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 navigate most surfaces and are comfortable for an infant in a car seat as well as a curious toddler.
Testers love the fact that the stroller folds to a slim, sleek design with one hand. It also has a generous amount of storage space onboard for both adults and children.
Adjustable Recline
This stroller is a great option if you're looking for a stroller to grow with your family. It can be configured as a single-seater stroller and then the option of a jump seat or a stand-on boards to accommodate older children. It is easy to steer and push for even taller parents. The rear suspension and the air-filled tires make jogging effortless. The canopies that separate them are huge with a good-sized peekaboo window and the seats recline to nearly flat, though they do take two hands to put back up.
Another advantage is that it fits through many doors, although it might be too large for some trunks, depending on your vehicle. This tandem double stroller has one point fold, which is different from other strollers which require you lift a canopy or seat to fold. Instead, it uses the strap which is pulled and then lifted. It can be folded and stored standing up. However, its buckles can be a bit difficult to fasten particularly with the car seat attached, and it's expensive for a dual stroller.
The Graco DuoGlider makes a great choice for families who have two children, a toddler and an infant. It comes with a large storage basket, an adjustable recline on both seats (although only the front seat reclines around halfway), and excellent padding for the harnesses. It was the most comfortable car seat for children and adults alike, even those over 6 feet tall. The only issue is that its size can cause it to be difficult to maneuver around tight spaces or when juggling kids and groceries.
A top choice among budget-friendly tandem strollers, the Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double can be used from birth using the infant car seat adapter or with an additional toddler seat which is sold separately. Both seats come with a wide recline and adjustable footrest. They also have a UPF 50+ canopy that features a large windows for peekaboo. The front seat can be flipped to face the rear so that older children can communicate with each other better. The only downside is that it can't fit two infant car seats at once, so it's not ideal for siblings or twins who are similar in age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your children to scream and yell for hours on end it is essential to have a stroller with canopy that is large enough to accommodate both seats. The best tandem double strollers come with UPF50+ canopy that extends 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 also need large wheels and a good suspension. After spending more than 100 hours evaluating 17 tandem strollers at the zoo, during stroller-enabled exercise classes as well as while running errands and even trick-or-treating, it was our experience that side-by-side options, like the Chicco BravoFor2 and Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller, performed better than inline models for maneuverability. They were easier to maneuver and fit through doors that are standard as opposed to other models.
You'll need to consider whether the tandem stroller can accommodate your family's lifestyle as well as comfort and convenience features. If you're a frequent user of public transportation or have to carry lots of luggage and gear and other items, then you should consider a model that has a large storage bin and an adjustable bumper bar that can be folded down under the stroller.
Another thing to consider is how long you intend to use the stroller for. A quality double stroller can be used by most families from the time that their child is born to toddlerhood and beyond. It's worth it to spend more in the beginning on a stroller you can use for a few years.
If you're a frequent traveler you might want to look for a model that is able to fold flat or with one foot. The top tandem double strollers are simple to fold down, which makes them ideal for families who are on the move.
The style of stroller that you choose can affect your budget and lifestyle if you are considering adding children. Whether you want a side-by-side or inline model, there are plenty of great options to meet your needs.
One-Point Fold
Expert stroller reviews have one requirement when purchasing a double tandem stroller. It must be easy to fold and unfold. This is especially important since tandem strollers tend to be larger than single strollers and can feel top-heavy when being carried. They also require more space in your car trunk than a single stroller would.
The top tandem double strollers come with an easy one-point fold. Many also include an automatic lock, which keeps the stroller from folding while open or in use. This is a safety feature you should think about, especially if your child is in the front seat.
If pushchair twin planning to use a tandem stroller to transport children in a car seat, it's best to select a model that's side-by-side instead of one that's reverse-able. A reversible stroller allows you to place your infant in front while placing your older child in the back, but it can be difficult to get the child in the rear seat when the stroller is moving and might not offer enough sun protection as a side-byside model.
The size of the tandem stroller is important. The width of many double strollers is wider than single strollers. This could affect how it can fit through the doors of your home. Doors that are standard sizes are between 30 and 36 inches wide, so make sure to measure them prior to you buy a tandem stroller.
If you're in search of a flexible stroller that can be used with two infant car seats look into the Contours Options Elite V2. This double stroller comes with seven seating options with stadium-style seats that are perfect for twins. It also fits most infant car seats. It is packed with a myriad of features like reversible seats, adjustable footrests and zippered extension of both canopies. strollers double strollers 's also a great value and parents have left it great reviews. It's only downside is it doesn't recline at the back. This can be a problem when your child is napping. It does come with an ample storage bin as well as a tray for parents that is covered and has cup holders. This is still a good option for families with children.
Easy Assembly
If you were shocked to discover you're expecting twins, or were expecting a second child in the pipeline as scheduled, now is the time to think about how you'll get from Point A to Point B with your little ones in tow. A double stroller is essential for parents of multiple children and there are a variety of models to pick from. We tested tandem strollers with seats that face each other or side-by-side, so that children can interact and view each other while they move. Many tandem strollers work with infant car seats as well as standard stroller chairs for children. They also feature high-low seating, which allows both children to see their surroundings.
The majority of our tandem strollers fold up easily and are compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, or in storage at home. Some require you to remove the second seat in order to fold them (this is common for side-byside strollers) and this reduces their storage capacity by a bit. It is crucial to consider this when choosing the right model. Also, be sure to check the dimensions of the doors you'll have to pass the stroller through.
Many of our top tandems have the ability to fold with one hand, as well as adjustable reclining in both seats and an enormous canopy to protect children from the sun and wind. They also offer parent cup holders and storage onboard for food and other gear along with brakes that are easy to reach, and a sturdy bar that is comfortable to hold when pushing. Many models accommodate piggyback boards that allow older children to take part in the fun, making them a great option for families growing with toddlers and school-aged kids.
If you're looking to save cash on a new tandem stroller, be sure to look into the used models available online. You can find used double strollers at a fraction the price of new models on online marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist. Be sure to look for loose screws, rust and research any recalls that could be in effect before purchasing. It's worth the effort to find a good bargain on a stroller that will serve your family for a long time.