Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
Many parents who have to carry two kids around town discover that the tandem double stroller essential. These are sturdy enough to navigate most surfaces and are comfortable for an infant in a car seat as well as an active toddler.
Testers appreciate the fact that this stroller folds into a slim silhouette using just one hand. It also comes with a huge amount of onboard storage for both adults and children.
Adjustable Recline
If you're looking for a stroller which can adapt to your family's needs This is a great choice. It can be configured as a single-seater stroller, and then the option of a jump seat or a stand-on board 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 are large and have a well-placed peekaboo view. The seats can also recline nearly flat. However, they need two hands to get them back up.
It is also able to fit through most doors, although it may be too big for some trunks depending on the vehicle. Contrary to many tandem double strollers, which require lifting a seat or canopy to fold it, this one features one-point fold which requires the strap being pulled and then lifted. It also stands when folded, which is handy for transport and storage. However, its buckles can be a bit difficult to fasten, especially with the car seat in place, and it's expensive for a dual stroller.
The Graco DuoGlider is a solid choice for families with a toddler and infant. It comes with a large storage basket, adjustable recline on both seats (although only the front seat can be reclined to about halfway), and excellent padding for the harnesses. In our testing, it was one of the most comfortable for both kids and adults--even those over 6'. Its length could be a problem in tight spaces, and also when having to balance groceries and children.
A top pick 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 an additional toddler seat which is sold separately. Both seats have a deep recline, an adjustable footrest as well as a UPF 50+ canopy with large windows that peek out. The front seat can be flipped to face the rear which allows older children to see each other more clearly. The only drawback is that it doesn't accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously and therefore isn't a great fit for siblings or twins who are close in age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your kids to scream and whine the entire time you should choose a stroller that has canopy that is large enough to fit both seats. The best tandem double strollers have a UPF50+ canopy that extends far enough to provide real shade. They also have windows that peek out from each seat. For easy pushing 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 and while running errands and even trick-or-treating, it was our experience that side-by-side models, such as 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 than other models.
You'll need to consider whether the tandem stroller will accommodate your family's lifestyle as well as comfort and convenience features. For instance, if you frequently ride public transport or be able to carry a large amount of gear and luggage Look for one with a big storage basket and a bumper bar that folds under the stroller to make it easier to transport.
You should also think about the length of time you intend to use the stroller for. A good double stroller will be used by most families from the time that their child is born to toddlerhood and beyond. It's worthwhile to invest more in the beginning on a stroller you can use for several years.
If you are a frequent traveler you might want to select a model which can be folded flat, or even with one foot. The most efficient tandem strollers can fold down in seconds, making them ideal for families who are constantly on the move.
The style of stroller that you pick can affect your budget and lifestyle if you are considering adding a child. If you're looking for a side-by-side or an inline model, there are lots of great options to meet your requirements.
One-Point Fold
Expert stroller reviews contain one requirement when purchasing a double tandem stroller: it must be easy for you to fold and unfold. This is especially important since tandem strollers are generally larger than single strollers and can feel heavy when being pushed. They also take up more storage space in your car trunk than a single stroller would.
The best tandem double strollers offer an easy one-point fold. A lot of them also have an automatic lock, which prevents the stroller from folding when open or in use. This is a great security feature, particularly when you have children in the front seat.
If you're planning to use a tandem stroller to transport your children in a car seat, it's best to select a model that's side-by-side instead of one that is convertible. A reversible stroller permits you to seat your infant in front while placing your older child in the back, but it may be difficult to reach the infant in the rear seat while the stroller is in motion and may not provide the same amount of sun exposure as a side-byside model.
The size of the tandem stroller is also crucial. The width of many double strollers is larger than single strollers. This could affect how it will fit through the doors of your home. Doors are typically between 30 and 36 inches wide, so make sure to measure them prior to you purchase a tandem stroller.
If you're looking for a versatile stroller that is compatible with two car seats for infants, consider the Contours Options Elite V2. description here has seven seating options with stadium-style seats which are ideal for twins. It also accommodates most infant carseats. It has plenty of great features such as reclined seating with footrests that can be adjusted, as well as zip-up extensions on both canopies. It's also very affordable and has received rave reviews from parents. The only drawback is that it does not recline in the back, which could be a problem for napping kids. However, it does have a large storage basket and a tray for parents that is covered with cup holders. This is still a good choice for most families.
Easy Assembly
It doesn't matter if you were shocked to discover that you're expecting twins, or if you were aware that you would be having an additional child in the future as you had planned. You need to consider how you will get your children from A to B. There are a myriad of types of double strollers available for parents with several children. We tested tandem strollers with either front-facing or side-byside seats to allow children to see each other and interact while cruising. They also have a baby car seats and standard stroller seats, and a lot are designed with high-low seating that gives both kids a clear view of their surroundings.
The majority of our tandem strollers fold up easily and are compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car or in storage at home. However, some require you to remove the second seat in order to fold them (this is common for side-byside strollers) and this can reduce their storage capacity by slightly. It is important to take this into consideration when deciding on the best model. Also, make sure to check the dimensions of the doors that you'll need to take the stroller through.
Many of our top tandems have the ability to fold with one hand and adjustable recline for both seats and an enormous canopy to protect children from the sun and wind. These tandems also feature cups for parents and onboard storage for snacks or gear, and brakes that are easy to access. They also have a sturdy handlebar and easily accessible breaks. Many models can be used with piggyback ride-along boards that allow toddlers and older siblings to enjoy the fun.
If you're looking to save some money on a new tandem stroller, make sure to look into the used models available online. There are a myriad of used double strollers on marketplaces such as Facebook and Craigslist which can be bought at a fraction of the cost of new models. Be sure to look for rust, loose screws and look up any recalls that might be in place before purchasing. It's worth the effort to find a good bargain on a stroller which will serve your family for many years.