Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
A tandem double stroller is a godsend for parents who have to lug two kids around the city. They are sturdy enough to withstand the most difficult surfaces, and comfortable for an infant in a car seat and an active toddler.
Testers like the fact that the stroller folds to a slim profile with one hand. It's got plenty of storage space, both for adults and children.
Adjustable Recline
If you're looking for a stroller that will adapt to your family's needs this is a great choice. It starts out as an individual stroller, but can be fitted with another seat, a jump seat or stand-on board for older children. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, so even tall parents will find it easy to push and steer (and its rear suspension and three air-filled tires make running easy as well). The separate canopy is large with well-placed peekaboo windows and the seats recline nearly flat, although they do require two hands to put back up.
Another advantage is that it fits through most doorways--though it may be too big for some trunks, based on your vehicle. Contrary to many tandem double strollers that require lifting a canopy or seat to fold it, this one comes with a one-point fold that involves the strap being pulled and then lifted. It also folds when folded, which is useful to transport and store. However, its buckles are somewhat difficult to secure particularly with the car seat in place, and it's also a bit expensive for a double stroller.
The Graco DuoGlider makes a great choice for families who have 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 about halfway 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 kids, even those who are taller than 6'. Its length can be a problem 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 or with a second child seat that is sold separately. Both seats have a deep recline, an adjustable footrest, and a UPF 50+ canopy with large peekaboo windows. The front seat can be turned to face the rear which allows older children to communicate with each other better. The only drawback is that it doesn't accommodate two infant car seats at the same time It's not an ideal choice for twins or siblings who are close in age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your kids to be screaming and whining duration of the day you should consider a double stroller that has the capacity to cover both seats. The most effective tandem strollers have a UPF 50+ canopy that extends far enough to provide shade. It also comes with a peekaboo window for each seat. It also requires a high-quality suspension and large wheels that make them easy to push. After testing 17 tandem strollers for over 100 hours at the zoo, and during stroller-enabled classes as well as running around and going trick-or-treating we discovered that side-by-side models such as the Chicco BravoFor2 or Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller proved to be more stable in terms of maneuverability than inline models. They were more easy to turn and could be inserted into doors that are standard than the majority of models.
In addition to the comfort, convenience features and user-friendliness, you'll also want to consider if the tandem stroller is able to accommodate your family's needs. If you are a frequent user of public transportation or have to carry a lot of gear and luggage you should look for models that have an ample storage bin as well as an adjustable bumper bar that can be folded down under the stroller.
You should also think about how long you plan to use the stroller for. A quality double stroller can last for most 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 several years.
If you are a frequent traveler you might want to consider one that can be folded flat, or even with one foot. The best tandem double strollers fold down in a matter of seconds, making them perfect for families who are constantly on the move.
If you're considering adding a second child to your family, 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 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 simple to fold and unfold. This is especially important because tandem strollers are typically larger than single strollers and can feel heavy when being carried. They also take more space in your trunk than a single-stroller.
The top tandem double strollers feature one-point folds that are simple to use. A lot of tandem double strollers include an automatic lock that will stop the stroller folding while it is in use. This is a great security feature, particularly if you have small children in the front seat.
If you're planning to use a tandem to transport your children in a car seat, it's best to opt for a model that's side-by-side instead of one that is convertible. A reversible stroller lets you to place your infant in front while putting your older child in the back, but it's not easy to reach the infant in the rear seat when the stroller is moving and may not provide the same amount of sun exposure as a side-by-side model.
The size of the tandem stroller is also crucial. Double strollers tend to be larger than single strollers, and the width will determine whether or not it can fit through the doors of your home. Measure your standard doorways between 30 and 36 inch width prior to purchasing a tandem stroller.
Contours Options Elite V2 is a stroller that can be used with two infant car seat. This double stroller comes with seven stadium-style seating options that are ideal for twins. It also fits most infant car seats. It comes with many great features including reversible seats, adjustable footrests and zippered extension on both canopy. It's also affordable and has received excellent reviews from parents. The only issue is that it does not recline at the back, which could be a problem for napping kids. However, compact double buggy has an enormous storage basket and a covered tray for parents 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 in the pipeline as scheduled, now is the time to consider the best way to get from Point A to Point B with your children in your arms. There are small double buggy of types of double strollers for parents with more than one child. We tested tandem strollers with seats that face each other, or side-by-side, so that children can interact and see each other while they are on the move. They also accommodate infant car seats as well as standard stroller seats. Many have high-low seating to give both kids a clear view of their surroundings.
Most of our tandem stroller choices fold easily and are small enough to fit in the trunk of your car or storage at home. Some tandem strollers require you to remove the seat in order to fold them. This is typical for side by side strollers. However, this can reduce their storage capacity overall. This is something to be considered when choosing the perfect model, as well as assessing the dimensions of any doorways you'll need to pass the stroller through.
A majority of our top tandems have a one-handed folding mechanism and adjustable reclining in both seats and a large canopy that protects children from sun and wind. They also have cup holders and onboard storage for snacks and equipment, plus easy-to-reach brakes and a sturdy handlebar that is at ease to hold while pushing. Many models are compatible with piggyback ride-along board attachments that allow older children and toddlers to enjoy the ride.
If you're looking to save money on your new tandem stroller, be sure to look into second-hand options on the internet. You can find a wide selection of used double strollers for sale on marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist that can be purchased at a fraction of cost of most new models. Make sure to check for rust, loose screws and look up any recalls that might be in place before you make your purchase. It's worth the extra effort to find a great bargain on a stroller that will last for years.