Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
A tandem double stroller can be lifesaver for parents who have to lug two kids around the city. They are strong enough to handle most surfaces, and are comfortable for a toddler as well as an infant in the car seat.
The fact that the stroller can fold into a slim profile using just one hand is a huge plus for testers. It offers plenty of storage space for both children and adults.
Adjustable Recline
If you're looking for a stroller that will grow with your family this is a great option. It's designed as a single stroller and can be fitted with an additional seat, a jump seat, or stand-on board for older kids. It features 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 running easy also). The canopies are large and have well-placed peekaboo window. The seats also recline nearly flat. However, they require two hands to bring them back up.
It can also fit through most doors, but it might be too big for certain trunks, based on the vehicle. In contrast to most tandem double strollers that require you to lift a canopy or seat to fold it, this one has one-point fold which requires pulling a strap and lifting. It also stands when folded, which is handy to transport and store. It's buckles can be difficult to fasten with the car seat attached.
The Graco DuoGlider makes a great choice for families who have 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 can be reclined about half way), and good padding for the harnesses. In our testing, it was one of the most comfortable for both adults and children, even for those over 6'. Its length can be a challenge in tight spaces, and also when trying to manage groceries and children.
A top choice among budget-friendly tandem strollers, the Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double can be used as early as birth with the infant car seat adapter or with a second toddler seat, that is available separately. Both seats feature a deep recline, an adjustable footrest, and a UPF 50+ canopy with large windows that peek out. The front seat can also be flipped to face the rear, allowing older children to communicate with each other better. The only downside is that it can't accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously which means it's not suitable for twins or siblings of a similar age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your children to be screaming and whining the duration of the day it is best to get a double stroller with an ample canopy that can fit both seats. The most effective tandem strollers come with a UPF50+ canopy that is large enough to provide real shade, and also has a peekaboo window for each seat. Also, you need a sturdy suspension and big wheels to make them easy to push. After testing 17 tandem strollers for more than 100 hours at the zoo and during stroller-enabled classes as well as running errands and trick-or treating, we found side-by-side options like the Chicco BravoFor2 or Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller proved to be more stable in terms of maneuverability than inline models. They were easier to turn and could be inserted into doors with standard openings than other models.
You'll need to think about whether the tandem stroller can accommodate your family's lifestyle as well as features that are comfortable and convenient. If twin pushchair from birth are a frequent user of public transportation, or need to carry a lot of gear and luggage and other items, then you should consider models that have large storage bins and a bumper bar that can be folded under the stroller.
Another factor to consider is how long you plan to use the stroller. For most families, a high-quality double stroller will last from newborn through toddlerhood and possibly even beyond. It's worth investing more in the beginning if you are certain you'll be able to use the stroller for a couple of years at the very least.
If you frequently travel, you may want to choose a model which can be folded flat, or even with one foot. The best tandem double strollers are simple to fold down, which makes them perfect for families on the go.
If you're thinking of adding a second child to your family, the type of stroller you choose will have a huge impact on your lifestyle and budget. If you're looking for a side-by-side or an inline model, there are a lot of great options to meet your requirements.
One-Point Fold
Expert stroller reviews have one requirement when buying a double tandem stroller: it must be easy to fold and unfold. This is particularly important because tandem strollers tend to be larger than single strollers, and can be heavy when driven. They also take more space in your trunk than a single stroller.
The best tandem double strollers come with an easy-to-use one-point fold. A lot of tandem double strollers have an automatic lock that stops the stroller folding while it is open or in use. This is a safety feature, particularly if you have small children in the front seat.
If you're planning to use a tandem stroller to transport children in car seat, it's better to opt for a model that's side-by-side rather than one that is convertible. A reversible stroller allows you to seat your infant in front while placing your older child in the back, however it's not easy to reach the infant in the rear seat when the stroller is in motion and may not provide the same amount of sun exposure as the side-by-side model.
Another factor to consider is the width of the tandem stroller. The width of many double strollers is larger than the single strollers. This will affect whether it can fit through the doors of your home. Take measurements of your doorways' standard between 30 and 36 inches width prior to purchasing a tandem stroller.
If you're looking for a multi-functional stroller that works well with two car seats for infants take a look at the Contours Options Elite V2. This double stroller has seven different stadium-style seating options that are ideal for twins and can also fit the majority of infant car seats. It is packed with a myriad of features like reversible seats, adjustable footrests, and a zippered extension on both canopies. It's also very affordable and parents have given excellent reviews. The only downside is that it does not recline at the back, which could be a problem for napping kids. However, it has a large storage basket and a covered tray for parents with cup holders. This is still a good choice for most families.
Easy Assembly
It doesn't matter if you were shocked to learn that you are expecting twins, or knew you would have an additional child in the future as you had planned. You need to think about how you will get your children from A to B. A double stroller is an essential item for parents with more than one child and there are many types to choose from. We tested tandem strollers that have seats that face each other or side-by-side so that children can interact and see each other while on the move. They also accommodate infant car seats as well as standard stroller seats, and many are built with high-low seating, which gives both kids a full view of their surroundings.
Most of our tandem strollers fold up easily and are compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car or into your home storage. Some tandem strollers require you to take off the seat in order to fold them. This is common for side by side strollers. However, this can reduce their storage capacity overall. This is something to keep in mind when choosing your ideal model, and also assessing the dimensions of any doors that you'll have to take the stroller through.
In addition to a one-handed fold most of our top tandem choices also offer adjustable reclining for both seats as well as large canopy that protects your children from sun and wind. These tandems also feature cup holders for parents and onboard storage for food or gear, and brakes that are easy to reach. They also have an extremely sturdy handlebar as well as easy-to-reach breaks. Many models accommodate piggyback boards that allow older children to join in on the fun making them a good option for families with school-aged children and toddlers.
Look for used tandem strollers for sale online if you want to save money on the purchase. You'll find a variety of used double strollers on marketplaces such as Facebook and Craigslist which can be bought at a fraction of cost of new models. Be sure to examine the stroller for loose and rusty screws, as well as any recalls. It's worth the effort to find a great bargain on a stroller which will last for many years.