Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
Many parents who carry two kids around town discover that a tandem double stroller is essential. They are sturdy enough to handle most surfaces and are comfortable for an infant in a car seat and a curious toddler.
The fact that the stroller can be folded into a slim profile with only one hand is a huge benefit for those who test it. It’s got plenty of storage space for adults and children.
Adjustable Recline
This stroller is an excellent choice if you want an option that can grow with your family. It’s designed as a single stroller and can be equipped with another seat, a jump seat, or stand-on board for older kids. It comes with an adjustable handlebar that lets even tall parents find it easy to steer and push (and its rear suspension and three air-filled tires make jogging easy as well). The separate canopy is large with well-placed peekaboo windows. the seats recline almost flat, though they do require two hands to set back up.
It can also be accessed through most doors, although it may be too big for some trunks depending on the vehicle. This double stroller comes with one point fold, which is different from other strollers which require you lift a canopy or seat in order to fold. Instead, it uses the strap which is pulled and lifted. It also folds when folded, which is handy for transport and storage. However, its buckles are a bit difficult to fasten particularly with the car seat attached. It’s also on the pricey side for a dual stroller.
The Graco DuoGlider makes a great choice for families who have two children, a toddler and an infant. It has a large storage basket, an adjustable recline on both seats (although only the front seat goes down around half way) as well as excellent padding on the harnesses. It’s the most comfortable car seat for both children and adults alike, including those who are more than 6 feet tall. The only downside is that its size can make it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces or when carrying groceries and kids.
A top choice among tandem strollers that are budget-friendly, the Baby Trend Sit N’ Stand double travel stroller can be used from birth with the included infant car seat adapter or with a second toddler seat which is sold separately. Both seats feature a deep recline and adjustable footrest. They also have a UPF 50+ canopy with a large peekaboo window. The front seat can be turned to face the back to allow older children to be more visible to each other. The only drawback is that it can’t accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously, so it won’t work 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 an umbrella that is large enough to fit both seats. The top tandem strollers come with a UPF50+ canopy that is large enough to offer real shade, and also has a peekaboo window for each seat. It also requires a high-quality suspension and large wheels to make them easy to push. After more than 100 hours of testing 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 options, like the Chicco BravoFor2 and Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller were more efficient than models that are inline for maneuverability. They were easier to turn and fit into standard doorways than most other models.
You’ll want to think about whether the tandem stroller will accommodate your family’s lifestyle as well as features that are comfortable and convenient. If you’re frequent users of public transportation or have to carry a lot of luggage and gear, then look for models that have a large storage bin and a bumper bar that can be folded under the stroller.
You should also think about how long you plan to use the stroller for. For the majority of families, a good double stroller will last from the time of birth to toddlerhood, and possibly even after. It’s worthwhile to invest more upfront on a stroller that you will use for at least several years.
If you’re a frequent traveler, you may want to choose a model which can be folded flat or by using just one foot. The top tandem double strollers can fold down in just seconds, making them perfect for families who are constantly on the move.
If you’re considering having a second child, 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 plenty of great options to meet your needs.
One-Point Fold
Expert stroller reviews have one requirement when buying a double tandem stroller. It must be easy for you to fold and unfold. This is particularly important since tandem strollers tend to be larger than single strollers, and can feel heavy when being driven. They also have more storage space in your car trunk than a single stroller.
The best tandem double strollers come with an easy-to-use fold at one point. Many also include an automatic lock that prevents the stroller from folding when open or in use. This is a security feature to consider particularly when your child is in the front seat.
If you are planning to use a tandem stroller to transport children in car seats, it is best to choose a side-by-side model rather than one that is reversible. Reversible strollers allow you to place your infant in front of your older child in the back. However, it might be difficult for you to reach the child in the rear as the stroller moves.
Another thing to consider is the size of the tandem stroller. The width of most double running stroller strollers is wider than the single strollers. This can affect whether it can be pushed 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 in search of a flexible stroller that is compatible with two car seats for infants look into the Contours Options Elite V2. This double stroller features seven seating options with stadium-style seats which are ideal for twins. It also fits most infant carseats. It has a variety of great features including reversible seats, adjustable footrests, and a zippered extension on both canopy. It’s also very affordable and has great reviews from parents. The only issue is that it does not recline in the back, which can be a problem for napping kids. It comes with an ample storage bin as well as a parent tray which is covered and includes cup holders. This is still a great option for families with children.
Easy Assembly
Whether you were shocked to discover you’re expecting twins or you had baby number two on the way, as you planned, now is the time to think about the best way to get from Point A to Point B with your little ones in your arms. There are a variety of double strollers that are suitable for parents with multiple children. We tested tandem strollers with seats that face each other, or side-by-side so that children can interact and view each other while on the move. They also have a baby car seats and standard stroller seats, and many have high-low seating that gives both kids a full 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 that you remove the seat in order to fold them. This is typical for side-by-side strollers. However, this reduces their overall storage capacity. This is something to consider when choosing your ideal model, as well as taking note of the dimensions of any doors you’ll need to pass the stroller through.
In addition to a one-handed fold most of our top tandem choices come with adjustable reclining for both seats, as well as an expansive canopy to protect your children from the elements of sun and wind. They also offer parent cup holders as well as onboard storage for snacks and equipment as well as brakes that are easy to reach and a sturdy handlebar that feels comfortable to hold while pushing. Many models are able to accommodate piggyback ride-along boards which allow older children to join in on the fun which makes them a great option for families growing with toddlers and school-aged kids.
Find used tandem strollers for sale online if you want to save money on a purchase. There are a myriad of used double strollers for sale on marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist that you can purchase at a fraction of the cost of new models. Be sure to look for loose screws, rust and look up any possible recalls before purchasing. It’s worth the extra effort to find a fantastic deal on a stroller that will serve your family for a long time.
