Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
Many parents who schlep two kids around town find a tandem double stroller is essential. They are strong enough to withstand the most difficult surfaces, and comfortable for a toddler as well as an infant in the car seat.
Testers like the ease of folding this stroller into a slim silhouette using just one hand. It's got plenty of storage space for both children and adults.
Adjustable Recline
This stroller is a great choice if you want an option that can grow with your family. It starts out as an individual stroller, but can be fitted with another seat, a jump seat or stand-on board for older kids. It is easy to steer and push for even taller parents. The rear suspension and air-filled tires make jogging a breeze. The canopies are large and have a well-placed peekaboo view. The seats can also recline almost flat. But, they do require two hands to lift them back up.
It is also able to fit through most doors, although it might be too big for some trunks depending on the vehicle. In contrast to most tandem double strollers that require you to lift the canopy or seat to fold it, this one has a one-point fold that involves pulling a strap and then lifting. It also stands when folded, which is convenient to transport and store. However, its buckles can be a bit difficult to fasten when you have a car seat attached, and it's expensive for a dual stroller.
The Graco DuoGlider makes a great option for families with one child and a toddler. It has a large storage basket, an adjustable recline on both seats (although only the front seat reclines around half way) and a good padding on the harnesses. In our tests, it was one of the most comfortable for both adults and children, even for those who are taller than 6'. Its length could be a challenge in tight spaces and when you are juggling children and groceries.
The best option among tandem strollers with a budget, 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. Both seats have a deep recline and adjustable footrest. They also have a UPF 50+ canopy with a large peekaboo window. The front seat can be flipped around to face the back which allows older children to see each other more clearly. The only downside is that it can't fit two infant car seats simultaneously It's not a great fit for twins or siblings that are similar in 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 that has an ample canopy that can fit both seats. The best tandem double strollers have a UPF50+ canopy that is far enough to offer real shade. They also come with windows that peek out from each seat. You also need a good suspension and large wheels that make them easy to push. After testing 17 tandem strollers for more than 100 hours at the zoo and during stroller-enabled classes, completing errands and trick-or treating we discovered that side-by-side models such as the Chicco BravoFor2 or Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller were more efficient in terms of maneuverability than inline models. They were more maneuverable and fit through standard doors than other models.
You'll need to think about whether the tandem stroller is able to accommodate your family's lifestyle, in addition to comfort and convenience features. If you are a frequent user of public transportation or have to carry a lot of luggage and other gear and other items, then you should consider models that have large storage bins and a bumper bar which can fold under the stroller.
Another consideration is how long you plan to use the stroller for. For the majority of families, a high-quality double stroller can last from newborn through toddlerhood and possibly even beyond. It's worth spending more upfront on a stroller that you can use for several years.
Lastly, if you're a frequent traveler, you might want to look for a stroller that can fold flat or on one foot. The most efficient tandem strollers fold down in a matter of seconds, making them ideal for families who are constantly on the move.
The type of stroller you choose will have a big 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 a lot of great options to meet your requirements.
One-Point Fold
Expert stroller reviews include one requirement when purchasing a double tandem stroller: it must be easy for you to fold and unfold. This is crucial because tandem strollers are generally larger than single strollers and can feel heavy when being driven. They also have more storage space in your car trunk than a single stroller.
The top tandem double strollers feature a one-point fold that is easy to fold. Some also come with an automatic lock, which stops the stroller from folding when open or in use. This is a security feature to consider, especially when your child is in the front seat.
If you are planning to utilize a tandem stroller in order to transport children in car seats, it is recommended to select a side-by-side model instead of one that is reversible. A reversible stroller allows you to place your infant in front while putting your older child in the back, however it may be difficult to reach the infant in the rear seat when the stroller is in motion and might not provide enough sun protection as a side-by-side model.
The width of the tandem stroller is important. The width of most double strollers is greater than single strollers. This could affect how it will fit through your doorway. Measure your standard doorways between 30 and 36 inches width prior to purchasing a tandem stroller.
Contours Options Elite V2 is a stroller that can be used with two infant car seats. This double stroller features seven different seating options that are ideal for twins, and it can also fit most infant car seats. It has plenty of great features like the ability to reversibly seat with footrests that can be adjusted, as well as zip-up extensions on both canopies. It's also reasonably priced and has received rave reviews from parents. It's only flaw is that it's not reclined at the back. This could be a problem when your child is napping. However, it has an ample storage basket as well as a covered parent tray with cup holders. This is still a good option for most families.
Easy Assembly
Whether you were shocked to discover you're expecting twins or had baby number two on the way as scheduled, now is the time to consider the best way to get from Point A to Point B with your kids in tow. There are many different types of double strollers for parents with multiple children. We tested tandem strollers with seats that face each other, or side-by-side, so that children can interact and see each other while they are on the move. Many tandem strollers work with infant car seats and standard child stroller chairs. They also come with 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 in storage at home. However, some require you to remove the second seat to fold them (this is common for side-byside strollers) and this reduces their storage capacity by slightly. It's important to consider this when choosing the right model. Also, be sure you check the dimensions of the doors that you'll need to traverse the stroller.
Many of our top tandems come with an easy-to-fold mechanism that can be operated with one hand with an adjustable recline in both seats as well as a large canopy to shield children from sun and wind. They also have cup holders and onboard storage for food and other gear, plus easy-to-reach brakes and a sturdy bar that feels at ease to hold while pushing. Many models are compatible with piggyback attachments for ride-along boards that allow toddlers and older siblings to enjoy the ride.
If you're looking to save some money on your new tandem stroller, be sure to check out the used models available online. There are used best double stroller at only a fraction of the cost of new models on online marketplaces such as Facebook and Craigslist. Be sure to check the stroller for rust and loose screws and any recalls. It's worth the effort to find a great deal on a stroller that will last for many years.