Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
A tandem double stroller is a godsend for parents who have to carry two children around the city. These are sturdy enough to withstand the most difficult surfaces and comfortable for both an infant in a car seat and an active toddler.
The fact that the stroller folds into a slim silhouette with just one hand is a huge advantage for testers. It also has a generous amount of onboard storage for kids and adults.
Adjustable Recline
If you're looking for a stroller that can grow with your family, this one is a great choice. It can be set up as a single-seater stroller, and then it can be outfitted with the option of a jump seat or a stand-on board to accommodate older children. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, so even tall parents find it easy to push and steer (and its rear suspension and three air-filled tires make jogging effortless also). The canopies are large and feature a well-placed peekaboo window. single to double pushchair can also recline almost flat. However, they need two hands to get them back up.
It can also fit through most doors, although it may be too big for some trunks depending on the vehicle. Contrary to many tandem double strollers that require lifting a seat or canopy to fold it, this one comes with a one-point fold that involves pulling a strap and then lifting. It also folds when folded, which is convenient to transport and store. However, its buckles are somewhat difficult to secure when you have a car seat attached, and it's also on the pricey side for a dual stroller.
The Graco DuoGlider is a solid choice for families with a toddler and infant. It has a large storage basket, an adjustable recline on both seats (although only the front seat can be reclined to about half way) and a comfortable padding on the harnesses. In our tests, it was one of the most comfortable seats for adults and children, even for those who are taller than 6'. Its length could be a problem in tight spaces and when you are having to balance 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 another child seat that is sold separately. Both seats feature a deep recline as well as a footrest that can be adjusted. They also have a UPF 50+ canopy that features a large windows that peek out. The front seat can be flipped to face the back which allows older children to see each other better. The only downside is that it's not able to fit two infant car seats at once, so it won't work for twins or siblings of the same age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your kids to scream and whine for hours on end, you need a stroller with an umbrella that is large enough for both seats. The best tandem double strollers have a UPF 50+ canopy that extends far enough to provide shade and even has a peekaboo window for each seat. It also requires a high-quality suspension and large wheels to make them easy to push. After 100-plus hours testing 17 tandem strollers at the zoo, during stroller-enabled exercise classes, while running errands, and trick-or-treating, we found that side-by-side options, like the Chicco BravoFor2 and Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller were more efficient than models that are inline in terms of maneuverability. They were easier to turn and fit into standard doorways than most other models.
You'll need to think about whether the tandem stroller will accommodate your family's lifestyle, in addition to comfort and convenience features. If you're frequent users of public transportation, or have to carry a lot of gear and luggage you should look for an option that comes with an ample storage bin as well as a bumper bar which can be folded under the stroller.
You should also consider the length of time you intend to use the stroller for. A high-quality double stroller will be used by most families from the time that their child is born through to toddlerhood and beyond. It's worth spending more upfront on a stroller that you can use for at least a few years.
If you are a frequent traveler you might want to select a model which can be folded flat or with just one foot. The best tandem strollers are simple to fold down, making them ideal for families who are on the move.
If you're thinking of having a second child, the type of stroller you select will have a significant impact on your lifestyle and budget. If you're looking for a side by side or inline model, there are plenty of great options to meet your needs.
One-Point Fold
Expert stroller reviewers have one important requirement prior to purchasing a tandem double stroller. It has to be easy to fold and unfold. This is particularly important because tandem strollers are typically larger than single strollers and can feel top-heavy when being driven. They also have more storage space in your car trunk than a single stroller.
The best tandem double strollers offer an easy-to-use one-point fold. A lot of them also have an automatic lock that stops the stroller from folding once open or in use. This is a great security feature, especially when you have children in the front seat.
If you're planning to use a tandem stroller to transport children in a car seat, it's better to opt for a model that's side-by-side, rather than one that is reversible. Reversible strollers let you place your infant in front while placing your older child in back. However, it might be difficult for you to reach the child in the rear while the stroller is moving.
Another consideration is the width of the tandem stroller. Most double strollers are wider than single strollers, and the width will determine the likelihood that it will fit through the doors of your home. Doors that are standard sizes are between 30 and 36 inches wide, so make sure to measure these before you purchase a tandem stroller.
Contours Options Elite V2 is a stroller that can be used with two infant car seats. This double stroller has seven different stadium-style seating options that are ideal for twins and also accommodates most infant car seats. It comes with many great features like reversible seats, adjustable footrests, and a zippered extension of both canopies. It is also very affordable and parents have given it great reviews. The only drawback is that it's not reclined at the back. This can be a problem when your child is napping. However, it has an ample storage basket as well as a covered tray for parents with cup holders. This is a good option for the majority of families.
Easy Assembly
If you were shocked to discover that you're expecting twins or had a second baby in the pipeline as planned, now is the time to think about 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 with multiple children and there are several types to choose from. We tested tandem strollers with seats facing each other or side-by-side, so that children can interact and view each other while they move. They also support infant car seats as well as standard stroller seats, and a lot are designed with high-low seating to give both kids a full view of their surroundings.
The majority of our tandem stroller choices fold easily and are small enough to fit in the trunk of your car, or in storage at home. Some require you to remove the second seat to fold them (this is common with side-by-side strollers) and this can reduce their overall storage capacity a bit. It is important to take this into consideration when choosing the right model. Also, be sure you know the dimensions of the doorways you'll have to traverse the stroller.
In addition to a one-handed fold one-handed fold, many of our top tandem picks have adjustable reclining options for both seats as well as large canopy that protects your kids from sun and wind. These tandems also come with parent cup holders and onboard storage for snacks or other gear, and brakes that are easily accessible. They also come with an extremely sturdy handlebar as well as break points that are easy to reach. Many models are compatible with piggyback attachments for ride-along boards that allow toddlers and older siblings to enjoy the ride.
Look for used tandem strollers on the internet for a chance to save money on a purchase. You can find second-hand double strollers for less than new models on online marketplaces such as Facebook and Craigslist. Just be sure to check for rust, loose screws and search for any possible recalls before you make your purchase. It's worth the effort to find a fantastic deal on a stroller that will last for a long time.