Tandem Double Stroller: The Good The Bad And The Ugly
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 take on most surfaces, and are comfortable for both a toddler and an infant in the car seat.
Testers love the ease of folding this stroller to a slim profile with one hand. It offers plenty of storage space for both 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's an individual stroller, but can be outfitted with another seat, a jump seat or stand-on boards for older kids. It has an adjustable handlebar so even tall parents find it easy to steer and push (and its rear suspension and three air-filled tires make jogging effortless, too). The canopies are spacious and have a well-placed peekaboo view. The seats also recline almost flat. However, they require two hands to bring them back up.
Another advantage is that it can fit through most doorways--though it may be too long for some trunks, based on the vehicle you are using. Unlike most tandem double strollers, which require lifting the canopy or seat to fold it, this one comes with an easy fold that requires pulling a strap and lifting. It also folds when folded, which is convenient for transport and storage. Its buckles can be difficult to secure with the car seat attached.
The Graco DuoGlider makes a great option for families with a toddler and an infant. It comes with a large storage basket, a recline that can be adjusted on both seats (although only the front seat can be reclined to about half way), and good padding for the harnesses. It's the most comfortable car seat for children and adults alike, even for those who are over 6 feet tall. Its length can be a problem in tight spaces and when you are juggling children and groceries.
A top pick among tandem strollers double strollers with a budget, the Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double can be used from birth using the included infant car seat adapter, or with a second toddler seat, that is available separately. Both seats have a deep recline, an adjustable footrest, and a UPF 50+ canopy with large peekaboo windows. The front seat can also be turned upside down to face the rear so that older children can see each other better. It's only downside is that it can't fit two infant car seats at once which means it's not suitable for twins or siblings of a similar age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your kids to be screaming and whining all terrain double stroller the time it is best to get a double stroller with an ample canopy that can fit both seats. The most effective tandem strollers come with a UPF50+ canopy that is far enough to offer real shade. They also come with peekaboo windows for each seat. For easy pushing, you also need large wheels and a good suspension. After 100-plus hours 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 models, such as the Chicco BravoFor2 and Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller, performed better than inline models in terms of maneuverability. They were more easy to turn and fit through doors that are standard than the majority of models.
You'll need to consider whether the tandem stroller will meet the needs of your family and features that are comfortable and convenient. If you are frequent users of public transportation or have to carry a lot of gear and luggage, then look for an option that comes with large storage bins and a bumper bar that can be folded down under the stroller.
It is also important to consider the length of time you intend to use the stroller. A high-quality double running buggy stroller will be used by most families from the time their child is born through to toddlerhood and beyond. It's worth it to spend more in the beginning on a stroller you can use for at least several years.
If you are 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 fold down in a matter of seconds, making them perfect for families on the go.
The style of stroller that you pick can affect your budget and lifestyle if are considering adding the child. 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 reviews contain one requirement when buying a smallest double buggy tandem stroller. It must be simple to fold and unfold. This is particularly important since tandem strollers are typically larger than single strollers and may feel heavy when being driven. They also take up more storage space in your car trunk than a single stroller would.
The best tandem double stroller sale strollers have a one-point fold that is simple to use. Many also include an automatic lock, which stops the stroller from folding once open or in use. This is a security feature to consider, especially when your child is sitting in the front seat.
If you're planning to use a tandem system to transport your children in a car seat, it's better to choose a model that is side-by-side, rather than one that's convertible. A reversible stroller permits 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 in motion and may not provide as much sun coverage as a side-by-side model.
The width of the tandem stroller is important. The width of most double strollers is wider than the single strollers. This could affect how it will fit through your home's doors. Take measurements of your doorways' standard between 30 and 36 inch width before buying 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 different seating options that are ideal for twins and also accommodates the majority of infant car seats. It's loaded with great features like reclined seating with footrests that can be adjusted, as well as zippered extensions on both canopies. It's also affordable and has received excellent reviews from parents. It's only flaw is that it's not reclined at the back. This can be a problem if your child is napping. However, it has a large storage basket and a covered tray for parents with cup holders. This is a good option for families with children.
Easy Assembly
If you were surprised to learn that you're expecting twins or had baby number two on the way as scheduled, now is the time to think about how you'll get from Point A to Point B with your children in tow. A double stroller is a must-have for parents of multiple children, and there are several types to pick from. We tested tandem strollers with either front-facing or side-by-side seats to allow children to be in contact with each other and have fun while they cruise along. They also have a baby car seats and standard stroller seats, and a lot have high-low seating, which gives both kids a clear view of their surroundings.
Most of our tandem strollers fold easily and are small enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle or into storage at home. Some tandem strollers require you to remove the seat to fold them. This is common for side by side strollers. However, this can reduce their overall storage capacity. It is crucial to consider this when deciding on the best model. Also, make sure you know the dimensions of the doorways you'll have to take the stroller through.
In addition to a fold that can be folded with one hand most of our top tandem picks come with adjustable reclining for both seats, as well as large canopy that protects your children from sun and wind. These tandems also feature parent cup holders, onboard storage for snacks or gear and brakes that are easy to access. They also have a sturdy handlebar and easily accessible breaks. Many models are able to accommodate piggyback ride-along boards which let older siblings join in the fun which makes them a great option for families growing with school-aged children and toddlers.
If you're looking to save cash on a new tandem stroller, make sure to research second-hand options on the internet. You can find used double strollers for less than new models on online marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist. Be sure to examine the stroller for rust and loose screws and any recalls. It's worth the extra effort to find a great bargain on a stroller which will last for years.