Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
A tandem double stroller can be lifesaver for parents who have to carry two children around the city. These are sturdy enough to withstand the most difficult surfaces and comfortable for both an infant in a car seat and a curious toddler.
Testers love the fact that this stroller folds into a slim silhouette by using one hand. It also has a large amount of storage space onboard for both adults and children.
Adjustable Recline
If you're looking for a stroller that will adapt to your family's needs, this one is a great choice. It starts out as a single stroller and can be outfitted with an additional seat, a jump seat, or stand-on board for older kids. It features 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 also). The canopy is large and feature a well-placed peekaboo window. The seats also recline nearly flat. But, they do require two hands to get them back up.
It is also able to fit through most doors, but it may be too large for certain trunks based on the vehicle. This double stroller comes with one point fold, unlike most, that require you to lift a canopy or seat to fold. Instead, it uses an elastic strap that can be pulled and then lifted. It also folds when folded, which is useful for storage and transport. However, the buckles are somewhat difficult to secure when you have a car seat attached, and it's also a bit expensive 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, a recline that can be adjusted on both seats (although only the front seat reclines about half way) and a comfortable padding for the harnesses. In our tests, it was one of the most comfortable options for kids and adults--even those over 6'. Its length can be a challenge in tight areas and when juggling children and groceries.
A top pick among tandem strollers with a budget that is the Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double can be used from birth using the included infant car seat adapter, or with a second toddler seat which is sold separately. double travel buggy have a deep recline as well as a footrest that can be adjusted. They also have a UPF 50+ canopy that has large peekaboo window. The front seat can be turned around to face the back which allows older children to see each other better. It's only downside is that it's not able to accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously, so it won't work for twins or siblings of the same age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your children to be screaming and whining the entire time you should consider a double stroller that has an ample canopy that can fit both seats. The best tandem double strollers come with a UPF50+ canopy that extends far enough to offer real shade. They also have windows that can be opened for peekaboo from each seat. For easy pushing you'll also need large wheels and a sturdy suspension. After 100-plus hours testing 17 tandem strollers at the zoo during stroller-enabled classes, 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 inline models in terms of maneuverability. They were more maneuverable and fit through doors that are standard than other models.
You'll need to consider whether the tandem stroller is able to accommodate your family's lifestyle, in addition to features that are comfortable and convenient. For example, if you frequently ride public transportation or need to be able to carry lots of luggage and gear choose a model with a large storage basket and a bumper bar that folds down under the stroller for transport.
Another thing to consider is how long you plan to use the stroller for. For most families, a good double stroller should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood, and possibly even after. So, it's worth spending more upfront if you know that you'll be able to use the stroller for a few years at least.
If you're a frequent traveler, you might want to select one that can be folded flat, or even with one foot. The top tandem double strollers are easy to fold down, making them ideal for families on the go.
The type of stroller you choose can have a big impact on your budget and lifestyle if are thinking about adding a child. Whether you want a side-by-side or an inline model, there are lots of options to suit your needs.
One-Point Fold
Expert stroller reviewers have one key requirement when it comes to buying a tandem double stroller: It must be simple to fold and unfold. This is crucial because tandem strollers are typically 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 top tandem double strollers feature one-point folds that are easy to use. Many tandem double strollers include an automatic lock that prevents the stroller folding while it is in use. This is a security feature you should think about particularly if your child is in the front seat.
If you are planning to use a tandem stroller to transport children in car seats, it's best to choose a side-by-side model instead of one that is reversible. Reversible strollers allow you to place your infant in front while placing your older child behind. However, it might be difficult to reach your child in the rear while the stroller moves.
Another thing to consider is the size of the tandem stroller. Double strollers tend to be larger than single strollers, and the width can impact whether or not it can pass through the doors of your home. Check your doors' typical width between 30 and 36 inches width before buying a tandem stroller.
If you're in search of a flexible stroller that works well with two car seats for infants look into the Contours Options Elite V2. This double stroller has seven different stadium-style seating configurations which are perfect for twins, and it can also accommodate most infant car seats. It has plenty of great features such as reclined seating, adjustable footrests, and zippered extensions for both canopies. It's also very affordable and has received rave reviews from parents. The only issue is that it does not recline in the back, which can be problematic for kids who are napping. However, it does have a large storage basket and a covered parent tray with cup holders. This is a great choice for families with children.
Easy Assembly
Whether you were shocked to discover you're expecting twins or had a second baby on the way, as you planned, now is the time to consider the best way to get from Point A to Point B with your kids in your arms. There are many different types of double strollers for parents with more than one child. We tested tandem strollers with either front-facing or side-by-side seats so that children can be in contact with each other and have fun while cruising along. They also have a baby car seats and standard stroller seats, and many have high-low seating that gives both children a complete view of 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 require you to remove the second seat to fold them (this is common for side-byside strollers) and this can reduce their overall storage capacity slightly. It is important to take this into consideration when choosing the right model. Also, be sure to check the dimensions of the doorways you'll have to pass the stroller through.
A majority of our top tandems have a one-handed folding mechanism, as well as adjustable reclining in both seats and a large canopy that protects children from sun and wind. They also have cup holders and onboard storage for snacks and gear as well as brakes that are easy to reach and a sturdy bar that is comfortable to hold when pushing. Many models are able to accommodate piggyback boards that let older siblings join in the fun which makes them a great option for families with preschoolers and children in school.
If you're looking for ways to save money on a new tandem stroller, make sure to research second-hand options on the internet. You can find used double strollers at less than new models on marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist. Be sure to examine the stroller for loose and rusty screws and any recalls. It's well worth the effort to find a good deal on a stroller for your family members that will last many years.