Tandem Double Stroller: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

Buying a Tandem Double Stroller

Many parents who carry two kids around town find the tandem double stroller essential. These are sturdy enough to navigate most surfaces and comfortable for both an infant in a car seat and a curious toddler.

Testers appreciate the fact that the stroller folds to a slim profile using just one hand. It also has a generous amount of storage space onboard for kids and adults.

Adjustable Recline

This stroller is an excellent option if you're looking for a stroller to grow with your family. It's a single stroller and can be equipped with an additional seat, a jump seat, or stand-on board for older kids. It features an adjustable handlebar, so even tall parents find it easy to push and steer (and its rear suspension and three air-filled tires make running effortless, too). The separate canopy is large with well-placed peekaboo windows and the seats recline almost flat, though they do require two hands to set back up.

Another plus is that it can be inserted into most doorways--though it may be too long for some trunks, depending on the car you drive. Contrary to many tandem double strollers, which require you to lift the canopy or seat to fold it, this one has a one-point fold that involves pulling a strap and lifting. It also stands when folded, which is convenient for storage and transport. However, its buckles are a little difficult to fasten particularly with the car seat attached. It's also on the pricey side for a double stroller.

The Graco DuoGlider makes a great option for families with one child and a toddler. It has a spacious storage basket, a recline that can be adjusted in both seats (although the front seat only goes to approximately half-way down) as well as a decent amount of padding on the harnesses. In our testing it was among the most comfortable options for kids and adults--even those over 6'. Its length can be a problem in tight spaces and when you are having to balance groceries and children.

A top pick among budget-friendly tandem strollers The Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double can be used from birth using the included infant car seat adapter, or with a second toddler seat, that is available separately. Both seats come with a wide recline, an adjustable footrest as well as a UPF 50+ canopy with large peekaboo windows. The front seat can also 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 It's not an ideal choice for siblings or twins who are close in age.

UPF 50+ Canopy

If you don't want your kids to be screaming and whining duration of the day, then you need a double stroller that has the capacity to cover both seats. The top tandem strollers have a UPF 50+ canopy that is large enough to provide shade. It also comes with a peekaboo window on each seat. Also, you need a sturdy suspension and large wheels that make them easy to push. After testing 17 tandem strollers for more than 100 hours at the zoo, and during stroller-enabled classes as well as running the errands, and trick-or-treating We found that side-by-side strollers like the Chicco BravoFor2 or Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller performed better in terms of maneuverability than inline models. They were more easy to turn and fit into standard doorways than most other models.

You'll want to think about whether the tandem stroller will be adapted to your family's needs and comfort and convenience features. If you're frequent users of public transportation, or need to carry a lot of luggage and other gear you should look for models that have large storage bins and a bumper bar which can be folded under the stroller.

Another thing to consider is how long you hope to use the stroller. For the majority of families, a high-quality double stroller can last from newborn through toddlerhood, and possibly even after. It's worth it to spend more in the beginning on a stroller you will use for at least several years.

If you are a frequent traveler you might want to select one that can be folded flat or with just one foot. The top tandem double strollers are easy to fold down, making them ideal for families who are on the move.

If you're thinking about adding a second child, the style of stroller you choose will have a huge impact on your lifestyle and budget. There are a myriad of options, whether you're looking for a side by side or inline stroller.

One-Point Fold

Expert stroller reviewers have a essential requirement to buying a tandem double stroller: It must be simple to fold and unfold. This is crucial because tandem strollers are generally larger than single strollers and may be heavy when carried. They also take more space in your trunk than a single stroller.

The top tandem double strollers feature a single point fold that is easy to fold. Some also come with an automatic lock, which keeps the stroller from folding while open or in use. This is a safety feature to consider particularly when your child is sitting in the front seat.

If you're planning to use a tandem to transport children in a car seat, you should choose a model that is side-by-side, rather than one that's reverse-able. A reversible stroller lets you to put your infant in the front while putting your older child in the back, however it's not easy to get the child in the rear seat when the stroller is in motion and might not provide as much sun coverage as the side-by-side model.

Another factor to consider is the width of the tandem stroller. The width of most double strollers is greater than the single strollers. This can affect whether it can be pushed through the doors of your home. Check  linked website  between 30 and 36 inches width prior to purchasing a tandem stroller.

If you're looking for a versatile stroller that is compatible with two infant car seats, consider the Contours Options Elite V2. This double stroller features seven different stadium-style seating configurations which are perfect for twins, and it also accommodates the majority of infant car seats. It's loaded with great features, including reclined seating, adjustable footrests, and zippered extensions on both canopies. It's also very affordable, and parents have given excellent reviews. The only downside is that it doesn't 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 parent tray with cup holders. This is a good option for families with children.

Easy Assembly

If you're shocked to discover that you're expecting twins or you had a second baby on the way, as you planned, now is the time to think about the best way to get from Point A to Point B with your kids in your arms. There are a variety of double strollers available for parents with more than one child. We tested tandem strollers with either front-facing or side-by-side seats so that children can communicate with each other while cruising. Many tandem strollers are compatible with infant car seats as well as standard stroller chairs for children. They also come with high-low seating that lets both children see their surroundings.

Most 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 common with side-by-side strollers) and this reduces their overall storage capacity slightly. It's important to consider this when deciding on the best model. Also, make sure you know the dimensions of the doorways you'll have to traverse the stroller.

In addition to a one-handed fold most of our top tandem picks come with adjustable reclining for both seats, as well as a spacious canopy to shield your children from the elements of sun and wind. They also come with cup holders as well as onboard storage for snacks and gear, plus easy-to-reach brakes and a sturdy handlebar that feels comfortable to hold when pushing. Many models can be used with piggyback ride-along boards that allow older children and toddlers to have fun.

Find used tandem strollers online if you want to save money on your purchase. There are used double strollers for only a fraction of the cost of new models on online marketplaces such as Facebook and Craigslist. Be sure to examine the stroller for loose and rusty screws, as well as any recalls. It's worth the extra effort to find a good deal on a stroller that will serve your family for a long time.