Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
A tandem double stroller is a godsend for parents who must lug two kids around the city. These are sturdy enough to handle most surfaces, and comfortable for an infant in a car seat and an active toddler.
Testers appreciate the fact that this stroller folds to a slim, sleek design by using one hand. It has plenty of storage space for children and adults.
Adjustable Recline
This stroller is an excellent choice if you want a stroller to grow with your family. It starts out as an individual stroller, but can be outfitted with a second seat, jump seat or stand-on boards for older children. It is easy to control and push for taller parents. The rear suspension and air-filled tires allow for jogging with ease. The canopies that separate them are huge with a good-sized peekaboo window and the seats recline almost flat, but they require two hands to put back up.
Another advantage is that it can fit through most doorways--though it may be too long for some trunks, depending on your vehicle. The tandem double stroller features one point fold, which is different from other strollers which require lifting a canopy or seat to fold. Instead, it uses an elastic strap that can be pulled and then lifted. It can be folded and stored standing up. However, its buckles are somewhat difficult to secure when you have a car seat in place, and it's also on the pricey side for a double stroller.
The Graco DuoGlider is a solid option for families with a toddler and an infant. It has a large storage basket, adjustable recline on both seats (although only the front seat can be reclined about half way) as well as good padding on the harnesses. In our tests it was among the most comfortable seats for adults and children, even for those who are taller than 6'. The only drawback is that its length can make it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, or when carrying groceries and kids.
The best option among tandem strollers that are budget-friendly, the Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double can be used from birth with the included infant car seat adapter, or with a second toddler seat, that is available separately. Both seats have a deep recline and a footrest that is adjustable. They also come with a UPF 50+ canopy with a large windows for peekaboo. The front seat can be flipped to face the rear, so older children can be more visible to each other. The only drawback is that it's not able to accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously, so it's not a great fit for siblings or twins who are close in age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your children to be screaming and whining entire time it is best to get a double stroller that has a canopy large enough for both seats. The most effective tandem strollers have a UPF50+ canopy that is far enough to offer real shade. They also come with windows that can be opened for peekaboo from each seat. To make it easy to push you'll also need large wheels and a sturdy suspension. After more than 100 hours of testing 17 tandem strollers at the zoo, during stroller-enabled fitness 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 are more reliable than models that are inline for maneuverability. They were easier to maneuver and fit through doors that are standard as opposed to other models.
You'll need to think about whether the tandem stroller can accommodate your family's lifestyle, in addition to comfort and convenience features. For instance, if you frequently ride public transportation or be able to carry a large amount of luggage and equipment Look for a model with a large storage basket and an adjustable bumper bar that folds under the stroller to transport it.
double buggy newborn should also think about how long you plan to make use of the stroller. For most families, a quality double stroller can last from newborn through toddler years and possibly beyond. It's worth spending more initially on a stroller you can use for a few years.
If you're an avid traveler, you may want to look for a model that can fold flat or even with one foot. The best tandem double strollers fold down in seconds, making them ideal for families on the go.
If you're thinking about having a second child, the style of stroller you select will have a major impact on your lifestyle and budget. If you're looking for a side-by-side or inline model, there are lots of options to suit your requirements.
One-Point Fold
Expert stroller reviewers have a key requirement when it comes to buying a tandem double stroller: It must be simple to fold and unfold. This is especially important because tandem strollers are generally larger than single strollers, and may feel heavy when being carried. They also require more space in your car trunk than a single stroller would.
The top tandem double strollers feature one-point folds that are easy to fold. Some also come with an automatic lock, which stops the stroller from folding while open or in use. This is a great security feature, especially if you have small children in the front seat.
If you're planning to use a tandem to transport children in a car seat, you should select a model that's side-by-side, rather than one that is reverse-able. Reversible strollers allow you to place your infant in front while placing your older child behind. However, it might be difficult to reach your child from the rear as the stroller is moving.
Another consideration is the width of the tandem stroller. The width of most double strollers is larger than the single strollers. This can affect whether it can be pushed through the doors of your home. Doors that are standard sizes are between 30 and 36 inches wide, so be sure to measure them prior to purchasing a tandem stroller.
If you're in search of a flexible stroller that works well with two infant car seats, consider the Contours Options Elite V2. This double stroller comes with seven stadium-style seating options that are ideal for twins. It also accommodates the majority of infant car seats. It comes with a variety of fantastic features, including reclined seating with footrests that can be adjusted, as well as zip-up extensions on both canopies. It is also very affordable, and parents have given excellent reviews. The only drawback is that it doesn't recline at the back. This could be a problem when your child is napping. However, it has a large storage basket and a covered parent tray with cup holders. This is a great option for families with children.
Easy Assembly
It doesn't matter if were shocked to learn that you are expecting twins, or if you knew you would have another child in the same way as you planned. You need to think about how you will get your children from A to B. There are many different types of double strollers for parents with multiple children. We tested tandem strollers that feature either front-facing or side-byside seats to allow children to see each other and interact while they cruise along. Many tandem strollers work with infant car seats as well as standard child stroller chairs. They also come with high-low seating that allows both children to see their surroundings.
The majority of our tandem stroller choices fold easily and are small enough to fit into the trunk of your car or in storage at home. However, some require you to remove the second seat to fold them (this is common with side-by-side strollers) and this can reduce their storage capacity by slightly. This is something to keep in mind when choosing your ideal model, and also assessing the dimensions of any doorways that you'll need to get the stroller through.
In addition to a fold that can be folded with one hand, many of our top tandem picks also offer adjustable reclining for both seats and an expansive canopy to protect your children from sun and wind. They also have cup holders and storage onboard for snacks and gear along with brakes that are easy to reach, and a sturdy bar that is comfortable to hold while pushing. Many models can be used with piggyback ride-along boards that allow older siblings and toddlers to enjoy the ride.
If you're looking for ways to save money on a new tandem stroller, make sure to look into second-hand options on the internet. You can find used double strollers for only a fraction of the cost of new models on marketplaces such as Facebook and Craigslist. Make sure to check for rust, loose screws and research any possible recalls prior to purchasing. It's worth the extra effort to find a great bargain on a stroller which will serve your family for many years.