Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
A tandem double stroller is a godsend for parents who need to lug two kids around the city. These strollers are sturdy enough to take on most surfaces, and are comfortable for a toddler and an infant in the car seat.
The fact that the stroller can fold into a slim silhouette with just one hand is a big advantage for testers. It also has a generous amount of storage onboard for kids and adults.
Adjustable Recline
If you're looking for a stroller that can adapt to your family's needs this is a great choice. It's designed as an individual stroller, but can be outfitted with an additional seat, a jump seat, or stand-on board for older children. It is easy to steer and push for even taller parents. The rear suspension and the air-filled tires make jogging a breeze. The canopies that separate them are huge with well-placed peekaboo windows. the seats recline to nearly flat, although they do require two hands to set back up.
It can also fit through most doors, though it might be too big for certain trunks, based on the vehicle. Unlike most tandem double strollers that require you to lift a seat or canopy to fold it, this one features an easy fold that requires pulling a strap and then lifting. It also stands when folded, which is convenient to transport and store. Its buckles can be difficult to fasten with the car seat attached.
The Graco DuoGlider makes a great option for families with a toddler and an infant. It has a spacious storage basket, adjustable recline in both seats (although the front seat only goes to about half way down) as well as a decent amount of padding on the harnesses. It's the most comfortable car seat for children and adults alike, including those who are more than 6 feet tall. The only drawback is that its length can make it a pain to maneuver in tight spaces or when juggling kids and groceries.
The Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double is the top option among strollers with a budget. It can be used with an infant car seat adapter included or with another child seat that is sold separately. Both seats feature a deep recline, an adjustable footrest and an UPF 50+ canopy with large peekaboo windows. The front seat can also be turned to face the rear, allowing older children to communicate with each other better. It's only downside is that it's unable to fit two infant car seats at once and therefore won't work for twins or siblings of the same age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your kids to be screaming and whining the entire time, then you need a double stroller with an ample canopy that can fit both seats. The top tandem strollers come with a UPF50+ canopy that is large enough to provide shade, and also has an open window for each seat. You also need a good suspension and big wheels to make them easy to push. After testing 17 tandem strollers for 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 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 as well as comfort and convenience features. For example If you regularly use public transportation or need to be able to carry a lot of luggage and gear choose a model with a large storage basket and an adjustable bumper bar that folds down under the stroller to make it easier to transport.
Another factor to consider is how long you plan to use the stroller for. A good double stroller will last for a lot of families from the time their child is born to toddlerhood and beyond. So, it's worth spending more upfront if that you'll be able to use the stroller for a couple of years at least.
If you are a frequent traveler you might want to select a model which can be folded flat, or even with one foot. The best tandem double strollers can be folded down in a matter of seconds, which makes them ideal for families on the go.
The type of stroller you choose will have a significant impact on your budget and lifestyle if are thinking about adding children. 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 reviewers have one important requirement prior to buying a tandem double stroller. It has to be easy to fold and unfold. This is particularly important since tandem strollers are typically larger than single strollers and may feel heavy when being carried. They also require more space in your car trunk than a single stroller.
The best tandem double strollers offer an easy-to-use fold at one point. Many also include an automatic lock that stops the stroller from folding once open or in use. This is a safety feature that you should consider particularly when your child is in the front seat.
If you're planning to use a tandem to transport children in a car seat, you should opt for a model that's side-by-side rather than one that is reversible. Reversible strollers let you place your infant in front and your older child behind. However, it may be difficult to reach the child in the rear while the stroller is moving.
Another factor to consider is the width of the tandem stroller. The width of many double strollers is larger than single strollers. This can affect whether it can be pushed through your doorway. Measure your standard doorways between 30 and 36 inches width prior to purchasing a tandem stroller.
If you're looking for a versatile stroller that works well with two infant car seats take a look at the Contours Options Elite V2. This double stroller features seven seating options with stadium-style seats that are perfect for twins. It also fits most infant car seats. It is packed with a myriad of features including reversible seats, adjustable footrests, and a zippered extension of both canopies. It is also very affordable and parents have given positive reviews. It's only flaw is that it doesn't recline at the back. This can be a problem when your child is napping. It does have a large storage bin and an adult tray that's covered and comes with cup holders. This is still a great option for families with children.
Easy Assembly
Whether you were shocked to discover you're expecting twins or you had a second baby in the pipeline as planned, now is the time to consider how you'll get from Point A to Point B with your little ones in tow. There are a myriad of types of double strollers that are suitable for parents with multiple children. We test tandem strollers that have either front-facing or side-by-side seats so that kids can communicate with each other while cruising along. Many tandem strollers are compatible with infant car seats as well as standard child stroller chairs. They also feature high-low seating, which lets both children see their surroundings.
Most of our tandem stroller choices fold easily and are small enough to fit in the trunk of your car, or in storage at home. However, double push chair require you to remove the second seat in order to fold them (this is common for side-byside strollers) and this can reduce their storage capacity by a bit. It is important to take this into consideration when selecting the best model. Also, be sure you know the dimensions of the doorways you'll have to take the stroller through.
A majority of our top tandems offer a one-handed folding mechanism with an adjustable recline in both seats as well as an enormous canopy to protect children from the sun and wind. These tandems also come with parent cup holders, onboard storage for snacks or gear and brakes that are easy to reach. They also have a sturdy handlebar and easy-to-reach breaks. Many models accommodate piggyback ride-along boards that allow older children to join in on the fun making them a good option for families growing with school-aged children and toddlers.
If you're looking to save money on your new tandem stroller, make sure to look into used options online. You can find a wide selection of used double strollers on marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist that you can purchase for a fraction of the cost of most new models. Be sure to examine the stroller for rust and loose screws and also any recalls. It's worth the effort to find a great deal on a stroller for your family members that will last many years.