Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
A tandem double stroller can be a lifesaver for parents who have to lug two kids around the city. They are strong enough to take on most surfaces, and comfortable for a toddler and an infant in the car seat.
The fact that the stroller can fold into a slim profile with only one hand is a major benefit for those who test it. It also has a large amount of storage onboard for adults and kids.
Adjustable Recline
This stroller is a great option if you're looking for an option that can grow with your family. It's designed as a single stroller and can be fitted with an additional seat, a jump seat, or stand-on board for older children. It comes with an adjustable handlebar that lets even tall parents find it easy to steer and push (and its rear suspension and three air-filled tires make running effortless, too). The canopies are spacious and feature a well-placed peekaboo window. The seats also recline nearly flat. However, they need two hands to get them back up.
Another benefit is that it can be inserted into the majority of doors, though it could be too big for some trunks, depending on the car you drive. This double stroller comes with one point fold, unlike most, which require you lift a canopy or seat to fold. Instead, it has an elastic strap that can be pulled and then lifted. It also stands when folded, which is handy for transport and storage. However, double pram and pushchair are somewhat difficult to secure particularly with the car seat attached, and it's expensive for a dual stroller.
The Graco DuoGlider is a solid choice for families with a toddler as well as an infant. It has a large storage basket, adjustable recline on both seats (although only the front seat can be reclined to about half way) and a comfortable padding for the harnesses. It's the most comfortable car seat for adults and children alike, even those over 6 feet tall. The only drawback is that its length can make it a pain to maneuver in tight spaces, or when carrying groceries and kids.
The best option among tandem strollers that are budget-friendly, the Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double can be used from birth with the included infant car seat adapter, or with a second toddler seat which is sold separately. Both seats come with a wide recline, an adjustable footrest, and a UPF 50+ canopy with large peekaboo windows. The front seat can be turned to face the back to allow older children to see each other better. It's only downside is that it's not able to accommodate two infant car seats at once which means it's not suitable for twins or siblings of the same age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your children to scream and yell the entire time it is essential to have a stroller with a canopy that is big enough to fit both seats. The top tandem strollers come with a UPF50+ canopy that reaches far enough to offer real shade. They also have peekaboo windows for each seat. To make it easy to push you'll also need large wheels and a high-quality suspension. After testing 17 tandem strollers for over 100 hours at the zoo as well as during stroller-enabled classes, running errands and trick-or treating, we found side-by-side options like the Chicco BravoFor2 or Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller were more efficient in terms of maneuverability compared to inline models. They were also easier to turn and could be inserted into doors that are standard than the majority of models.
You'll need to consider whether the tandem stroller can be adapted to your family's needs, in addition to comfort and convenience features. If you are a frequent user of public transportation or have to carry lots of luggage and gear, then look for models that have an ample storage bin as well as a bumper bar that can fold under the stroller.
You should also think about how long you plan to use the stroller. For the majority of families, a quality double stroller can last from newborn through toddlerhood and possibly even beyond. It's worth it to spend more upfront on a stroller that you can use for at least a few years.
Lastly, if you're a frequent traveler, you may want to look for a model that can fold flat or even with one foot. The most efficient tandem strollers fold down in just seconds, making them perfect for families who travel.
The type of stroller you pick can have a big impact on your budget and lifestyle when you are thinking about adding children. There are a variety of options available regardless of whether you're looking for a side by side or an inline stroller.
One-Point Fold
Expert stroller reviews include one thing you must look for when purchasing a double tandem stroller: it must be easy to fold and unfold. This is particularly important since tandem strollers tend to be larger than single strollers and may feel heavy when being driven. They also require more space in your car trunk than a single stroller.
The top tandem double strollers have a single point fold that is easy to use. A lot of them also have an automatic lock that keeps the stroller from folding when open or in use. This is a safety feature you should think about especially when your child is in the front seat.
If you're planning to use a tandem system to transport children in car seat, you should opt for a model that's side-by-side, rather than one that's reversible. Reversible strollers allow you to place your infant in front while placing your older child behind. However, it might be a challenge to reach your child in the rear as the stroller is moving.
The size of the tandem stroller is important. The width of many double strollers is wider than that of single strollers. This could affect how it can fit through your home's doors. Doors are typically between 30 and 36 inches wide, so make sure to measure these before purchasing a tandem stroller.
Contours Options Elite V2 is a stroller that can be used with two infant car seat. This double stroller features seven seating options with stadium-style seats that are perfect for twins. It also fits most infant car seats. It has a variety of great features, including reversible seats adjustable footrests, and a zippered extension on both canopies. It is also very affordable and parents have given it great reviews. The only drawback is that it's not reclined at the back. This can be a problem when your child is napping. However, it does come with a large storage basket and a covered parent tray with cup holders. This is a great option for the majority of families.
Easy Assembly
It doesn't matter if you were shocked to discover that you are expecting twins, or if you were aware that you would be having another child in the same way as you planned. You must think about how you'll take your children from A to B. There are many different types of double strollers for parents with more than one child. We tested tandem strollers that feature either front-facing or side-by-side seats so that children can see each other and interact while they cruise along. Many tandem strollers are compatible with infant car seats and standard stroller chairs for children. They also have high-low seating, which lets both children view their surroundings.
The majority of our tandem stroller choices fold up easily and are compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, or in storage at home. Some tandem strollers require that you remove the seat to fold them. This is common with side-by-side strollers. However, this decreases their storage capacity overall. This is something to consider when choosing the perfect model, as well as taking note of the dimensions of any doorways that you'll have to take the stroller through.
A majority of our top tandems come with a one-handed folding mechanism, as well as adjustable recline in both seats as well as a large canopy that protects children from the sun and wind. These tandems also come with cup holders for parents, onboard storage for food or gear, and brakes that are easy to access. They also come with a sturdy handlebar and easy-to-reach breaks. Many models are able to accommodate piggyback ride-along boards which let older siblings take part in the fun which makes them a great option for families growing with preschoolers and children in school.
If you're looking to save cash on a new tandem stroller, be sure to look into the used models available online. There are used double strollers at a fraction the price of new models on online marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist. Be sure to check the stroller for rust and loose screws and also any recalls. It's well worth the effort to find a great deal on a stroller for your family that will last many years.