Graco Ready2Grow LX 2.0 Review

Graco was founded in 1942 by Robert Cone and Russell Gray. The company initially 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 top-ranked high chairs. Their claim to fame and success was the creation of the first top-ranked baby swing, inspired by an employee's outdoor glider soothing a newborn.

Ease of Use

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

Fold and Unfold

This Graco has a cumbersome two-handed fold that isn't as smooth or simple as it could be, but it does lock automatically. It self-stands but doesn't have a strap or carry handle. Finishing the fold doesn't take much effort, but the canopy sticks out at an awkward angle, and the package is large. Unfolding also requires two hands and some dexterity to pick it up and shake it open, which isn't the easiest.

Storage

The storage bin on this stroller sits under both seats, so access depends on the seat configuration. The basket is huge, but the maximum allowable weight is only 10 lbs, which somewhat negates its size advantage. We had to work to fit the extra-large diaper bag inside; the design results in a lot of wasted space you can't access, and you will probably jostle and wake up your passengers when getting items in or out of the bin.

Harness

The 5-point harness offers some padding near the neck area, but the exposed webbing is somewhat rough and uncomfortable against the skin. The straps adjust well and do not slip loose during use. The buckle is stiffer than the competition's, and the shoulder pads tend to get in the way of any adjustments.

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 press both pedals on each side to fully engage the brakes. There is very little play in the brakes once set. We worry that parents will forget to press both pedals or decide that one side is “good enough.” These decisions should not be made. We prefer single-action brakes.

Maneuverability

The Ready2Grow is an inline double stroller with a longer wheelbase than the average double stroller, which partly explains its below-average maneuverability score. Although it is shorter than the previous version of this stroller, it is still challenging to maneuver.

This stroller rolls pretty well on flat surfaces in a straight line. It is less comfy for passengers because it lacks shock absorption or seat padding, resulting in extra bumps on rides. It is slow to turn, but still better than some of the competition. The smaller plastic wheels make it struggle over grass and gravel, and while it might be easier than some of the competition, we don't think you'll want to navigate through grass regularly. Strollers with rubber tires typically perform better in these tests.

Transporting and Storing

The Ready2Grow is about average in terms of ease of transport and storage. It is surprisingly heavy and bulky for a smaller double stroller.

Load and Unload

Whether putting a stroller into a vehicle or lugging it onto a bus is difficult is primarily determined by its weight and size when folded. The Ready2Grow 2.0 earned a just-below-average result for weight and folded size. While it isn't the heaviest or the largest when folded, it can't compete with the ease of 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.

Kid Ride

The Ready2Grow is one of the least comfortable strollers for passengers in the group.

Seat

Each seat offers different comfort and adjustability features. The front has two recline levels via a movable bar in the back. The rear seat doesn't recline or have a footrest, and neither seat's leg rest is adjustable. The padding is marginal, but the added insert might provide some comfort when paired with the seats' sling design. We find that siblings have fewer fights when seating arrangements are farther apart or have similar features and functions.

Sunshade

The subpar sunshades on each seat are different in size and functionality. The front seat is detached from the stroller while the rear is attached. Both are relatively small and will not cover the passenger's knees. The front canopy can be rotated forward, but then it lacks overhead protection. Neither canopy ceiling has a peek-a-boo window or an extended panel.

Continuous Sleeping Comfort

If you are hoping for a calm, peaceful ride with your kids, this stroller is not for you. When we tested it on average terrain to see how often we registered potential child wake-up events due to jostling over obstacles, the Ready2Grow logged 17 events. Unfortunately, because of the lack of shock absorption and the foam-filled plastic tires, going over asphalt was a particularly rough ride compared with your average bumps and cracks.

Quality

The Ready2Grow isn't as nice as most of the competition, with one of the lowest scores for quality.

The fabric isn't wrinkled, but it doesn't lie flat. It is soft but has a somewhat plastic feel. This design might make wiping easier, 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 less frumpy than 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 while 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, which 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 air-filled rubber tires, which typically provide some cushioning over harsh terrain and better maneuverability.

Car Seat Compatibility

According to the manufacturer's manual, this stroller is compatible with all Graco SnugRide Click Connect Models. We were 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 that all infant car seats currently offered by Graco will connect to this stroller.

Ease of Setup

This stroller takes between 15-25 minutes to assemble. It is relatively simple, but we struggled with the rear axle.

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 straightforward, with written words and pictures.

Twins

The Ready2Grow LX 2.0 can accommodate two infant car seats from Graco, making it a potential contender for parents of 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 over who gets to 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 its smaller price. Given the disappointing test results, we have difficulty finding a compelling reason to choose this Graco over other competitors.

What Other Double Stroller Should You Consider?

Manufacturer Video