Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
Many parents who have to carry two children around town realize 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 as well as an active toddler.
Testers appreciate the fact that the stroller folds to a slim profile with one hand. It also has a generous amount of onboard storage for adults and kids.
Adjustable Recline
If you're looking for a stroller that will expand with your family This is a great choice. It can be configured as a single-seater model, and then with an extra seat or stand-on board for older children. It comes with an adjustable handlebar that lets even tall parents will find it easy to steer and push (and its rear suspension and three air-filled tires make jogging easy also). The canopies are large and have well-placed peekaboo window. The seats can also recline to a level. But, they do require two hands to bring them back up.
Another advantage is that it fits through many doors, although it might be too big for some trunks, based on your vehicle. This double stroller comes with one-point fold, which is different from other strollers that require you to lift a canopy or seat in order to fold. Instead, it has an elastic strap that can be pulled and then lifted. It can be folded and put away standing up. However, its buckles can be a bit difficult to fasten particularly 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 an infant. It has a large storage basket, an adjustable recline on both seats (although only the front seat goes down around half way) and a good padding for the harnesses. In our testing it was among the most comfortable options for kids and adults--even those over 6'. The only issue is that its length could cause it to be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces or when trying to manage groceries and kids.
The best option among tandem strollers with a budget The Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double can be used from birth with the included infant car seat adapter or with a second toddler seat that is available separately. Both seats have a deep recline and adjustable footrest. They also have a UPF 50+ canopy that has large peekaboo window. The front seat can be flipped to face the rear, allowing older children to see each other better. The only downside is that it can't fit two infant car seats at once and therefore isn't ideal for twins or siblings that are similar in age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your children to be screaming and whining the duration of the day, then you need a double stroller that has a canopy large enough for both seats. The most effective tandem strollers have a UPF50+ canopy that reaches far enough to offer real shade. Click To See More have peekaboo windows for each seat. For easy pushing, you also need large wheels and a high-quality suspension. 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 trick-or-treating, we found that side-by-side models, such as the Chicco BravoFor2 and Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller, performed better than models that are inline with regard to maneuverability. They were more maneuverable and fit through standard doors than most other models.
In addition to comfort, convenience features and ease of use, you'll also want to consider if the tandem stroller will be able to accommodate your family's lifestyle. For instance, if you frequently ride public transportation or be able to carry lots of luggage and equipment Look for one with a big storage basket and a bumper bar that folds up under the stroller to make it easier to transport.
You should also consider the length of time you intend to use the stroller for. A high-quality double stroller will be used by most families from the time that their child is born through to toddlerhood and beyond. So, it's worth spending more upfront if you know you'll be able to use the stroller for a few years at a minimum.
If you're a frequent traveler, you might want to look for a model that is able to fold flat or even with one foot. The top tandem double strollers fold down in just seconds, which makes them ideal for families on the go.
If you're thinking about adding a second child, the type of stroller you pick will have a significant impact on your lifestyle and budget. Whether you want a side-by-side or inline model, there are lots of options to suit your needs.
One-Point Fold
Expert stroller reviews include one requirement when buying a double tandem stroller: it has to be easy to fold and unfold. This is particularly important because tandem strollers are generally larger than single strollers, and can feel top-heavy when being driven. They also require more space in your car trunk than a single stroller would.
The top tandem double strollers provide an easy-to-use fold at one point. Many tandem double strollers include an automatic lock that prevents the stroller from folding while it is open or in use. This is an added safety feature, particularly when you have children in the front seat.
If you're planning to use a tandem stroller to transport children in car seats, it's best to choose a side-by-side model instead of an reversible model. A reversible stroller lets you to put your infant in the front while placing your older child in the back, however it may be difficult to get the child in the rear seat when the stroller is moving and might not provide enough sun protection as a side-byside model.
The size of the tandem stroller is important. The width of many double strollers is greater than the single strollers. This could affect how it will fit through your home's doors. Check your doors' typical width between 30 and 36 inches width prior to purchasing a tandem stroller.
Contours Options Elite V2 is a stroller that can be used with two infant car seats. This double stroller comes with seven seating options with stadium-style seats that are perfect for twins. It also fits most infant carseats. It has a variety of great features including reversible seats, adjustable footrests, and a zippered extension of both canopies. It's also affordable and has great reviews from parents. It's only flaw is that it doesn’t recline at the back. This could be a problem if your child is napping. It does have a large storage bin and an adult tray that's covered and comes with cup holders. This is a great choice for most families.
Easy Assembly
It doesn't matter if were shocked to discover that you are expecting twins, or knew you'd have another child in the same way as you planned. It is important 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 many types to pick from. We tested tandem strollers with seats facing each other or side-by-side so that children can communicate and interact while they are on the move. They also accommodate infant car seats and standard stroller seats, and many are built with high-low seating, which gives both kids a full view of their surroundings.
The majority of our tandem strollers fold easily and are small enough to fit in the trunk of your car or storage at home. Some require you to remove the second seat in order to fold them (this is typical for side-by-side strollers) and this can reduce their overall storage capacity a bit. This is something to keep in mind when selecting the best model, and also checking the dimensions of any doorways that you'll have to take the stroller through.
In addition to a one-handed fold, many of our top tandem options come with adjustable reclining for both seats as well as large canopy that protects your kids from the sun and wind. They also have cup holders and storage onboard for food and other gear along with brakes that are easy to reach, and a sturdy handlebar that feels at ease to hold while pushing. Many models can accommodate piggyback ride-along boards which allow older children to join in on the fun making them a good option for families growing with preschoolers and children in school.
If you're looking for ways to save cash on a new tandem stroller, make sure to research used options online. There are a myriad of used double strollers on marketplaces such as Facebook and Craigslist which can be bought at a fraction of the cost of most new models. Be sure to examine the stroller for loose and rusty screws, as well as any recalls. It's worth the extra effort to find a fantastic bargain on a stroller that will last for many years.