Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
Many parents who have to carry two kids around town discover that 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 to a slim profile using just one hand. It also has a large amount of storage space onboard for adults and kids.
Adjustable Recline
If you're looking for a stroller that can adapt to your family's needs, this one is a great choice. It can be configured as a single-seater stroller and then it can be outfitted with a jump seat or stand-on board to accommodate older children. It features an adjustable handlebar, so even tall parents will find it easy to push and steer (and its rear suspension and three air-filled tires make jogging effortless as well). The separate canopies are large with a good-sized peekaboo window and the seats recline to nearly flat, although they do take two hands to put back up.
Another plus is that it can fit through most doorways--though it may be too big for some trunks, based on the car you drive. This double stroller comes with one point fold, unlike other strollers that require you to lift a canopy or seat in order to fold. Instead, it uses the strap which is pulled and lifted. It also folds when folded, which is handy for storage and transport. Its buckles can be difficult to fasten with the car seat attached.
The Graco DuoGlider makes a great option for families with one child and a toddler. It has a spacious storage basket, adjustable recline in both seats (although the front seat is only approximately halfway down) as well as a decent amount of padding on the harnesses. In our testing it was among the most comfortable seats for adults and children, even for those over 6'. The only drawback is that its length can make it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, or when juggling kids and groceries.
The best option among budget-friendly tandem strollers that is the Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double can be used from birth with the infant car seat adapter or with an additional toddler seat which is sold separately. Both seats feature a deep recline, an adjustable footrest as well as a UPF 50+ canopy with large peekaboo windows. The front seat can be turned to face the rear, allowing older children to see each other better. The only downside is that it can't fit two infant car seats simultaneously and therefore isn't an ideal choice for siblings or twins who are close in age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your children 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 have a UPF50+ canopy that extends far enough to offer real shade. They also come with windows that can be opened for peekaboo from each seat. For easy pushing you'll also need large wheels and a good suspension. After testing 17 tandem strollers for over 100 hours at the zoo as well as during stroller-enabled classes, running the errands, and trick-or-treating We found that side-by-side strollers like the Chicco BravoFor2 or Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller performed better in terms of maneuverability than inline models. They were easier to maneuver and fit through standard doors than other models.
You'll want to think about whether the tandem stroller is able to accommodate your family's lifestyle as well as comfort and convenience features. For example, if you frequently ride public transportation or be able to carry a large amount of gear and luggage, look for a model with a large storage basket and a bumper bar that folds under the stroller to transport it.
Another factor to consider is how long you intend to use the stroller. A quality double stroller can last for most families from the time your baby is born until toddlerhood and beyond. Therefore, it's worth paying more in the beginning if you are certain that you'll be able to use the stroller for a couple of years at a minimum.
If you are a frequent traveler you might want to select a model which can be folded flat, or even with one foot. The most efficient tandem strollers can be folded down in seconds, making them perfect for families on the go.
The type of stroller you choose can affect your budget and lifestyle when you are thinking about adding the child. Whether you want a side-by-side or an inline model, there are a lot of options to suit your needs.
One-Point Fold
Expert stroller reviews contain one thing you must look for when purchasing a double tandem stroller. It must be simple to fold and unfold. This is especially important because tandem strollers are typically larger than single strollers and can feel heavy when being carried. They also take up more space in your trunk than a single-stroller.
The best tandem double strollers have a single point fold that is easy to fold. A lot of them also have an automatic lock, which stops the stroller from folding when open or in use. This is a security feature that you should consider especially when your child is in the front seat.
If you're planning to use a tandem to transport children in car seat, it's better to select a model that's side-by-side, rather than one that's reverse-able. Reversible strollers allow you to place your infant in front while placing your older child behind. However, it may be difficult to reach your child from the rear as the stroller moves.
The size of the tandem stroller is also important. The majority of double stroller s are bigger than single strollers and the width can affect whether or not it will fit through the doors of your home. Check your doors' typical width between 30 and 36 inch width before buying a tandem stroller.
Contours Options Elite V2 is a stroller that can be used with two infant car seats. This double stroller features seven seating options with stadium-style seats that are ideal for twins. It also accommodates most infant car seats. It has plenty of great features such as reclined seating, adjustable footrests, and zip-up extensions on both canopies. It's also a great value and parents have given positive reviews. It's only downside is it doesn't recline at the back. This can be a problem when your child is napping. It does have an ample storage bin as well as an adult tray which is covered and includes cup holders. It's still a great choice for most families.
Easy Assembly
It doesn't matter whether you were surprised to learn that you are expecting twins, or if you knew you'd have another child in the same way as you planned. You must think about how you will take your children from A to B. There are a myriad of types of double strollers that are suitable for parents with more than one child. We tested tandem strollers that feature either side-by-side or front-facing seats so that kids can communicate with each other while cruising. Many tandem strollers work with infant car seats and standard stroller chairs for children. They also feature high-low seating that lets both children see their surroundings.
The majority of our tandem strollers fold easily and are compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car or into storage at home. Some tandem strollers require you to remove the seat in order to fold them. This is common with side-by-side strollers. However, this decreases their storage capacity overall. This is something to keep in mind when choosing the perfect model, as well as taking note of the dimensions of any doorways that you'll have to take the stroller through.
In addition to a one-handed fold most of our top tandem options come with adjustable reclining for both seats and large canopy that protects your kids from the elements of sun and wind. These tandems also feature cup holders for parents, onboard storage for snacks or gear, and brakes that are easy to access. They also have a sturdy handlebar and break points that are easy to reach. Many models can accommodate piggyback ride-along boards that let older siblings take part in the fun making them a good choice for growing families with toddlers and school-aged kids.
Find used tandem strollers online if you want to save money on the purchase. There are used double strollers at a fraction the price of new models on online marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist. Be sure to check the stroller for loose and rusty screws and any recalls. It's worth the effort to find a great bargain on a stroller that will last for many years.