How to Fold and Store Your Double Stroller Safely

Quick Answer

Fold your double stroller by emptying both seats and the basket, locking the brakes, then releasing the primary fold trigger or lever in one smooth motion. Lower it to the ground before lifting, and store it upright or flat in a dry spot away from direct sun and heavy traffic. Always check your manual for the exact fold sequence, because double strollers differ in how the frame collapses.

A double stroller is one of the most useful pieces of gear you own, but it is also one of the bulkiest. Folding it correctly protects the frame, keeps the fold mechanism working smoothly, and makes compact stroller storage possible even in a small entryway or apartment closet.

The steps below apply to most side-by-side and sit-and-stand double strollers, including Joovy models. The exact release points vary by model, so treat your manual as the final authority. What stays consistent is the order: empty, lock, release, lower, then store.

Before You Fold: Clear the Stroller Completely

Start by removing children, snacks, cups, toys, and anything hanging from the handlebar. A full parent organizer or dangling diaper bag can shift the stroller's balance mid-fold and put stress on the frame. Empty the under-seat basket too, since bulky items can block the frame from collapsing fully. Once the stroller is clear, engage the parking brake so it cannot roll while you work. If you are folding a double stroller with two independent reclines, such as the Kooper RS2, return both seats to their upright positions first. A reclined seat can keep the folded package taller and harder to store.

• Common mistake: folding with a cup still in the snack tray, which can crack the tray or spill onto the fabric.
• Checkpoint: the stroller should not move when you push it gently with the brake engaged.

Release the Fold Mechanism in One Motion

Locate the primary fold trigger, lever, or strap, usually near the handlebar or under the seat. Pull or squeeze it fully, then push the handlebar forward or downward in a single smooth motion. Do not force a stuck fold. If the frame resists, check that both seats are upright, the basket is empty, and no strap or fabric is caught in the hinge. Double strollers with a one-handed fold, like the Kooper Lightweight Compact Single Stroller With Tray, show how a clean release should feel: firm, predictable, and free of grinding. On a double, repeat the same steady motion rather than jerking the frame.

• Common mistake: pulling the release and the handlebar at the same time, which can bend the hinge.
• Checkpoint: the frame should begin collapsing on its own weight once the release is fully engaged.

Lower the Folded Stroller to the Ground

Once the frame collapses, do not lift it by the canopy or the seat fabric. Those are not load-bearing points and can tear or stretch. Instead, grip the frame near the fold joint or use the designated carry handle if your model has one. Bend your knees and lower the stroller to the floor rather than dropping it. Sit-and-stand designs such as the Caboose RS Premium Sit And Stand Double Stroller fold differently from side-by-side models because of the bench seat and standing platform, so take an extra second to confirm the platform is clear before lowering. A controlled set-down prevents scratched floors and bent axles.

• Common mistake: carrying a folded double stroller by the canopy, which can rip the fabric or bend the frame.
• Checkpoint: the folded stroller should sit flat without wobbling or resting on the brake pedals.

Choose a Storage Spot That Protects the Stroller

For compact stroller storage, stand the stroller upright in a closet, against a wall, or in a designated corner. If your model folds flat, slide it under a bed or behind a door. Keep it out of direct sunlight, which fades fabric and weakens plastic over time, and away from damp basements where mold can grow in the seat padding. Avoid storing it where it blocks a doorway, stair landing, or heater. If you have two strollers, store the lighter one on a hook or high shelf and keep the heavier double at floor level so you are not lifting it repeatedly.

• Common mistake: storing a folded stroller against a heater or in a damp garage.
• Checkpoint: you should be able to walk past the stored stroller without brushing it.

Maintain the Fold Mechanism Between Uses

Wipe the fold joints with a dry cloth every few weeks to remove grit, and check for loose screws or bent pins. If the fold becomes stiff, do not spray it with heavy grease, which attracts dirt. A dry silicone spray or a quick check by a repair shop is safer. Store the stroller with the brake off if the manual allows, so the brake cable is not stretched under tension. Finally, keep the manual with the stroller or save a digital copy. When you eventually pass the stroller on or sell it, the next family will thank you.

• Common mistake: ignoring a stiff fold until the hinge seizes or the release cable snaps.
• Checkpoint: the fold should still release smoothly after a few weeks of storage.

Double Stroller Fold and Store Checklist

1. Empty and lock: Remove children, gear, and basket contents, then engage the parking brake. The stroller should not roll when nudged.
2. Release the fold: Pull the primary trigger or lever fully and push the handlebar in one smooth motion. If it resists, stop and check for trapped fabric or a reclined seat.
3. Lower with care: Grip the frame or carry handle, bend your knees, and set the stroller down flat. Never lift or lower by the canopy.
4. Store smart: Stand or lay the stroller in a dry, shaded spot that does not block walkways. Keep it away from heaters, damp floors, and direct sun.

Joovy Models and Their Fold-Friendly Features

• Kooper RS2 Lightweight Travel Double Stroller: Two roomy seats with independent reclines and included snack trays; folds compactly for travel and everyday use. Independent reclines mean you should return both seats upright before folding to keep the package as small as possible.
• Caboose RS Premium Sit And Stand Double Stroller: Features a stand-on platform that adapts to fit a bassinet, plus a full-size reclining front seat and a bench seat with standing platform. The stand-on platform must be clear and folded correctly before storage, or the stroller will not sit flat.
• Kooper Lightweight Compact Single Stroller With Tray: Has a compact, one-handed fold and a multi-position reclining seat with adjustable leg rest. If you also own a single stroller, its one-handed fold is a useful reference for how smoothly a double should release.

Folding and storing a double stroller safely comes down to a consistent routine: empty it, lock it, release the fold smoothly, lower it with your legs, and store it somewhere dry and out of the way. Do that, and your stroller will stay easier to fold, last longer, and fit into the space you actually have.