Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
Many parents who schlep two kids around town discover that a double stroller that is essential. These are sturdy enough to withstand the most difficult surfaces and comfortable for both an infant in a car seat as well as a curious toddler.
The fact that the stroller folds into a slim silhouette with only one hand is a huge advantage for testers. It also comes with a huge amount of storage space onboard for kids and adults.
Adjustable Recline
This stroller is an excellent option for those who want a stroller to grow with your family. It's designed as a single stroller and can be equipped with another seat, a jump seat, or stand-on board for older children. It has 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 as well). The separate canopy is large with well-placed peekaboo windows and the seats recline nearly flat, although they do require two hands to put back up.
It is also able to fit through most doors, although it may be too big for some trunks depending on the vehicle. This tandem double stroller has one-point fold, unlike other strollers which require you lift a canopy or seat in order to fold. Instead, it utilizes the strap which is pulled and then lifted. It can be folded and put away standing up. However, its buckles are somewhat difficult to secure, especially with the car seat in place, and it's also on the pricey side for a dual stroller.
The Graco DuoGlider makes a great option for families with a toddler and an infant. It comes with a large storage basket, an adjustable recline on both seats (although only the front seat goes down to about half way), and good padding for the harnesses. In our testing, it was one of the most comfortable for both adults and kids, even those over 6'. The only drawback is that its length could cause it to be difficult to maneuver around tight spaces or when 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 infant car seat adapter, or with a second toddler seat, that is available separately. Both seats feature a deep recline, a footrest that can be adjusted, and a UPF 50+ canopy with large peekaboo windows. The front seat can be flipped to face the rear so that older children can be able to see each other more clearly. The only drawback is that it's unable to fit two infant car seats at once which means it's not suitable for twins or siblings of the same age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your children to scream and yell all day long it is essential to have a stroller that has an umbrella that is large enough for both seats. The best tandem double strollers come with a UPF50+ canopy that extends far enough to provide real shade. They also come with peekaboo windows for each seat. You also need a good suspension and big wheels to make them easy to push. After testing 17 tandem strollers over 100 hours at the zoo and during stroller-enabled classes, running the 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 more easy to turn and could be inserted into doors with standard openings than other models.
In addition to the comfort, convenience features, and ease of use Additionally, you should look into whether the tandem stroller is suitable for your family's lifestyle. For instance, if you frequently ride public transportation or be able to carry a lot of luggage and equipment Look for one with a big storage basket and a bumper bar that folds up under the stroller for transport.
Another factor to consider is how long you intend to use the stroller. A quality double stroller can last for a lot of families from the time that their baby is born until toddlerhood and beyond. So, it's worth spending more upfront if you know that you'll be able to use the stroller for a couple of years at the very least.
If you are a frequent traveler you may want to choose a model which can be folded flat or by using just one foot. The most efficient tandem strollers can be folded down in a matter of seconds, making them ideal for families on the go.
The style of stroller that you choose will have a big impact on your budget and lifestyle if you are considering adding children. There are many options available, whether you're looking for a side by side or inline stroller.
One-Point Fold
Expert stroller reviewers have one essential requirement to buying a tandem double stroller. It has to be simple to fold and unfold. This is especially important since tandem strollers are generally larger than single strollers and can be heavy when pushed. They also take more space in your trunk than a single stroller.
The top tandem double strollers come with an easy-to-use one-point fold. Many tandem double strollers also come with an automatic lock that stops the stroller from folding while it is in use. Get the facts is an added safety feature, particularly for children who are small in the front seat.
If you're planning to use a tandem to transport children in car seat, you should opt for a model that's side-by-side, rather than one that is reverse-able. Reversible strollers allow you to place your infant in front and your older child behind. However, it may be difficult to reach your child in the rear as the stroller is moving.
Another factor to consider is the width of the tandem stroller. The width of the majority of double strollers is greater than single strollers. This will affect whether it can fit through the doors of your home. Measure your standard doorways between 30 and 36 inch width prior to purchasing a tandem stroller.
If you're looking for a versatile stroller that is compatible with two car seats for infants look into the Contours Options Elite V2. This double stroller features seven stadium-style seating options that are ideal for twins. It also accommodates most infant carseats. It has plenty of great features, including the ability to reversibly seat as well as adjustable footrests and zip-up extensions on both canopies. It's also reasonably priced and has received excellent reviews from parents. The only downside is that it does not recline in the back, which could be problematic for kids who are napping. However, it does come with an ample storage basket as well as a covered tray for parents with cup holders. This is a great option for the majority of families.
Easy Assembly
It doesn't matter whether you were shocked to discover that you're expecting twins, or if you knew you would have a second child as planned. It is important to consider how you will take your children from A to B. There are a myriad of types of double strollers available for parents with more than one child. We tested tandem strollers with either front-facing or side-by-side seats to allow children to see each other and interact while they cruise along. Many tandem strollers work with infant car seats and standard stroller chairs for children. They also come with high-low seating that lets both children see their surroundings.
The majority of our tandem strollers fold easily and are small enough to fit in 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 with side-by-side strollers. However, this reduces their storage capacity overall. It is crucial to consider this when choosing the right model. Also, be sure to check the dimensions of the doors you will need to take the stroller through.
A majority of our top tandems come with the ability to fold with one hand and adjustable recline for both seats and a large canopy that protects children from sun and wind. These tandems also feature cups for parents, onboard storage for snacks or other gear, and brakes that are easy to reach. They also come with strong handlebars and easy-to-reach breaks. Many models are compatible with piggyback ride-along board attachments that allow toddlers and older siblings to have fun.
If you're looking for ways to save money on your new tandem stroller, be sure to research used options online. There are a myriad of used double strollers for sale on marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist which can be bought for a fraction of the price of the new models. Make sure to check for rust, loose screws and look up any possible recalls before you make your purchase. It's worth the effort to find a good bargain on a stroller which will serve your family for a long time.