’re coming home from a long walk with your infant twins and it suddenly starts to rain, you’ll thank me!
