The Graco Modes Duo is one of the many strollers in the Graco product line. This stroller offers two seats suitable for two children including two infants. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend the Graco Modes Duo Stroller.
The stroller has many excellent features including 27 different riding positions. It is also compatible with the Graco SnugRide Click Connect Car Seat. However, with the huge variety of dual strollers available on the market, there are other options that outrank the Graco Modes Duo Stroller.
The main deterrents of the Modes Duo Stroller are the loud noise the wheels produce and the smaller size of the seats. Even though the seats are rated for up to 50 pounds, for larger toddlers, the seats quickly become snug. Also, the noise produced by the wheels when pushing is disruptive and embarrassing. Instead consider the BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie Double Jogging Stroller for reasons I explain below.
The Graco Modes Duo Stroller
While I do not prefer the Graco Modes Duo Double Stroller, I want to offer the features and options. The Graco line is reliable and offers many different stroller options. They also offer additional double stroller options.
The Graco Ready2Grow LX 2.0 Double Stroller is very similar to the Graco DuoGlider Click Connect. It is heavier than the DuoGlider but still lighter than the Modes Duo. Overall, I do not recommend the Graco double stroller lines.
Product Features
The Graco Modes Duo Double Stroller has many wonderful and diverse features.
- 27 different riding positions
- Accepts two Graco SnugRide Click Connect Infant Car Seats
- Built-in bench seat for big kids
- One-hand standing fold-up
- Locking front swivel wheels
- Extra wheels to make turning easier
- One-step brakes makes stopping and going simple
- Both seats hold up to 50 pounds
- Extra-large storage basket
- Parent cupholder
- Two removable arm bars with cupholders
- Convertible three to five-point harness
Pros
- The 27 different riding positions make this a great option for families with growing children.
- The easy folding feature allows for quick transitions from strolling to storing.
- The large storage bin is perfect for storing all the needs of babies and toddlers.
- The price range is more affordable than many of the other better double stroller options.
Cons
- The wheels make this stroller very loud unless it is being pushed on a very smooth surface. This can disturb a sleeping baby or interrupt conversations. It also can lead to embarrassment when you are in public.
- The seats have a weight limit of up to 50 pounds but the seats are on the smaller side. For tall or bigger toddlers, this stroller can quickly feel cramped.
- The stroller is bulky. While it can fit in the back of a larger vehicle, you may find you have trouble fitting this product in your car.
Recommended Double Strollers
BOB 2016 Revolution Pro Duallie Stroller
The BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie Double Stroller is my top pick for double strollers. I used an earlier model of this stroller with my children. It was the perfect fit for our family. We used the BOB double stroller as our primary stroller.
From visit to the zoo, walks around the neighborhood, running and traveling, this stroller met all of our needs. The description says it has a 50 pound weight limit, but I kept this stroller well past the toddler years. Once, when both of my children were home sick for days, I put my then seven and five year-olds in the BOB stroller and took a long walk to get us out of the house.
Features
- Hand activated rear brakes
- Swivel locking front wheel
- Adjustable 9 position handlebar
- State-of-the-art suspension
- Easy 2-step fold
- Travel system available with the BOB Duallie Infant Car Seat Adapter
The BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie Double Stroller is on the pricey side but when you need a full double stroller that is sturdy and will be used for years, the features make this a wonderful option. The versatility to travel easily on a variety of surfaces makes this the only stroller you will need.
Chicco Cortina Together Double Stroller
The Chicco Cortina Together Double Stroller is a great option if you want a tandem stroller or are looking for a more traditional travel system. We had the Chicco travel system in a single stroller with our first baby. It lasted for years and looked and felt better than other popular travel systems.
One complaint from reviews is the weight of the product, however at 40 pounds it is still lighter than the Graco Modes Duo Stroller. If you are looking for a product comparable to the Graco model in features, usability, price and weight, the Chicco Cortina Together Double Stroller is an excellent option.
Features
- Accepts 2 KeyFit or Fit 2 car seats
- One-hand activated, self-standing fold
- All-wheel suspension
- Locking front swivel wheel
- One-touch rear brakes
- Extra large storage basket
- 3 position parent handlebar
- 2 independent adjustable and removable canopies
The Chicco brand offers quality products at an affordable price. The modern look and feel of this product along with the many features makes this my recommended choice for a tandem double stroller. Plus, this double stroller is in the lower price range as compared to other double stroller options.
Why Do Parents Need to Invest in a Double Stroller?
Whether you are expecting twins or a second baby, a double stroller can be a good choice to keep your children secure while on the go. For twins, a double stroller makes a smart investment. You will need to choose an option that allows for two infant seats to be attached to the stroller simultaneously.
The Graco Modes Duo Stroller does allow for two Graco SnugRide Click Connect Car Seats to attach. This is one of the positive features of this product. The car seats allow you to move your baby from the car to the stroller while remaining safely in the seat.
For families expecting a new baby, you will want to consider the age of your oldest child when choosing a double stroller. You may find that the Modes Duo Stroller is not a good fit if your child is close to the 50 pound limit.
You may also determine that your child is too tall to sit comfortably in this stroller. A side-by-side stroller option may prove to work better. Regardless of the type of double stroller you choose, I found having a double stroller after the birth of my second child was priceless.
What is the Best Type of Double Stroller?
Side-by-Side Stroller
The side-by-side stroller allows your infants or toddlers to sit next to each other. This option is wider and you may have difficulty in narrow spaces. However, both children have the same amount of legroom, and it may be easier for you to interact with your children.
Tandem Stroller
The tandem stroller has one child in the back and the other in the front. The Graco Modes Duo Stroller is a tandem stroller. This option works well with an infant and a toddler but may seem cramped for two toddlers.
Sit and Stand Stroller
The sit and stand stroller is just like its name says. One child can sit in the seat and the other stands or sits on a little ledge on the back. This is a good option for a baby and an older toddler. This also works well if your older child wants to hop on and off of the stroller.
Umbrella Double Stroller
The umbrella double stroller is usually a lightweight side-by-side stroller. This stroller also usually has a lower weight limit. The other downside is this type of stroller is usually less comfortable. However, this is a great option for travel.
Sports Double Stroller
The sports double stroller is also usually side-by-side. Typically, they offer all-terrain wheels that allows the stroller to travel comfortably on gravel, off-rode or while running. While these strollers are bulky, they are also versatile. This is the only type of double stroller I used once I had two children.
Final Recommendations
A double stroller is a necessity when you are expecting twins or adding a second child to your family. When purchasing a double stroller you want to consider several things:
- Price Range
- Stroller Type
- Quality
- Reviews
Based on this criteria, I do not recommend the Graco Modes Duo Double Stroller. While this Graco model is priced affordably as compared to other models, the reviews are not as favorable as many of the other options. Also, in my experience, the side-by-side double stroller is a better option than the tandem double stroller.
My best stroller experience was with the BOB brand. The BOB sports strollers offer the versatility that will allow you to have the benefits of a traditional travel system with the mobility of an all-terrain stroller. I highly recommend considering a BOB double stroller like the BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie Double Stroller
If you are determined to have a tandem stroller I recommend the Chicco brand. The Chicco stroller travels nicely, offers plenty of storage and is comfortable for your children.
Our Best Double Stroller article covers the top double stroller brands, as well as the Revolution Flex Duallie. It even has great double jogging and double umbrella stroller options.
