Graco Ready2Grow LX 2.0 Review

Graco was founded in 1942 by Robert Cone and Russell Gray. The company originally started by manufacturing auto parts. When Gary decided to leave the company, Cone switched to developing and creating baby-related products. They now make gear ranging from strollers to high chairs. Their claim to fame and success was the creation of the first baby swing, inspired by an employee's outdoor glider soothing a newborn.

Performance Comparison

Ease of Use

The Graco earned a below-average result for ease of use with features that struggle to compare to the competition when used side-by-side.

Fold and Unfold

This Graco has a two-handed fold that automatically locks and self-stands. It doesn't have a strap or carry handle, but it does self-stand. It doesn't take much effort to finish the fold, but the canopy sticks out at a weird angle, and the package is large.

Brakes

The Ready2Grow has double action brakes with dual pedals on each side of the rear axle. The pedals are small and set close to the wheels. You must set them on both sides for the brakes to be fully set. There is very little play in the brakes once set. We worry parents will forget to press both pedals, or they will decide that one side is "good enough." These decisions should not be made. We prefer single-action brakes like those found on the inline Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite.

Storage

The storage bin on this stroller sits under both seats, which means access depends on seat configurations. The basket is huge, but the maximum allowable weight is only 10 lbs, which somewhat negates the size. We had to really work to get the extra-large diaper bag inside—the design results in a lot of wasted space that you can't access.

Sunshade

The sunshades on each seat are different in size and functionality, with the front seat being detached from the stroller while the rear is attached. Both are fairly small, and neither will cover the passenger's knees when in the upright position. The front canopy can be rotated forward, but then you lack overhead protection. Neither canopy has a peek-a-boo window or extended panel.

Harness

The 5-point harness offers some padding near the neck area, but the exposed webbing is somewhat rough and unfriendly to the skin. The straps adjust well and do not slip loose during use. The buckle is stiff compared to the competition.

Seat

Each seat offers different comfort and adjustability features. The front has two reclines level by way of a movable bar in the back. The rear seat doesn't recline and doesn't have a footrest; neither leg rest is adjustable. We find siblings have fewer fights when the seating arrangements are more similar like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double.

Car Seat Compatibility

According to the manufacturer manual, this stroller is compatible with all Graco SnugRide Click Connect Models. Confused, as none of the current infant car seats from Graco say "Click Connect" in their names (they used to), we contacted the manufacturer and were told all of the infant car seats currently offered by Graco will connect to this stroller. We tested ours with Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX.

The car seat clicks in place without adapters. If you want to put it in the rear position, you have to remove the seat's fabric and canopy. The process has a lot of steps but isn't necessarily difficult. You can save yourself the hassle of installing the seat in the front position if you only need to connect one. It is possible to install the seat and hear it click, but only have one side connected correctly. It isn't the easiest seat to connect, but it feels stable once you get it in place.

Ease of Setup

This stroller takes between 15-25 minutes to assemble. It is relatively simple. But we struggled with the rear axel. The fit of the pin in the axle is so tight that it took more than 7 minutes to complete that step alone. Otherwise, the instructions were pretty clear with both written words and pictures.

Maneuverability

The Ready2Grow is an inline double stroller with a longer wheelbase than the average double, which is partly why it earned a below-average score for maneuverability. While it is shorter than the old version of this stroller, it is still harder to maneuver than shorter strollers.

This stroller rolls fairly well on flat surfaces in a straight line. It is less comfy for passengers as it lacks shocks or much seat padding, and there are extra bumps as a result. It is slow to turn but still better than some of the competition. The smaller plastic wheels cause it to struggle through grass and gravel as well, and while it might have been easier than some of the competition, we don't think you'll want to navigate through the grass regularly. Like the Baby Trend Expedition Double, Strollers with rubber tires typically perform better in these tests.

Weight and Folded Size

The Ready2Grow 2.0 earned a below-average result for weight and folded size. While it isn't the heaviest or the largest when folded, it also can't compete with the lighter weight or smaller competition.

This stroller weighs 32.7 lbs and measures 20,358 cubic inches when folded. The average stroller in the group is closer to 19,000 cubic inches and 33 lbs.

Quality

The Ready2Grow is not as nice of quality as much of the competition, with a below-average score for quality compared to the competition.

The fabric isn't wrinkled, but it doesn't lay flat either. It is soft but has a somewhat plastic feel to it. This design might make it easier to wipe clean, but it isn't as breathable as we'd like. It has a lot of exposed seams, and under the harness straps on our stroller, we could see white fabric or padding poking out. The canopies look tight and not as frumpy as the competition, but they are smaller and feel flimsy compared to some of the other options we tested.

The handlebar on the Ready2Grow is not adjustable, so taller pushers might not find it as comfortable as others, and they could also end up kicking the rear axle when strolling.

The overall fit and finish have a generally cluttered look with a lot going on. There are a lot of plastic parts and connection points that look like they won't wear well over time and create a cheaper look than the competition that uses plastic more sparingly. It feels somewhat more like a toy than a stroller for live children.

This stroller does not have shocks, and the wheels are foam-filled plastic. While you won't suffer from a flat tire, it also doesn't offer the benefits of rubber, air-filled tires, which typically offer some absorption of jarring terrain and better maneuverability.

Twins

The Ready2Grow LX 2.0 can accept two infant car seats from Graco, making it a possible contender for those with twins. It also has two toddler seats. However, this stroller wouldn't be our first pick for twins as the toddler seats offer a somewhat different experience that could lead to sibling fights about who will sit where. One of the seats doesn't even recline, and we suspect this could be an issue for crabby little ones who both want to nap.

Should You Buy the Ready2Grow 2.0?

We don't think the Ready2Grow is worth even the smaller price it sports. With disappointing results in our tests, we have a hard time finding a compelling reason to choose this Graco over any competitors.

What Other Double Stroller Should You Consider?

Which double stroller is right for you depends on what you are looking for. If you want a lightweight stroller with similar features for each passenger, then something like the Baby Jogger City Mini 2 Double might be considered. If an inline is more your speed for its narrow width, we think the Joovy Caboose is a better choice, with a lighter weight, smaller fold, and similar price. If you hope to move off-road or think jogging might be in your future, the economical Baby Trend Expedition Double is a lighter-weight jogger that moves easily and has cozy seating.

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