Tandem Double Stroller: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
A tandem double stroller can be lifesaver for parents who have to lug two kids around the city. These are sturdy enough to handle most surfaces and are comfortable for an infant in a car seat and an active toddler.
Testers like the ease of folding this stroller to a slim profile by using one hand. It has plenty of storage space for children and adults.
Adjustable Recline
If you're looking for a stroller that can expand with your family, this one is a great choice. It can be set up as a single-seater model, and then it can be outfitted with the option of a jump seat or a stand-on board to accommodate older children. It is easy to control and push for taller parents. The rear suspension and air-filled tires also allow for jogging with ease. The canopies are spacious and have a well-placed peekaboo view. The seats can also recline almost flat. However, they require two hands to bring them back up.
It can also fit through most doors, although it may be too big for certain trunks based on the vehicle. Contrary to many tandem double strollers, which require you to lift a seat or canopy to fold it, this one has one-point fold which requires pulling a strap and lifting. It can be folded and stored standing up. However, the buckles are a bit difficult to fasten when you have a car seat attached. It's also a bit expensive for a double stroller.
The Graco DuoGlider is a solid option for families with a toddler and infant. It comes with a huge storage basket, an adjustable recline in both seats (although the front seat only reclines to approximately half way down) as well as a decent amount of padding on the harnesses. In our testing it was among the most comfortable for both adults and children, even for those who are taller than 6'. The only drawback is that its length can make it a pain to maneuver in tight spaces or when juggling kids and groceries.
A top choice among tandem strollers that are budget-friendly The Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double can be used as early as birth with the included infant car seat adapter, or with a second toddler seat, that is available separately. Both seats have a deep recline, a footrest that can be adjusted as well as a UPF 50+ canopy with large windows that peek out. The front seat can be turned to face the rear so that older children can see each other better. The only drawback is that it's unable to fit two infant car seats at once which means it's not suitable for twins or siblings of a similar age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your children to scream and yell for hours on end it is essential to have a stroller that has a canopy that is big enough to fit both seats. The most effective tandem strollers come with UPF50+ canopy that reaches far enough to offer real shade. They also come with windows that peek out from each seat. Also, you need a sturdy suspension and large wheels to make them easy to push. After testing 17 tandem strollers over 100 hours at the zoo, and 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 proved to be more stable in terms of maneuverability than inline models. They were more maneuverable and fit through standard doors than other models.
You'll want to think about whether the tandem stroller will be adapted to your family's needs and comfort and convenience features. For example If you regularly use public transport or be able to carry a large amount of gear and luggage, look for an option with a large storage basket and an adjustable bumper bar that folds down under the stroller for transport.
It is also important to consider the length of time you intend to use the stroller. For most families, a good double stroller should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood and possibly even beyond. It's worth spending more in the beginning on a stroller you can use for several years.
If you frequently travel, you might want to select one that can be folded flat or by using just one foot. The most efficient tandem strollers can fold down in a matter of seconds, making them ideal for families on the go.
The style of stroller that you choose will affect your budget and lifestyle when you are considering adding the child. There are a variety of options available depending on whether you're looking to purchase an inline or side-by-side stroller. an inline stroller.
One-Point Fold
Expert stroller reviewers have a key requirement when it comes to purchasing a tandem double stroller: It must be simple to fold and unfold. This is especially important because tandem strollers tend to be larger than single strollers and they can feel heavy being carried. They also take up more storage space in your car trunk than a single stroller would.
The best tandem double strollers provide an easy-to-use fold at one point. Many also include an automatic lock, which prevents the stroller from folding once open or in use. This is a safety feature to consider especially when your child is sitting in the front seat.
If you're planning to use a tandem stroller to transport your children in a car seat, it's better to opt for a model that's side-by-side rather than one that is reverse-able. Reversible strollers allow you to place your infant in front while placing your older child behind. However, it can be difficult for you to reach the child in the rear as the stroller moves.
The size of the tandem stroller is crucial. Most double strollers are larger than single strollers, and the width can impact whether or not it can pass through the doors of your home. Doors are typically between 30 and 36 inches wide, so make sure to measure these before purchasing a tandem stroller.
If you're in search of a flexible stroller that can be used with two car seats for infants take a look at the Contours Options Elite V2. This double stroller has seven different stadium-style seating configurations which are perfect for twins, and it can also fit most 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 very affordable, and parents have given excellent reviews. The only downside is that it does not recline at the back, which can be a problem for napping kids. It does have an ample storage bin as well as a tray for parents which is covered and includes cup holders. double stroller with car seat is still a great option for most families.
Easy Assembly
It doesn't matter if were surprised to learn that you are expecting twins, or were aware that you would be having an additional child in the future as you had planned. You need to consider how you will get your children from A to B. A double stroller is an essential item for parents of multiple children, and there are several types to choose from. We tested tandem strollers that have seats facing each other or side-by-side so that children can interact and see each other while they move. They also accommodate infant car seat and standard child stroller seats, and a lot are built with high-low seating that gives both kids a full view of their surroundings.
The majority of our tandem strollers fold up easily and are compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car or into your home storage. Some require you to remove the second seat to fold them (this is typical for side-by-side strollers) and this reduces their storage capacity by somewhat. This is something to keep in mind when choosing the perfect model, and also taking note of the dimensions of any doors that you'll need to get the stroller through.
In addition to a one-handed fold one-handed fold, many of our top tandem picks come with adjustable reclining for both seats and an expansive canopy to protect your children from the sun and wind. They also have cup holders and storage onboard for snacks and equipment, plus easy-to-reach brakes and a sturdy bar that feels comfortable to hold when pushing. Many models are compatible with piggyback attachments for ride-along boards that allow older siblings and toddlers to enjoy the fun.
If you're looking to save some money on a new tandem stroller, make sure to look into second-hand options on the internet. There are a myriad of used double strollers on marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist that you can purchase at a fraction of the price of the new models. Be sure to check the stroller for rust and loose screws, as well as any recalls. It's well worth the effort to find a great deal on a stroller for your family that will last for many years.