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 sturdy enough to handle most surfaces and are comfortable for an infant in a car seat as well as an active toddler.
Testers love the fact that this stroller folds to a slim, sleek design with one hand. It offers plenty of storage space for both children and adults.
Adjustable Recline
This stroller is an excellent option for those who want an option that can grow with your family. It's designed as an individual stroller, but can be outfitted with an additional seat, a jump seat or stand-on board for older kids. It features an adjustable handlebar that lets even tall parents find it easy to push and steer (and its rear suspension and three air-filled tires make jogging easy, too). The canopies are spacious and feature a well-placed peekaboo window. The seats can also recline to a level. However, they need two hands to bring them back up.
Another plus is that it fits through most doorways--though it may be too big for some trunks, depending on the car you drive. This double stroller comes with one point fold, which is different from other strollers which require lifting a canopy or seat to fold. Instead, it has the strap which is pulled and then lifted. It can be folded and stored standing up. Its buckles can be a bit difficult to fasten with the car seat attached.
The Graco DuoGlider is a solid choice for families with a toddler and an infant. It has a large storage basket, adjustable recline on both seats (although only the front seat reclines around half way), and excellent padding on the harnesses. In our testing it was among the most comfortable options for adults and children, even for those over 6'. best double stroller is that its length could cause it to be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces or when you're trying to manage groceries and kids.
A top pick 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 an additional toddler seat that is available separately. Both seats have a deep recline as well as a footrest that can be adjusted. They also have a UPF 50+ canopy that features a large peekaboo window. The front seat can be flipped to face the back which allows older children to see each other more clearly. The only drawback is that it's not able to fit two infant car seats simultaneously and therefore won't work for twins or siblings of similar age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your kids to be screaming and whining duration of the day you should consider a double stroller that has an ample canopy that can fit both seats. The best tandem double strollers come with a UPF50+ canopy that reaches far enough to offer real shade. They also have windows that can be opened for peekaboo from each seat. To make it easy to push you'll need big wheels and a sturdy suspension. After 100-plus hours testing 17 tandem strollers at the zoo during stroller-enabled exercise classes as well as while running errands and during trick-or-treating, we discovered 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 for maneuverability. They were easier to turn and fit into doors with standard openings than other models.
You'll need to think about whether the tandem stroller will be adapted to your family's needs, in addition to convenience and comfort features. If you're frequent users of public transportation or have to carry a lot of gear and luggage you should look for a model that has large storage bins and a bumper bar that can be folded under the stroller.
You should also consider the length of time you'll use the stroller. A quality double stroller can last for most families from the time your child is born through to toddlerhood and beyond. So, it's worth spending more upfront if you'll use the stroller for a couple of years at the very least.
If you're a frequent traveler, you might want to search for a model that is able to fold flat or on one foot. The top tandem double strollers fold down in just seconds, making them perfect for families who travel.
The type of stroller you choose can affect your budget and lifestyle if are considering adding children. If you're looking for a side by side or an inline model, there are lots of options to suit your requirements.
One-Point Fold
Expert stroller reviewers have a essential requirement to purchasing a tandem double stroller: It has to be simple to fold and unfold. This is especially important because tandem strollers tend to be larger than single strollers and may feel heavy when being carried. They also take up more space in your trunk than a single stroller.
The best tandem double strollers come with an easy-to-use fold at one point. Many tandem double strollers have an automatic lock that prevents the stroller from folding when it is open or in use. This is a security feature to consider, especially when your child is in the front seat.
If you're planning to use a tandem system to transport your children in a car seat, it's best to opt for a model that's side-by-side, rather than one that is reverse-able. Reversible strollers let you place your infant in front of your older child in the back. However, it may be difficult for you to reach the child in the rear while the stroller moves.
Another thing to consider is the size of the tandem stroller. The width of the majority of double strollers is greater than that of single strollers. This could affect how it will fit through your home's doors. Take measurements of your doorways' standard between 30 and 36 inches width prior to purchasing a tandem stroller.
If you're looking for a versatile stroller that can be used with two infant car seats look into the Contours Options Elite V2. This double stroller comes with seven stadium-style seating options which are ideal for twins. It also accommodates the majority of infant car seats. It's loaded with great features such as reclined seating with footrests that can be adjusted, as well as zippered extensions for both canopies. It's also a great value and parents have given it great reviews. The only drawback is that it does not recline in the back, which can be an issue for children who nap. It comes with a large storage bin and a parent tray that's covered and comes with cup holders. This is a great choice for most families.
Easy Assembly
Whether you were surprised to learn that you're expecting twins, or were expecting a second child in the pipeline as scheduled, now is the time to consider the best way to get from Point A to Point B with your little ones in the stroller. There are a myriad of types of double strollers available for parents with several children. We test tandem strollers that have either side-by-side or front-facing seats so that children can see each other and interact while cruising along. Many tandem strollers are compatible with infant car seats and standard child stroller chairs. They also have high-low seating that allows both children to see their surroundings.
Most of our tandem strollers fold up easily and are compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car or in storage at home. Some tandem strollers require that you remove the seat to fold them. This is common for side by side strollers. However, this reduces their overall storage capacity. This is something to keep in mind when choosing the perfect model, and also taking note of the dimensions of any doors that you'll have to take the stroller through.
In addition to a fold that can be folded with one hand one-handed fold, many of our top tandem options also offer adjustable reclining for both seats as well as an expansive canopy to protect your children from sun and wind. These tandems also feature cups for parents 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 able to accommodate piggyback ride-along boards which allow older children to take part in the fun, making them a great option for families growing with school-aged children and toddlers.
Look for used tandem strollers for sale online for a chance to save money on the purchase. There are used double strollers for less than new models on marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist. Make sure to check for rust, loose screws and look up any recalls that could be in effect before you make your purchase. It's well worth the effort to find a decent bargain on a stroller that is suitable for your family that will last many years.