10 Things You Learned In Preschool That Can Help You In Tandem Double Stroller
Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
A tandem double stroller can be a lifesaver for parents who need to lug two kids around the city. They are strong enough to withstand the most difficult surfaces and comfortable for both an infant in a car seat and an active toddler.
Testers appreciate the fact that the stroller folds to a slim profile with one hand. It has plenty of storage space, both for adults and children.
Adjustable Recline
This stroller is an excellent option if you're looking for a stroller to grow with your family. It can be set up as a single-seater model, and then with an extra seat or stand-on board to accommodate older children. It is easy to steer and push for taller parents. The rear suspension and air-filled tires make jogging effortless. The separate canopy is large with a good-sized peekaboo window and the seats recline nearly flat, but they take two hands to put back up.
It can also fit through most doors, but it may be too big for certain trunks, based on the vehicle. This tandem double stroller has a one point fold, unlike other strollers that require you to lift the canopy or seat to fold. Instead, it has an elastic strap that can be pulled and then lifted. It can be folded and put away standing up. However, its buckles can be a little difficult to fasten particularly with the car seat attached. It's also on the pricey side for a dual stroller.
The Graco DuoGlider is a solid option for families with a toddler and an infant. It has a large storage basket, adjustable recline on both seats (although only the front seat goes down around half way) and a comfortable padding for the harnesses. In our testing it was among the most comfortable seats for adults and kids, even those who are taller than 6'. The only downside is that its length can make it a pain to maneuver through tight spaces or when you're carrying groceries and kids.
A top choice among tandem strollers with a budget 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 and a footrest that is adjustable. They also have a UPF 50+ canopy with a large windows that peek out. The front seat can be turned to face the rear which allows older children to see each other better. The only downside is that it can't fit two infant car seats at once It's not ideal for twins or siblings that are close in age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your kids to be screaming and whining the duration of the day you should consider a double stroller with an ample canopy that can fit both seats. The top tandem strollers come with a UPF50+ canopy that is far enough to provide real shade. They also have windows that peek out from each seat. It also requires a high-quality suspension and large wheels to make them easy to push. After testing 17 tandem strollers for over 100 hours at the zoo as well as during stroller-enabled classes as well as running around and going trick-or-treating, we found side-by-side options such as the Chicco BravoFor2 or Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller performed better in terms of maneuverability compared to inline models. They were easier to maneuver and fit through standard doors than most other models.
You'll want to think about whether the tandem stroller will meet the needs of your family, in addition to features that are comfortable and convenient. If you are frequent users of public transportation or have to carry a lot of luggage and other gear you should look for an option that comes with large storage bins and an adjustable bumper bar that can be folded down under the stroller.
Another consideration is how long you hope to use the stroller. For most 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 several years.
Lastly, if you're a frequent traveler you might want to look for a model that can fold flat or on one foot. The most efficient tandem strollers can fold down in seconds, making them ideal for families who are constantly on the move.
The type of stroller you pick can have a big impact on your budget and lifestyle if are considering adding a child. If you're looking for a side by side or an inline model, there are plenty of great options to meet your needs.
One-Point Fold
Expert stroller reviewers have one essential requirement to buying a tandem double stroller: It has to be simple to fold and unfold. This is crucial because tandem strollers tend to be larger than single strollers and can feel top-heavy when being pushed. They also require more space in your car trunk than a single stroller would.
The best tandem double strollers provide an easy one-point fold. Many tandem double strollers include an automatic lock that stops the stroller from folding when it is in use. This is an added safety feature, particularly for children who are small in the front seat.
If you're planning to use a tandem to transport your children in a car seat, you should choose a model that is side-by-side instead of one that is reversible. A reversible stroller allows you to seat your infant in front while placing your older child in the back, however it's not easy to access the younger child in the rear seat when the stroller is moving and may not provide as much sun coverage as the side-by-side model.
Another consideration is the width of the tandem stroller. The width of many double strollers is larger than the single strollers. This can affect whether it can be pushed through your doorway. Check your doors' typical width between 30 and 36 inches width before buying a tandem stroller.
If you're looking for a multi-functional stroller that is compatible with two car seats for infants look into the Contours Options Elite V2. This double stroller features seven different seating options which are perfect for twins, and it also accommodates the majority of infant car seats. It has a variety of great features, including reversible seats adjustable footrests, and a zippered extension on both canopy. It's also reasonably priced and has received rave reviews from parents. The only issue is that it does not recline at the back, which could be an issue for children who nap. However, it does come with an ample storage basket as well as a covered tray for parents with cup holders. This is still a great option for most families.
Easy Assembly
Whether you were surprised to learn that you're expecting twins or were expecting a second child on the way, as you planned, it's time to consider how you'll get from Point A to Point B with your little ones in the stroller. There are a variety of double strollers available for parents with several children. We tested tandem strollers that feature either front-facing or side-by-side seats so that children can communicate with each other while they cruise along. Many tandem strollers work with infant car seats as well as standard child stroller chairs. They also feature high-low seating that lets both children see their surroundings.
The majority of our tandem strollers fold up easily and are compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car or storage at home. Some tandem strollers require you to take off the seat to fold them. This is common with side by side strollers. However, this decreases the overall storage capacity. It is important to take this into consideration when deciding on the best model. Also, make sure you know the dimensions of the doors that you'll need to pass the stroller through.
A majority of our top tandems offer an easy-to-fold mechanism that can be operated with one hand and adjustable reclining in both seats and a large canopy that protects children from sun and wind. These tandems also have parent cup holders as well as onboard storage for snacks or gear and brakes that are easily accessible. They also come with an extremely sturdy handlebar as well as break points that are easy to reach. Many models can be used with piggyback attachments for ride-along boards that allow older children and toddlers to enjoy the ride.
If you're looking to save some cash on a new tandem stroller, be sure to research second-hand options on the internet. There are second-hand double strollers for a fraction the price of new models on online marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist. Make sure to inspect the stroller for loose and rusty screws and also any recalls. It's well worth the effort to find a good deal on a stroller for your family that will last for many years.