Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
A tandem double stroller can be a lifesaver for parents who have to carry two children around the city. These strollers are sturdy 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 be folded into a slim silhouette with only one hand is a big advantage for testers. It's got plenty of storage space, both for adults and children.
Adjustable Recline
This stroller is a great option if you're looking for a stroller to grow with your family. It starts out as an individual stroller, but can be fitted with a second seat, jump seat or stand-on boards for older kids. It is easy to steer and push for taller parents. The rear suspension and air-filled tires also allow for jogging with ease. The canopies are large and feature a well-placed peekaboo window. The seats also recline nearly flat. However, they need two hands to bring them back up.
It can also be accessed 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 lifting the canopy or seat to fold it, this one has a one-point fold that involves pulling a strap and then lifting. It can be folded and stored standing up. However, its buckles can be a little difficult to fasten, especially with the car seat in place, and it's also on the pricey side for a double stroller.
The Graco DuoGlider makes a great choice for families who have one child and a toddler. It has a large storage basket, an adjustable recline on both seats (although only the front seat reclines to about halfway) as well as excellent padding for the harnesses. It was the most comfortable car seat for both children and adults alike, even for those who are over 6 feet tall. The only issue is that its size can cause it to be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, or when carrying groceries and kids.
A top choice among tandem strollers that are budget-friendly, 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 which is sold separately. Both seats have a deep recline, a footrest that can be adjusted as well as a UPF 50+ canopy with large windows that peek out. The front seat can be flipped to face the rear which allows older children to see each other better. The only downside is that it can't fit two infant car seats simultaneously, so it's not an ideal choice for twins or siblings who are similar in age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your kids to be screaming and whining the all the time you should consider a double stroller that has an ample canopy that can fit both seats. The most effective tandem strollers come with UPF50+ canopy that extends far enough to provide real shade. They also come with peekaboo windows for each seat. For easy pushing you'll also need large wheels and a good suspension. After 100-plus hours testing 17 tandem strollers at the zoo, during stroller-enabled classes and while running errands and trick-or-treating, we found that side-by-side models, 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 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 is able to meet the needs of your family, in addition to convenience and comfort features. If you're frequent users of public transportation or have to carry a lot of luggage and other gear, then look for an option that comes with an ample storage bin as well as a bumper bar which can be folded down under the stroller.
Another consideration is how long you plan to use the stroller for. A quality double stroller can be used by most families from the time their child is born to toddlerhood and beyond. So, it's worth spending more in the beginning if you are certain that you'll be able to use the stroller for a few years at a minimum.
If you're a frequent traveler, you may want to choose a model which can be folded flat, or even with one foot. The best tandem strollers are easy to fold down, making them ideal for families on the move.
If you're thinking about adding a second child to your family, the style of stroller you choose will have a significant impact on your budget and lifestyle. Whether you 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 important requirement prior to purchasing a tandem double stroller: It has to be simple to fold and unfold. This is crucial because tandem strollers are typically larger than single strollers and can feel heavy when being carried. They also have more storage space in your car trunk than a single stroller.
The top tandem double strollers feature one-point folds that are simple to use. Many also include an automatic lock that stops the stroller from folding while open or in use. This is a safety feature, especially when you have children in the front seat.
If you are planning to use a tandem stroller to transport children in car seats, it's recommended to select a side-by-side model rather than one that is reversible. Get the facts allows you to place your infant in front while placing your older child in the back, but it may be difficult to reach the infant in the rear seat while the stroller is in motion and may not provide as much sun coverage as a side-byside model.
The size of the tandem stroller is also crucial. The width of most double strollers is greater than the single strollers. This can affect whether it can be pushed through your doorway. Doors are typically between 30 and 36 inches wide, so be sure to measure them prior to you buy a tandem stroller.
If you're in search of a flexible stroller that is compatible with two infant car seats, consider the Contours Options Elite V2. This double stroller has seven stadium-style seating options which are ideal for twins. It also accommodates most infant carseats. It has plenty of great features such as the ability to reversibly seat as well as adjustable footrests and zip-up extensions on both canopies. It is also very affordable and parents have given excellent reviews. It's only downside is it doesn’t recline at the back. This could be a problem if your child is napping. However, it has an ample storage basket as well as a tray for parents that is covered with cup holders. This is still a great option for families with children.
Easy Assembly
It doesn't matter whether you were shocked to discover that you are expecting twins, or knew you would have another child in the same way as you planned. You need to consider how you will get your children from A to B. A double stroller is a must-have for parents with more than one child and there are a variety of models to pick from. We tested tandem strollers with seats that face each other, or side-by-side so that children can interact and see each other while on the move. Many tandem strollers work with infant car seats as well as standard child stroller chairs. They also feature high-low seating which allows both children to see their surroundings.
The majority of our tandem strollers fold easily and are small enough to fit into the trunk of your car or in storage at home. Some require you to remove the second seat to fold them (this is typical for side-by-side strollers) and this reduces their overall storage capacity slightly. It is crucial to consider this when selecting the best model. Also, be sure to check the dimensions of the doorways you will need to traverse the stroller.
Many of our top tandems come with an easy-to-fold mechanism that can be operated with one hand, as well as adjustable reclining in both seats and an enormous canopy to protect children from sun and wind. These tandems also feature parent cup holders, onboard storage for food or gear, and brakes that are easily accessible. They also come with a sturdy handlebar and easily accessible breaks. Many models can be used with piggyback ride-along boards that allow older children and toddlers to enjoy the fun.
Check out used tandem strollers on the internet if you want to save money on the purchase. You can find a wide selection of used double strollers on marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist that can be purchased at a fraction of the cost of new models. Be sure to look for loose screws, rust and look up any possible recalls prior to purchasing. It's worth the effort to find a decent deal on a stroller for your family members that will last many years.