Your Worst Nightmare About Tandem Double Stroller Relived
Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
Many parents who carry two kids around town discover that a tandem double stroller is essential. These are sturdy enough to withstand the most difficult surfaces and comfortable for both an infant in a car seat and an active toddler.
The fact that the stroller can fold into a slim profile using only one hand is a huge benefit for those who test it. It also has a large amount of storage space onboard for adults and kids.
Adjustable Recline
This stroller is a great choice if you want a stroller that grows with your family. It's designed as a single stroller but can be fitted with an additional seat, a jump seat or stand-on boards for older children. It features an adjustable handlebar, so even tall parents find it easy to steer and push (and its rear suspension and three air-filled tires make jogging feel effortless also). The separate canopy is large with well-placed peekaboo windows and the seats recline almost flat, although they do take two hands to put back up.
It can also be accessed through most doors, although it might be too big for certain trunks, based on the vehicle. In contrast to most tandem double strollers that require you to lift a canopy or seat to fold it, this one features a one-point fold that involves pulling a strap and lifting. It can be folded and stored standing up. However, the buckles are somewhat difficult to secure, especially with the car seat in place, and it's also on the pricey side for a double stroller.
The Graco DuoGlider makes a great option for families with 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 can be reclined about half way), and excellent padding on the harnesses. It was the most comfortable car seat for children and adults alike, even those over 6 feet tall. Its length could be a problem in tight areas and when juggling children and groceries.
The Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double is the top option among strollers that are budget-friendly. It can be used with an infant car seat adapter or with another child seat that is sold separately. Both seats feature a deep recline, an adjustable footrest and an UPF 50+ canopy with large windows that peek out. The front seat can be flipped to face the rear, allowing older children to be able to see each other more clearly. The only downside is that it's unable to accommodate two infant car seats at once and therefore won't work for twins or siblings of similar age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your kids to be screaming and whining the entire time, then you need a double stroller that has a canopy large enough for both seats. The top tandem strollers come with a UPF 50+ canopy that is large enough to provide shade and even has an open window for each seat. Also, you need a sturdy suspension and big wheels that make them easy to push. After more than 100 hours of testing 17 tandem strollers at the zoo, during stroller-enabled fitness classes as well as while running errands and during trick-or-treating, we discovered that side-by-side options, like the Chicco BravoFor2 and Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller are more reliable than models that are inline in terms of maneuverability. They were also easier to turn and fit through standard doorways than most other models.
You'll need to consider whether the tandem stroller will be adapted to your family's needs and features that are comfortable and convenient. If you are a frequent user of public transportation or have to carry a lot of luggage and other gear, then look for an option that comes with a large storage bin and an adjustable bumper bar that can be folded under the stroller.
You should also think about the length of time you'll make use of the stroller. A quality double stroller can be used by most families from the time that their child is born through to toddlerhood and beyond. It's worth it to spend more in the beginning on a stroller you will use for at least a few years.
If you're a frequent traveler, you might want to select a model which can be folded flat or with just one foot. The best travel double stroller tandem strollers are simple to fold down, which makes them perfect for families on the move.
The style of stroller that you pick can have a significant impact on your budget and lifestyle when 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 needs.
One-Point Fold
Expert stroller reviewers have a important requirement prior to purchasing a tandem double stroller: It must be easy to fold and unfold. This is especially important because tandem strollers are generally larger than single strollers and can feel heavy when being carried. They also take up more space in your trunk than a single stroller.
The best tandem double strollers have one-point folds that are simple to use. Many tandem double strollers also have an automatic lock that prevents the stroller folding while it is in use. This is a safety feature to consider, especially when your child is sitting in the front seat.
If you're planning to use a tandem system to transport children in car seat, it's better to choose a model that is side-by-side rather than one that's reversible. A reversible stroller allows you to put your infant in the front while placing your older child in the back, however it can be difficult to reach the infant in the rear seat when the stroller is moving and might not provide as much sun coverage as a side-byside model.
The width of the tandem stroller is also important. Most double pram stroller Twin strollers for newborns are larger than single strollers, and the width can affect whether or not it can fit through the doors of your home. Standard doorways are between 30 and 36 inches wide, so make sure to measure them before you purchase a tandem stroller.
If you're looking for a versatile stroller that works well with two car seats for infants look into the Contours Options Elite V2. This double stroller has seven different stadium-style seating configurations that are ideal for twins and can also fit the majority of infant car seats. It's loaded with great features like reversible seating with footrests that can be adjusted, as well as zippered extensions on both canopies. It's also affordable and has great reviews from parents. The only drawback is that it does not recline at the back, which could be an issue for children who nap. It does come with an ample storage bin as well as a parent tray that is covered and has cup holders. It's still a great option for families with children.
Easy Assembly
Whether you were shocked to discover you're expecting twins or had a second baby on the way as scheduled, now is the time to think about how you'll get from Point A to Point B with your children in the stroller. There are many different types of double strollers available for parents with more than one child. We tested tandem strollers that feature either side-by-side or front-facing seats so that children can see each other and interact while cruising along. Many tandem strollers are compatible with infant car seats and standard child stroller chairs. They also come with high-low seating, which lets both children view their surroundings.
The majority of our tandem stroller choices fold up easily and are compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car or storage at home. Some require you to remove the second seat to fold them (this is common for side-byside strollers) and this reduces their overall storage capacity somewhat. It is important to take this into consideration when choosing the right model. Also, make sure you know the dimensions of the doorways you'll have to take the stroller through.
In addition to a fold that can be folded with one hand one-handed fold, many of our top tandem picks also offer adjustable reclining for both seats and an expansive canopy to protect your kids from the elements of sun and wind. They also have cup holders as well as onboard storage for snacks and gear as well as brakes that are easy to reach and a sturdy bar that feels comfortable to hold while pushing. Many models can be used with piggyback attachments for ride-along boards that allow toddlers and older siblings to have fun.
Find used tandem strollers for sale online for a chance to save money on the purchase. There are a myriad of used double buggy with car seat strollers on marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist that can be purchased at a fraction of cost of new models. Be sure to check the stroller for loose and rusty screws, as well as any recalls. It's well worth the effort to find a good deal on a stroller for your family that will last for many years.