Joovy TwinRoo+ Review

Review Analysis

Ease of Car Seat Attachment

The Joovy TwinRoo+ mounts infant car seats sideways, in opposite directions or the same direction for easier access to both babies. Configuration versatility can give parents access to each child individually to meet their needs best. The versatility also allows little ones time to see each other and interact, or gives them a chance for independent time and rest. The carriers release with the car seat's native release operation.

The Joovy is a click and go connection frame with adapters sold separately. We prefer this kind of connection over the click and strap methods because we worry the additional step increases the chance for error or lack of compliance due to ignorance, forgetfulness, or possible laziness. The snap feature is relatively easy to use on the Joovy; first, snap in the front and then ensure the sides have clicked into place. The height of the frame makes attaching the seats a breeze, as opposed to some products that require lifting a carrier higher or bending over to attach.

Twins

This dedicated frame product is ideal for twins, and some parents of twins claim they don't know how they would live without it. Given that two babies are more to juggle, and come with more supplies, it is almost imperative that you have some kind of stroller to transport them. It will be nearly impossible to make it through babyhood without taking two babies somewhere for errands or fun, and it will be far easier with a great stroller that accepts two infant car seats so you can get things done or potentially manage the feat with only one adult. While one baby can be managed without a stroller, thanks to baby carriers and simply carrying baby in their car seat, two babies cannot be handled in the same way, and as a result baby gear becomes a necessity.

Weight and Folded Size

This Joovy is a little over 24 lbs without car seat attachments. Twenty-four pounds is relatively light for a double product, though the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite is 23.4 lbs, but doesn't accept 2 car seats.

The Twin measures just about 12,700 cubic inches when folded. This makes it relatively small, and compact enough to fit in most trunks. It folds very flat and could possibly even be stored behind the front seat in some cars.

Maneuverability

The TwinRoo+ has only slightly better than average maneuverability compared to similar types of strollers. That being said, it still maneuvered well enough to get the job done without frustration. It has a wider frame designed for increased stability, while the smaller wheelbase allows for better maneuverability and handling.

Because of this wider footprint, it feels a little hard to maneuver in tight spaces or around corners. It did relatively well on the hard surfaces and once it got going it wasn't difficult to continue pushing. The Roo+ struggles in grassy areas and has difficulty over gravel. It has trouble going over a 1-inch curb, and stairs should be avoided (it isn't recommended by the manufacturer anyway). The smaller plastic wheels make this product harder to use than some of the competition, and the double front wheels per front leg frame (a style we find hurts maneuverability) made the going tougher than it would be with better tires, single wheels per leg, or larger wheels.

The shocks on the front wheels of the Roo+ improve the comfort for passengers, limiting bumps and vibrations. These kinds of hiccups can be disruptive to little passengers and newborns, so it is nice that it offers additional support where many frame options don't. The locking front swivel wheels can also help prevent the stroller from moving off course by getting caught on baseboards and other low-level objects.

Ease of Use

The Roo+ is easy to use with a variety of features designed for convenience and simplicity.

Fold and Unfold

The TwinRoo+ is a one-hand fold that takes somewhere between 5-7 steps to close depending on how good you get at operating the frame. The folding process is easy and only gets easier the more you do it. It has a manual locking feature, with no carry strap nor does it self-stand. This product is easy enough to carry, and while a shoulder strap might have been nice, it isn't truly necessary. It would be nice if this frame could stand by itself, and it looks like it would if the basket were a couple of inches longer. The unfolding for this product is as easy as the fold using one-hand it takes 3-4 steps depending on if you use the manual lock feature. The frame sort of falls open on its own, requiring only the car seat attachments to be attached.

Brakes

The brakes are double-action, meaning you must set the pedal on both sides to fully engage them. This isn't the best design, and we prefer single action brakes where you only need to press one pedal. They are, however, relatively easy to set (if not sandal friendly), but because parents could forget to set both or become distracted before getting the job done, it might be a potential safety concern.

Storage

The TwinRoo+ has a very large under-seat storage bin that runs the length of the frame. It sits directly beneath both infant carriers when they are clicked in, and the location makes it difficult to get larger items into the bin with the seats in place. We didn't have any trouble getting the large diaper bag into the bin, but only with the seats off. You can get smaller items in and out between the seats or around the edges, but if your goal is to remove the bag or larger item, at least one seat will need to be removed. There is access to this bin from all sides, making it convenient for accessing smaller items quickly.

The Roo+ has a 4 cup holder tray located low on the frame near the handlebar. The cup holders themselves are relatively deep and the location is safer by limiting the possibility of bottles and cups falling on children in use. The holders are compatible with most of the water bottles and sippy cups we tested and with 4 holders you have room for your refreshments and baby bottles. The tray also has a rectangular pocket in the middle for your mobile phone, keys, or toy. The minimalist nature of this traditional frame product precludes it from having other features found on traditional double strollers.

Sunshade

The Joovy does not come with seats or canopies included. The canopies for babies will be limited to whatever sunshade comes standard on the infant carrier car seat. While this may limit or prohibit 100% coverage of babies when snapped into the Roo+, it shouldn't be a reason not to purchase it.

Ease of Setup

This product took just under 10 minutes to get from the box to road-ready. All the parts snap into place easily and it has a useful quick-start guide. This made the process significantly shorter, and we think all strollers would benefit from a simple setup guide.

Quality