Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
Many parents who schlep two children around town realize that a tandem double stroller is essential. These strollers are sturdy enough to take on most surfaces, and comfortable for both a toddler and an infant in the car seat.
The fact that the stroller folds into a slim profile with just one hand is a huge plus for testers. It's got plenty of storage space for adults and children.
Adjustable Recline
This stroller is an excellent option for those who want a stroller that grows with your family. It starts out as a single stroller and can be equipped with a second seat, jump seat or stand-on board 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 easy 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.
Another benefit is that it fits through most doorways--though it may be too long for some trunks, based on the vehicle you are using. Unlike most tandem double strollers, which require lifting the canopy or seat to fold it, this one has one-point fold which requires the strap being pulled and then lifted. It can be folded and put away standing up. However, the buckles are a bit difficult to fasten, especially with the car seat attached. It's also a bit expensive for a dual stroller.
The Graco DuoGlider is a solid choice for families with a toddler and infant. It has a large storage basket, a recline that can be adjusted on both seats (although only the front seat can be reclined to about halfway), and excellent padding on the harnesses. It's the most comfortable car seat for both children and adults alike, even those over 6 feet tall. Its length can be a challenge in tight areas and when having to balance groceries and children.
The Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double is a top choice among strollers that are budget-friendly. It can be used with an infant car seat adapter included or with another child seat that is sold separately. Both seats have a deep recline as well as a footrest that can be adjusted. They also have a UPF 50+ canopy with a large windows that peek out. The front seat can be flipped to face the rear to allow older children to see each other more clearly. The only downside is that it's not able to accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously which means it's not suitable for twins or siblings of a similar age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
Unless you want your kids to scream and yell all day long it is essential to have a stroller with canopy that is large enough for both seats. The best tandem double buggy side by side strollers have a UPF50+ canopy that is far enough to provide real shade. They also have peekaboo windows for each seat. To make it easy to push you'll need big wheels and a high-quality suspension. After testing 17 tandem strollers over 100 hours at the zoo as well as during stroller-enabled classes, completing the errands, and trick-or-treating, we found side-by-side options such as the Chicco BravoFor2 or Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 double buggy newborn Stroller proved to be more stable in terms of maneuverability compared to inline models. They were also easier to turn and fit through doors with standard openings than other models.
You'll need to think about whether the tandem stroller is able to be adapted to your family's needs as well as features that are comfortable and convenient. For example, if you frequently ride public transport or be able to carry a lot of gear and luggage Look for an option with a large storage basket and a bumper bar that folds up under the stroller for transport.
It is also important to consider the length of time you'll make use of the stroller. A quality double stroller can last for most families from the time your child is born to toddlerhood and beyond. It's worthwhile to invest more in the beginning on a stroller you can use for at least several years.
If you frequently travel, you may want to choose one that can be folded flat or with just one foot. The best tandem double strollers are simple to fold down, making them perfect for families on the move.
If you're considering adding a second child, the type of stroller you pick will have a significant impact on your lifestyle and budget. If you're looking for a side by side or inline model, there are a lot of options to suit your requirements.
One-Point Fold
Expert stroller reviews have one requirement when buying a double tandem stroller: it has to be easy for you to fold and unfold. This is especially important since tandem strollers are typically larger than single strollers and can be heavy when driven. They also take up more storage space in your car trunk than a single stroller would.
The top tandem double strollers provide an easy-to-use fold at one point. Some also come with an automatic lock, which keeps the stroller from folding when open or in use. This is an added safety feature, particularly if you have small children in the front seat.
If you are planning to use a tandem stroller to transport children in car seats, it is ideal to opt for a side-byside model instead of an reversible model. A reversible stroller permits you to put your infant in the front while placing your older child in the back, however it may be difficult to reach the infant in the rear seat when the stroller is in motion and might not offer the same amount of sun exposure as a side-byside model.
Another thing to consider is the size of the tandem stroller. The majority of double strollers are larger than single strollers, and the width can impact whether or not it can pass through the doors of your home. Check your doors' typical width between 30 and 36 inches width prior to purchasing a tandem stroller.
If you're looking for a multi-functional stroller that is compatible with two car seats for infants look into the Contours Options Elite V2. This double jogging stroller stroller has seven different stadium-style seating options which are perfect for twins, and it also accommodates the majority of infant car seats. It has a variety of great features including 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 in the back, which could be problematic for kids who are napping. It does have an ample storage bin as well as an adult tray which is covered and includes cup holders. It's still a great option for most families.
Easy Assembly
It doesn't matter if you were surprised to learn that you're expecting twins, or were aware that you would be having a second child as planned. You need to consider how you will take your children from A to B. A double stroller is essential for parents with multiple children and there are several types to pick from. We tested tandem strollers that have seats that face each other or side-by-side so that children can communicate and interact while they move. Many tandem twin strollers for newborns are compatible with infant car seats and standard child twin pushchairs umbrella stroller (from the Google blog) chairs. They also have high-low seating, which lets both children see their surroundings.
The majority of our tandem stroller picks fold up easily and are compact enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle or into your home storage. However, some require you to remove the second seat to fold them (this is common for side-byside strollers) and this does reduce their overall storage capacity somewhat. This is something to consider when choosing the perfect model, and also assessing the dimensions of any doorways you'll need to pass the stroller through.
Many of our top tandems have the ability to fold with one hand with an adjustable recline for both seats and a large canopy to shield children from sun and wind. They also come with cup holders and onboard storage for food and other gear, plus easy-to-reach brakes and a sturdy handlebar that feels comfortable to hold when pushing. Many models accommodate piggyback boards that allow older children to join in the fun making them a good option for families growing with toddlers and school-aged kids.
If you're looking to save money on your new tandem stroller, make sure to check out the used models available online. There are used double strollers at a fraction the price of new models on marketplaces such as Facebook and Craigslist. Be sure to check the stroller for loose and rusty screws and any recalls. It's well worth the effort to find a great bargain on a stroller that is suitable for your family that will last many years.