Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
Many parents who carry two kids around town discover that the tandem double stroller essential. These strollers are sturdy enough to withstand the most difficult surfaces, and comfortable for a toddler as well as an infant in the car seat.
Testers appreciate the fact that the stroller folds to a slim profile with one hand. It offers plenty of storage space for both children and adults.
Adjustable Recline
This stroller is an excellent option for those who want a stroller to grow with your family. It's a single stroller but can be equipped with another seat, a jump seat, or stand-on board for older children. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, so 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 canopies are large and have a well-placed peekaboo view. The seats also recline to a level. However, they require two hands to bring them back up.
Another advantage is that it can fit through most doorways--though it may be too big for some trunks, based on your vehicle. This tandem double stroller has a one point fold, which is different from other strollers which require you lift a canopy or seat in order to fold. Instead, it utilizes the strap which is pulled and then lifted. It also stands when folded, which is useful to transport and store. However, its buckles can be a little difficult to fasten, especially with the car seat attached, and it's also a bit expensive for a double stroller.
The Graco DuoGlider makes a great option for families with two children, a toddler and an infant. It has a huge storage basket, a recline that can be adjusted on both seats (although only the front seat goes down about half way) as well as good padding for the harnesses. In our tests it was among the most comfortable seats for kids and adults--even those over 6'. Its length could be a problem in tight spaces, and also when trying to manage groceries and children.
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 or with an additional child seat that is sold separately. Both seats come with a wide recline and a footrest that is adjustable. They also come with a UPF 50+ canopy that features a large windows for peekaboo. The front seat can be flipped to face the rear which allows older children to see each other better. It's only downside is that it can't fit two infant car seats simultaneously which means it's not suitable for twins or siblings of the same age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your kids to be screaming and whining entire time, then you need a double stroller with the capacity to cover both seats. The most effective tandem strollers come with a UPF 50+ canopy that extends far enough to provide real shade, and also has a peekaboo window for each seat. For easy pushing, you also need large wheels and a high-quality suspension. After spending more than 100 hours evaluating 17 tandem strollers at the zoo during stroller-enabled classes and while running errands and even trick-or-treating, it was our experience that side-byside options, such as the Chicco BravoFor2 and Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller were more efficient than inline models with regard to maneuverability. They were more easy to turn and fit through standard doorways than most other models.
In addition to the comfort, convenience features and ease of use, you'll also want to look into whether the tandem stroller is able to accommodate your family's needs. If you are a frequent user of public transportation, or need to carry a lot of luggage and other gear you should look for a model that has large storage bins and a bumper bar that can fold under the stroller.
It is also important to consider the length of time you'll use the stroller. For the majority of families, a quality double stroller can last from newborn through toddlerhood and possibly even beyond. It's worth it to spend more upfront on a stroller that you can use for a few years.
If you're a frequent traveler, you might want to look for a stroller that can fold flat or on one foot. The best tandem strollers are easy to fold down, making them ideal for families on moving.
If you're thinking about having a second child, the type of stroller you pick will have a major impact on your lifestyle and budget. Whether best double stroller want a side-by-side or inline model, there are a lot of options to suit your needs.
One-Point Fold
Expert stroller reviewers have one key requirement when it comes to purchasing a tandem double stroller. It has to be easy to fold and unfold. This is particularly important because tandem strollers are generally larger than single strollers, and can feel top-heavy when being driven. They also require more space in your car trunk than a single stroller would.
The best tandem double strollers feature a single point fold that is easy to use. Many tandem double strollers include an automatic lock that stops the stroller from folding when it is in use. This is a great security feature, particularly for children who are small in the front seat.
If you're planning to use a tandem to transport children in car seat, you should choose a model that is side-by-side instead of one that is reversible. Reversible strollers let you place your infant in front while placing your older child in the back. However, it might be difficult for you to reach your child from the rear while the stroller moves.
Another consideration is the width of the tandem stroller. The width of most double strollers is larger than that of single strollers. This could affect how it can fit through the doors of your home. Standard doorways are between 30 and 36 inches wide, so make sure to measure them prior to purchasing a tandem stroller.
If you're looking for a versatile stroller that works well with two car seats for infants look into the Contours Options Elite V2. This double stroller comes with seven seating options with stadium-style seats that are ideal for twins. It also fits most infant car seats. It comes with many great features, including reversible seats adjustable footrests and a zippered extension on both canopy. It's also very affordable and has received excellent reviews from parents. The only drawback is that it does not recline at the back, which can be an issue for children who nap. It comes with an ample storage bin as well as a parent tray that is covered and has cup holders. This is still a great option for families with children.
Easy Assembly
If you're surprised to learn that you're expecting twins or you were expecting a second child on the way, as you planned, it's time to consider the best way to get from Point A to Point B with your little ones in your arms. A double stroller is essential for parents of more than one child and there are many types to pick from. We tested tandem strollers with either side-by-side or front-facing seats to allow children to see each other and interact while they cruise along. They also accommodate infant car seats as well as standard stroller seats, and many have high-low seating, which gives both kids a full view of their surroundings.
Most of our tandem stroller choices 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 remove the seat in order to fold them. This is common for side by side strollers. However, this reduces their storage capacity overall. It is crucial to consider this when deciding on the best model. Also, make sure to check the dimensions of the doors that you'll need to traverse the stroller.
A majority of our top tandems come with the ability to fold with one hand and adjustable recline for both seats and an enormous canopy to protect children from sun and wind. They also offer parent cup holders as well as onboard storage for snacks and gear along with brakes that are easy to reach, and a sturdy handlebar that feels comfortable to hold when pushing. Many models can accommodate piggyback ride-along boards which allow older children to join in on the fun, making them a great option for families growing with toddlers and school-aged kids.
If you're looking to save money on your new tandem stroller, be sure to check out the used models available online. There are second-hand double strollers for less than new models on marketplaces such as Facebook and Craigslist. Make sure to check for loose screws, rust and look up any recalls that could be in effect prior to purchasing. It's worth the extra effort to find a great bargain on a stroller which will last for a long time.