Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
Many parents who carry two kids around town find a double stroller that is essential. They are strong enough to handle most surfaces, and comfortable for a toddler and an infant in the car seat.
Testers appreciate the fact that the stroller folds to a slim profile using just 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 that grows with your family. It starts out as a single stroller and can be fitted with an additional seat, a jump seat or stand-on boards for older kids. It is easy to steer and push for even taller parents. The rear suspension and air-filled tires make jogging a breeze. The separate canopies are large with well-placed peekaboo windows. the seats recline almost flat, though they do require two hands to set back up.
It is also able to fit through most doors, although it may be too big for certain trunks based on the vehicle. The tandem double stroller features a one point fold, which is different from other strollers which require you lift the canopy or seat to fold. Instead, it has an elastic strap that can be pulled and lifted. It can be folded and stored standing up. Its buckles can be a bit difficult to fasten with the car seat attached.
The Graco DuoGlider is a solid option for families with a toddler and an infant. It has a huge storage basket, an adjustable recline on both seats (although only the front seat reclines about half way), and comfortable padding on the harnesses. In our tests, it was one of the most comfortable for both kids and adults--even those over 6'. The only drawback is that its length can cause it to be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, or when juggling kids and groceries.
A top pick among tandem strollers that are budget-friendly that is 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 that is available separately. Both seats feature a deep recline and adjustable footrest. They also have a UPF 50+ canopy with a large windows for peekaboo. The front seat can be turned upside down to face the rear so that older children can be able to see each other more clearly. It's only downside is that it's unable to fit two infant car seats at once, so it won't work for twins or siblings of the same age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your children to be screaming and whining the all the time, then you need a double stroller with a canopy large enough for both seats. The best tandem double strollers come with a UPF50+ canopy that extends far enough to provide shade. It also comes with an open window for each seat. For easy pushing you'll also need large wheels and a good suspension. After testing 17 tandem strollers for over 100 hours at the zoo, and during stroller-enabled classes as well as running the errands, and trick-or-treating we discovered that side-by-side models such as the Chicco BravoFor2 or Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller were more efficient in terms of maneuverability compared to inline models. They were easier to maneuver and fit through standard doors than other models.
In addition to comfort, convenience features and user-friendliness, you'll also want to consider if the tandem stroller is capable of accommodating your family's lifestyle. If you are frequent users of public transportation, or have to carry a lot of gear and luggage you should look for a model that has large storage bins and a bumper bar that can be folded down under the stroller.
Another consideration is how long you hope to use the stroller for. A high-quality double stroller will be used by most families from the time your child is born through to toddlerhood and beyond. It's worth spending more upfront on a stroller that you will use for at least a few years.
If you're a frequent traveler, you might want to consider one that can be folded flat or with just one foot. The most efficient tandem strollers can fold down in just seconds, making them perfect for families who travel.
If you're thinking of adding a second child to your family, the type of stroller you pick will have a major impact on your lifestyle and budget. If you're looking for a side-by-side or inline model, there are lots of options to suit your requirements.
One-Point Fold
Expert stroller reviews have one requirement when buying a double tandem stroller. It must be simple to fold and unfold. This is particularly important because tandem strollers are typically larger than single strollers, and can be heavy when carried. They also take up more storage space in your car trunk than a single stroller.
The top tandem double strollers feature one-point folds that are easy to fold. A lot of them also have an automatic lock, which keeps the stroller from folding once open or in use. This is a safety feature that you should consider particularly if your child is in the front seat.
If you plan to utilize a tandem stroller in order to transport children in car seats, it is ideal to opt for a side-byside model instead of one that is reversible. Reversible strollers let you place your infant in front while placing your older child in back. However, it may be difficult to reach your child in the rear as the stroller moves.
The width of the tandem stroller is important. Most double strollers are bigger than single strollers and the width can impact whether or not it will pass through the doors of your home. Standard doorways are between 30 and 36 inches wide, so make sure to measure them before purchasing a tandem stroller.
Contours Options Elite V2 is a stroller that can be used with two infant car seat. This double stroller features seven different stadium-style seating options which are perfect for twins and can also fit the majority of infant car seats. 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 is also very affordable and parents have given it great reviews. The only downside is that it doesn't recline in the back, which could be an issue for children who nap. However, it does have an ample storage basket as well as a covered tray for parents with cup holders. This is a good option for most families.
double stroller for twins
If you're shocked to discover you're expecting twins, or had a second baby on the way as scheduled, now is the time to consider the best way to get from Point A to Point B with your kids in tow. A double stroller is an essential item for parents with more than one child and there are several types to choose from. We tested tandem strollers that feature either front-facing or side-by-side seats so that kids can see each other and interact while cruising along. Many tandem strollers are compatible with infant car seats and standard stroller chairs for children. They also have high-low seating, which lets both children see their surroundings.
Most of our tandem strollers fold easily and are small enough to fit into the trunk of your car or in storage at home. Some tandem strollers require that you remove the seat in order to fold them. This is common for side-by-side strollers. However, this reduces the overall storage capacity. It is crucial to consider this when selecting the best model. Also, make sure to check the dimensions of the doors you will need to pass the stroller through.
A majority of our top tandems come with an easy-to-fold mechanism that can be operated with one hand and adjustable recline in both seats as well as an enormous canopy to protect children from sun and wind. These tandems also come with cups for parents, onboard storage for snacks or other gear, and brakes that are easily accessible. They also have a sturdy handlebar and easy-to-reach breaks. Many models can be used with piggyback attachments for ride-along boards that allow older siblings and toddlers to enjoy the ride.
If you're looking to save some cash on a new tandem stroller, be sure to research second-hand options on the internet. You can find a wide selection of used double strollers on marketplaces such as Facebook and Craigslist that can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of new models. Just be sure to check for rust, loose screws and search for any recalls that might be in place before purchasing. It's worth the effort to find a good bargain on a stroller that is suitable for your family that will last many years.