Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
Many parents who schlep two children around town realize that a double stroller that is essential. They are strong enough to withstand the most difficult surfaces, and comfortable for a toddler and an infant in the car seat.
Testers like the fact that this stroller folds into a slim silhouette using just one hand. It also has a generous amount of onboard storage for adults and kids.
Adjustable Recline
This stroller is an excellent option for those who want an option that can grow with your family. It can be used as a single-seater stroller, and then with the option of a jump seat or a stand-on board to accommodate older children. It has 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 jogging effortless, too). The separate canopy is large with a good-sized peekaboo window and the seats recline nearly flat, though they do take two hands to put back up.
Another benefit is that it can fit through the majority of doors, though it could be too long for some trunks, based on the vehicle you are using. Contrary to many tandem double strollers that require you to lift the canopy or seat to fold it, this one has a one-point fold that involves pulling a strap and lifting. It also stands when folded, which is convenient for transport and storage. However, the buckles are a little difficult to fasten when you have a car seat attached, and it's expensive for a double stroller.
The Graco DuoGlider makes a great choice for families who have one child and a toddler. lightweight twin buggy 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) as well as comfortable padding on the harnesses. In our tests it was among the most comfortable options for kids and adults--even those over 6'. The only downside is that its length could cause it to be difficult to maneuver around tight spaces or when you're trying to manage groceries and kids.
The Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double is the top option among budget tandem strollers. It can be used with an infant car seat adapter included or with an additional child seat that is sold separately. Both seats have a deep recline and a footrest that is adjustable. 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's not able to fit two infant car seats simultaneously, so it won't work for twins or siblings of similar age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your children to be screaming and whining entire time, then you need a double stroller that has an ample canopy that can fit both seats. The top tandem strollers have a UPF50+ canopy that reaches far enough to offer real shade. They also have peekaboo windows for each seat. You also need a good suspension and big wheels to make them easy to push. After more than 100 hours of testing 17 tandem strollers at the zoo, during stroller-enabled fitness classes, while running errands, and even trick-or-treating, it was our experience that side-byside options, such as 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 maneuver and fit through standard doors than most other models.
In addition to convenience, comfort features and ease of use You should also consider if the tandem stroller is suitable for your family's lifestyle. For instance when you often take public transportation or need to be able to carry a lot of luggage and equipment choose an option with a large storage basket and a bumper bar that folds down under the stroller to make it easier to transport.
Another consideration is how long you intend to use the stroller for. A good double stroller will be used by most families from the time their baby is born until toddlerhood and beyond. It's worth spending more in the beginning on a stroller you can use for at least a few years.
Lastly, if you're a frequent traveler you might want to search for a stroller that can fold flat or even with one foot. The best tandem double strollers are simple to fold down, which makes them ideal for families on the go.
The style of stroller that you choose can have a big impact on your budget and lifestyle when you are considering adding the child. Whether you want a side-by-side or an inline model, there are a lot 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 has to be easy to fold and unfold. This is especially important because tandem strollers tend to be larger than single strollers, and they can feel heavy being driven. They also take up more storage space in your car trunk than a single stroller.
The top tandem double strollers offer an easy one-point fold. Many also include an automatic lock that stops the stroller from folding while open or in use. This is a safety feature that you should consider, especially if your child is in the front seat.
If you're planning to use a tandem to transport your children in a car seat, it's better to opt for a model that's side-by-side, rather than one that is convertible. A reversible stroller permits you to put your infant in the front while placing your older child in the back, however it can be difficult to access the younger child in the rear seat while the stroller is moving and may not provide as much sun coverage as a side-byside model.
Another factor to consider is the width of the tandem stroller. The width of many double strollers is greater than that of single strollers. This could affect how it can fit through the doors of your home. Check your doors' typical width between 30 and 36 inch width before buying a tandem stroller.
If you're looking for a multi-functional stroller that can be used with two infant car seats look into the Contours Options Elite V2. This double stroller has seven stadium-style seating options which are ideal for twins. It also fits most infant carseats. It is packed with a myriad of features including reversible seats, adjustable footrests, and a zippered extension on both canopies. It's also very affordable and has received excellent reviews from parents. It's only flaw is that it doesn’t recline at the back. This can be a problem if your child is napping. However, it does have an enormous storage basket and a covered parent tray with cup holders. This is a great option for the majority of families.
Easy Assembly
It doesn't matter whether you were shocked to learn that you are expecting twins, or were aware that you would be having a second child as planned. It is important to think about how you'll get your children from A to B. A double stroller is an essential item for parents with multiple children, and there are many types to pick from. We test tandem strollers that have either side-by-side or front-facing seats so that children can communicate with each other while cruising. They also accommodate infant car seats and standard stroller seats, and many are built with high-low seating to give both children a complete view of their surroundings.
The majority 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 take off the seat in order to fold them. This is common for side by side strollers. However, this can reduce their overall storage capacity. It's important to consider this when choosing the right model. Also, be sure you know the dimensions of the doors that you'll 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, as well as adjustable reclining in both seats and a large canopy that protects children from sun and wind. They also come with cup holders and onboard storage for food and other gear along with brakes that are easy to reach, and a sturdy bar that is at ease to hold while pushing. Many models can accommodate piggyback ride-along boards which allow older siblings to join in on the fun, making them a great option for families growing with school-aged children and toddlers.
Check out used tandem strollers on the internet if you want to save money on a purchase. There are second-hand double strollers for a fraction the price of new models on marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist. Be sure to examine the stroller for rust and loose screws, as well as any recalls. It's worth the extra effort to find a fantastic bargain on a stroller that will serve your family for many years.