Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
Many parents who schlep two kids around town find a double stroller that is essential. They are strong enough to take on most surfaces, and are comfortable for both a toddler and an infant in the car seat.
The fact that the stroller folds into a slim silhouette with only one hand is a huge benefit for those who test it. It also comes with a huge amount of onboard storage for kids and adults.
Adjustable Recline
If you're looking for a stroller that can adapt to your family's needs This is a great choice. It starts out as a single stroller and can be equipped with a second seat, jump seat, or stand-on board for older children. Click That Link features an adjustable handlebar that lets even tall parents will find it easy to steer and push (and its rear suspension and three air-filled tires make running easy also). The canopies are large and have well-placed peekaboo window. The seats also recline to a level. However, they need two hands to lift them back up.
Another advantage is that it can fit through many doors, although it might be too large for some trunks, depending on your vehicle. The tandem double stroller features a one point fold, unlike most, which require lifting a canopy or seat in order to fold. Instead, it uses a strap that is pulled and then lifted. It also stands when folded, which is useful to transport and store. However, the buckles are a little difficult to fasten particularly with the car seat attached, and it's also on the pricey side for a dual stroller.
The Graco DuoGlider makes a great choice for families who have two children, a toddler and an infant. 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 adults and children, even for those over 6'. The only drawback is that its length can cause it to be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces or when trying to manage groceries and kids.
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, which is sold separately. Both seats come with a wide recline, an adjustable footrest as well as a UPF 50+ canopy with large windows that peek out. The front seat can be turned to face the rear so that older children can communicate with each other better. It's only downside is that it's not able to accommodate two infant car seats at once, so it won't work for twins or siblings of a similar age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your children to be screaming and whining the entire time it is essential to have a stroller with a canopy that is big enough to fit both seats. The top tandem strollers come with UPF50+ canopy that extends far enough to offer real shade. They also come with peekaboo windows for each seat. For easy pushing you'll need big wheels and a high-quality suspension. After spending more than 100 hours evaluating 17 tandem strollers at the zoo, during stroller-enabled fitness classes and while running errands and during trick-or-treating, we discovered that side-by-side models, such as the Chicco BravoFor2 and Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller, performed better than models that are inline for maneuverability. They were easier to maneuver and fit through standard doors than other models.
In addition to the comfort, convenience features and ease of use You should also look into whether the tandem stroller is suitable for your family's lifestyle. If you are a frequent user of public transportation or have to carry lots of gear and luggage and other items, then you should consider a model that has an ample storage bin as well as a bumper bar which can be folded down under the stroller.
Another factor to consider is how long you hope to use the stroller. A good double stroller will last for a lot of families from the time your baby is born until toddlerhood and beyond. It's worth spending more initially on a stroller you can use for at least a few years.
If you're a frequent traveler, you might want to consider a model which can be folded flat, or even with one foot. The best tandem 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 to your family, the type of stroller you pick will have a huge impact on your lifestyle and budget. If you're looking for a side by side or an inline model, there are plenty of great options to meet your needs.
One-Point Fold
Expert stroller reviewers have one important requirement prior to buying a tandem double stroller: It must be easy to fold and unfold. This is crucial because tandem strollers are typically larger than single strollers, and they can feel heavy being pushed. They also have more storage space in your car trunk than a single stroller would.
The top tandem double strollers offer an easy-to-use fold at one point. A lot of tandem double strollers come with an automatic lock that prevents the stroller from folding while it is in use. This is a safety feature to consider particularly when your child is in the front seat.
If you're planning to utilize a tandem stroller in order to transport children in car seats, it is best to choose a side-by-side model instead of an reversible model. Reversible strollers allow you to place your infant in front of your older child in the back. However, it can be difficult to reach the child in the rear as the stroller is moving.
Another factor to consider is the width of the tandem stroller. The width of many double strollers is wider than single strollers. This could affect how it can fit through your doorway. Take measurements of your doorways' standard between 30 and 36 inches width before buying a tandem stroller.
Contours Options Elite V2 is a stroller that can be used with two infant car seat. This double stroller has seven stadium-style seating options that are perfect for twins. It also accommodates most infant car seats. It is packed with a myriad of features like reversible seats, adjustable footrests, and a zippered extension of both canopies. It's also very affordable and has received rave reviews from parents. The only drawback is that it doesn't recline at the back. This could be a problem if your child is napping. It does come with an ample storage bin as well as a tray for parents that's covered and comes with cup holders. This is a great choice for most families.
Easy Assembly
If you were shocked to discover you're expecting twins or had a second baby on the way as planned, it's time to consider how you'll get from Point A to Point B with your kids in the stroller. There are many different types of double strollers that are suitable for parents with multiple children. We tested tandem strollers with seats that face each other, or side-by-side, so that children can interact and view each other while on the move. Many tandem strollers are compatible with infant car seats as well as standard child stroller chairs. They also come with high-low seating, which lets both children view their surroundings.
Most 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 tandem strollers require that you remove the seat in order to fold them. This is typical for side by side strollers. However, this reduces their storage capacity overall. This is something to be considered when selecting the best model, as well as checking the dimensions of any doorways that you'll need to get the stroller through.
Many of our top tandems come with a one-handed folding mechanism, as well as adjustable reclining in both seats and a large canopy to shield children from sun and wind. They also have cup holders and storage onboard for snacks and equipment as well as brakes that are easy to reach and a sturdy handlebar that is comfortable to hold while pushing. Many models can be used with piggyback ride-along boards that allow older children and toddlers to enjoy the fun.
If you're looking for ways to save money on a new tandem stroller, make sure to look into used options online. There are used double strollers for a fraction the price of new models on online marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist. Make sure to check for loose screws, rust and look up any recalls that could be in effect prior to purchasing. It's worth the effort to find a good deal on a stroller that will last for years.