Joovy Caboose Sit & Stand Double Stroller

I have been using double strollers since the birth of my daughter about three years ago. At that time, my son was 19 months old, and we used a Graco DuoGlider tandem stroller (about $125) similar to the one picture here. This stroller is well made and has some nice features, but it is large and heavy and barely fit in the relatively large trunk of our car. As the kids got older, we found ourselves opting to leave the stroller at home simply because it was such a hassle to use.

We bought the Joovy Caboose about a year and a half ago and have found it to be just what we needed. It's not perfect, but it's pretty close. Even at five years old, our son still has plenty of room to ride comfortably when he needs a rest during a long day of walking. We use the stroller mainly on our frequent trips to Walt Disney World and occasional trips to the mall when I know I'll need to keep him contained so I can do some serious shopping.

The Joovy turns a lot of heads, and people often ask about it. I have recommended it to others, and it doesn't seem to be well known, so I thought I would share my experience and try to get the word out to other parents who are sick of dealing with a 50-pound stroller that their kids hate riding in.

The Joovy Caboose Stand-On Tandem Stroller makes strolling two children a breeze! This innovative and versatile stroller allows an older child to stand on the patented rear platform while a younger child rides comfortably in the front seat. If the standing child tires, they can turn around and rest on the padded rear seat. Fully equipped with a universal car seat attachment system, the Caboose can accommodate an infant in the car seat so you can use it as soon as your new arrival comes. As an added benefit for parents, the Caboose is lightweight and folds up quickly and compactly.

Other features:

* Comfortable, two-position front seat
* Total weight capacity: 90 lbs
* Deluxe ripstop nylon fabric
* Deluxe harnesses have reflective stitching for nighttime safety
* Removable canopy with ratcheting adjustment
* Child tray with cup holder
* Foam-covered handles for parent and standing child
* Large under-seat storage basket

Source: Amazon.com Product Description

Sit & Stand Option
This is my kids' favorite feature. The back seat is little more than a bench, and it slides forward and back depending on whether the child wants to sit or stand. When standing, there is a strap that buckles across the back. The strap will help to catch a fall if the child loses his balance, but he is otherwise unrestrained and needs to be able to hold on and keep his balance. We have not had any problems with anyone falling out when standing.

Size
It is fairly compact and relatively easy to maneuver in crowded spaces. It folds up small enough to fit in just about any trunk or vehicle cargo space.

Weight
The Caboose weighs less than 30 pounds, significantly less than a lot of double strollers.

Handles
The foam-covered handles are comfortable and tall enough for both my husband at 6' and myself at 5'5" to use without straining.

Ride
The ride is smooth and steering is easy. My daughter has napped in the front seat many times and has not been disturbed by the ride.

Storage
The storage basket under the seat is roomy, and there are two small mesh pockets in the back of the front seat for smaller items.

Infant Car Seat Attachment
I have not personally used an infant car seat with this stroller, but it does come with a universal attachment system for the front seat.

Style
All the Joovy strollers are stylish, and people often notice the Caboose and ask where we got it. Of course, a stroller is not exactly a fashion statement no matter how good it looks, but it is a nice perk that this one is easy to look at.

Storage
The under-seat storage basket is difficult to access for large items when the back seat is not empty, although there is easy access from the sides to reach in and pull out smaller items. There is no parent tray, but there are accessories you can purchase separately that take care of that problem.

Front Seat Comfort
The front seat is rather shallow, which can be a problem for a larger child. The footrest is also shallow and short and is not of much use for taller children. My 3½-year-old usually gets the front seat, and so far she has not complained of discomfort, but I can see it becoming a problem as she gets older.

Front Seat Tray and Cup Holders
The tray on the front seat does not swing open and has to be completely removed for the child to get in and out. We have not bothered with using the tray more than a few times. This leaves both the front and back seats with no cup holders.

Headroom
When a tired back seat passenger is sitting there can be a problem with head-butt wars. It hasn't happened a lot, but when the sibling rivalry is in high gear they are definitely in a position to torture each other. In addition, it is difficult for the back seat passenger to sit comfortably when the front seat is reclined.

Folding the Stroller
The mechanism that locks the stroller in the folded position (essentially a metal hook that rotates and latches onto a metal peg) is a little awkward and annoying. Once folded, however, the Caboose stays locked, and the wheels are locked automatically, which allows the stroller to stay put if you stand it up propped against a wall.

Joovy Cool Essentials Parent Organizer
about $30
With no cup holder or other storage on the handlebar, an organizer is an essential addition to the original Caboose. Designed exclusively for the Caboose, this neoprene organizer has a zipper pocket and three open pockets to hold a drink, cell phone, keys, and lots more.

Joovy Cool and Snug Sun Filter
about $40
Custom made for the Joovy Caboose, this see-through mesh cover filters harmful UVA/UVB rays and protects from wind and bugs.

Joovy Dry and Snug Rain/Wind Shield
about $35
Another custom design for the Caboose, this cover protects from rain, wind, and bugs, and has easy attachment and a zippered pass-through opening.

Joovy Blue Dot Toy Stroller $75
Joovy Kids love this attractive, high-quality toy replica of the popular Joovy Caboose Stand-On Tandem stroller. And what's not to love? The clever design features of the Joovy Toy Caboose allow your child to secure and transport two or three cherished toy friends at once, for hours of role-playing fun. Available in blue and pink.

Joovy Infant Seat Doll In Pink Dot $39
Joovy has developed the first doll infant car seat that helps children understand the importance of good passenger safety, without sacrificing play-time fun. Children learn to imitate the role of a caring and responsible parent as they safely secure a favorite doll or stuffed toy into the doll car seat. And parents find that their child is more cooperative about using their own car seat as a result!

Joovy Toy Booster Car Seat $29
Joovy has developed the first doll infant car seat that helps children understand the importance of good passenger safety, without sacrificing play-time fun. Children learn to imitate the role of a caring and responsible parent as they safely secure a favorite doll or stuffed toy into the doll car seat. And parents find that their child is more cooperative about using their own car seat as a result! Available in blue and pink.

The Joovy Caboose is also available as a three-seater, and a new version of the two-seater is 20% lighter than the original and comes in three colors.

Joovy Big Caboose Stand-On Tandem Triple Stroller $299.99
The Big Caboose fits three children with a combined weight up to 125 pounds. Each of the front two seats also accomodates an infant car seat.

Joovy Caboose Ultralight Stand On Tandem Stroller
$229.00
The Ultralight Caboose weighs 21 pounds and improves on the original Caboose with a larger canopy, better wheels, and a parent organizer. Available in sunset (shown), sage, and black.

Joovy Groove Double Stroller $249
The Groove 2 is an umbrella-style side-by-side double stroller..