Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
Many parents who schlep two children around town realize that the tandem double stroller essential. They are strong enough to handle most surfaces, and comfortable for both a toddler and an infant in the car seat.
The fact that the stroller folds into a slim profile with only one hand is a major plus for testers. It offers plenty of storage space for children and adults.
Adjustable Recline
This stroller is an excellent option for those who want a stroller that grows with your family. It's a single stroller and can be outfitted with a second seat, jump seat or stand-on board for older kids. It comes with an adjustable handlebar that lets even tall parents will find it easy to steer and push (and its rear suspension and three air-filled tires make jogging easy as well). The separate canopies are large with well-placed peekaboo windows. the seats recline to nearly flat, but they require two hands to set back up.
It can also fit through most doors, though it may be too large for some trunks depending on the vehicle. The tandem double stroller features one-point fold, unlike most, which require lifting the canopy or seat to fold. Instead, it has a strap that is pulled and then lifted. It can be folded and stored standing up. The buckles are difficult to fasten when the car seat is attached.
The Graco DuoGlider is a solid choice for families with a toddler as well as an infant. It comes with a large storage basket, adjustable recline in both seats (although the front seat is only about halfway down) as well as a decent amount of padding on the harnesses. In our testing, it was one of the most comfortable for both adults and children, even for those who are taller than 6'. The only drawback is that its length could cause it to be difficult to maneuver around tight spaces, or when juggling kids and groceries.
The Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double is a top choice among budget tandem strollers. It can be used with an infant car seat adapter or with another child seat that is sold separately. Both seats have a deep recline and a footrest that is adjustable. They also have a UPF 50+ canopy with a large windows for peekaboo. The front seat can be flipped to face the rear which allows older children to see each other more clearly. The only drawback 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 similar age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your kids to be screaming and whining entire time you should consider a double stroller with an ample canopy that can fit both seats. The best tandem double strollers come with UPF50+ canopy that is far enough to offer real shade. They also have peekaboo windows for each seat. Also, you need a sturdy suspension and large wheels that make them easy to push. After 100-plus hours testing 17 tandem strollers at the zoo, during stroller-enabled exercise classes and while running errands and during trick-or-treating, we discovered that side-byside options, such as the Chicco BravoFor2 and Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller are more reliable than models that are inline for maneuverability. They were easier to turn and could be inserted into doors that are standard than the majority of models.
You'll need to think about whether the tandem stroller is able to be adapted to your family's needs as well as features that are comfortable and convenient. If you are a frequent user of public transportation or have to carry a lot of luggage and gear you should look for models that have an ample storage bin as well as an adjustable bumper bar that can be folded down under the stroller.
Another thing to consider is how long you hope to use the stroller for. For the majority of families, a good double stroller can last from newborn to toddlerhood, and possibly even after. It's worthwhile to invest more initially on a stroller you can use for at least several years.
Lastly, if you're an avid traveler, you may want to look for a model that can fold flat or on one foot. The best tandem double strollers are easy to fold down, which makes them ideal for families on moving.
If you're considering adding a second child, the type of stroller you pick will have a significant impact on your lifestyle and budget. If you're looking for a side by side or inline model, there are lots of options to suit your needs.
One-Point Fold
Expert stroller reviews contain one requirement when purchasing a double tandem stroller: it must be easy to fold and unfold. This is crucial because tandem strollers are generally larger than single strollers, and can feel heavy when being driven. They also take more space in your trunk than a single stroller.
The best tandem double strollers come with a single point fold that is easy to use. A lot of tandem double strollers come with an automatic lock that will stop the stroller from folding while it is open or in use. This is a security feature that you should consider especially when your child is in the front seat.
If you're planning to use a tandem stroller to transport children in car seat, you should select a model that's side-by-side rather than one that's reverse-able. A reversible stroller lets you to seat your infant in front while putting your older child in the back, however it may be difficult to reach the infant in the rear seat when the stroller is moving and may not provide as much sun coverage as a side-by-side model.
The size of the tandem stroller is also crucial. Most double strollers are wider than single strollers, and the width will determine whether or not it will fit through the doors of your home. Take measurements of your doorways' standard between 30 and 36 inches width before buying a tandem stroller.
Contours Options Elite V2 is a stroller that can be used with two infant car seats. This double stroller has seven different seating options that are ideal for twins and also accommodates the majority of infant car seats. It has a variety of great features like reversible seats, adjustable footrests and zippered extension of both canopies. It's also affordable and has received excellent reviews from parents. It's only downside is it doesn't recline at the back. This could be a problem if your child is napping. It comes with an ample storage bin as well as a parent tray that's covered and comes with cup holders. It's still a great option for most families.
Easy Assembly
It doesn't matter whether you were surprised to learn that you're expecting twins, or were aware that you would be having an additional child in the future as you had planned. You must think about how you will get your children from A to B. A double stroller is a must-have for parents of more than one child and there are several types to pick from. We tested tandem strollers with seats that face each other, or side-by-side, so that children can interact and view each other while they move. They also accommodate infant car seats as well as standard stroller seats. Many are built with high-low seating to give both children a complete view of their surroundings.
Most of our tandem stroller picks fold up easily and are compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle or into storage at home. Some tandem strollers require that you remove the seat in order to fold them. This is common with side-by-side strollers. However, this reduces the overall storage capacity. This is something to keep in mind when choosing the perfect model, as well as checking the dimensions of any doors you'll need to pass the stroller through.
In addition to a fold that can be folded with one hand most of our top tandem choices come with adjustable reclining for both seats and a spacious canopy to shield your children from the elements of sun and wind. They also offer parent cup holders as well as onboard storage for snacks and gear, plus easy-to-reach brakes and a sturdy bar that feels comfortable to hold while pushing. double buggy travel system accommodate piggyback ride-along boards which allow older children to join in on the fun which makes them a great option for families growing with toddlers and school-aged kids.
If you're looking to save money on a new tandem stroller, be sure to look into second-hand options on the internet. You'll find a variety of used double strollers for sale on marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist that you can purchase at a fraction of the cost of new models. Be sure to look for rust, loose screws and search for any possible recalls before purchasing. It's worth the effort to find a good bargain on a stroller that will serve your family for years.