Buying a Tandem Double Stroller
Many parents who have to carry two kids around town discover that a double stroller that is essential. They are strong enough to take on most surfaces, and comfortable for a toddler and an infant in the car seat.
Testers appreciate the fact that this stroller folds to a slim profile by using one hand. It also has a generous amount of onboard storage for kids and adults.
Adjustable Recline
If you're looking for a stroller which can expand with your family this is a great option. It can be configured as a single-seater stroller and then a jump seat or stand-on board for older children. It is easy to control and push for taller parents. The rear suspension and air-filled tires allow for jogging with ease. The canopy is large and have well-placed peekaboo window. The seats also recline almost flat. But, they do require two hands to bring them back up.
Another plus is that it can be inserted into many doors, although it might be too big for some trunks, depending on the vehicle you are using. Unlike most tandem double strollers that require you to lift the canopy or seat to fold it, this one comes with one-point fold which requires pulling a strap and lifting. It also folds when folded, which is handy for storage and transport. The buckles are difficult to fasten with the car seat attached.
The Graco DuoGlider is a solid option for families with a toddler as well as an infant. It comes with a large storage basket, an adjustable recline in both seats (although the front seat only goes to about half-way down), and a good amount of padding on the harnesses. It's the most comfortable car seat for children and adults alike, including those who are more than 6 feet tall. The only drawback is that its size can make it difficult to maneuver through tight spaces or when juggling kids and groceries.
The Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double is one of the best choices among budget tandem strollers. It can be used with an infant car seat adapter included or with another child seat that is sold separately. Both seats feature a deep recline, an adjustable footrest and an UPF 50+ canopy with large windows that peek out. The front seat can be turned to face the rear which allows older children to be more visible to each other. It's only downside is that it's not able to fit two infant car seats at once and therefore won't work for twins or siblings of the same age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your kids to scream and whine the entire time it is essential to have a stroller with a canopy that is big enough for both seats. Read the Full Guide come with a UPF 50+ canopy that is large enough to offer real shade, and also has a peekaboo window on each seat. For easy pushing, you also need large wheels and a sturdy suspension. After testing 17 tandem strollers for over 100 hours at the zoo and during stroller-enabled classes, running around and going trick-or-treating We found that side-by-side strollers such as the Chicco BravoFor2 or Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller were more efficient in terms of maneuverability than inline models. They were easier to maneuver and fit through doors that are standard than most other models.
In addition to convenience, comfort features and ease of use, you'll also want to look into whether the tandem stroller is able to accommodate your family's lifestyle. If you're a frequent user of public transportation or have to carry lots of gear and luggage, then look for models that have an ample storage bin as well as a bumper bar which can be folded under the stroller.
You should also think about the length of time you intend to make use of the stroller. A quality double stroller can last for most families from the time that their child is born through to toddlerhood and beyond. It's worth investing more in the beginning if you are certain you'll be able to use the stroller for a few years at the very least.
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 strollers are easy to fold down, which makes them ideal for families who are on the move.
The type of stroller you pick can have a big impact on your budget and lifestyle if are considering adding the child. If you're looking for a side by side or inline model, there are plenty of options to suit your needs.
One-Point Fold
Expert stroller reviewers have a key requirement when it comes to buying a tandem double stroller: It must be simple to fold and unfold. This is particularly important because tandem strollers are typically larger than single strollers and can feel top-heavy when being carried. They also take up more space in your trunk than a single stroller.
The best tandem double strollers come with an easy-to-use fold at one point. Many tandem double strollers also come with an automatic lock that stops the stroller from folding when it is in use. This is a great security feature, particularly when you have children in the front seat.
If you're planning to use a tandem stroller to transport your children in a car seat, it's best to choose a model that is side-by-side instead of one that's convertible. A reversible stroller permits you to put your infant in front while placing your older child in the back, however it's not easy to reach the infant in the rear seat when the stroller is moving and may not provide enough sun protection as a side-by-side model.
Another factor to consider is the width of the tandem stroller. The majority of double strollers are bigger than single strollers and the width can impact whether or not it will fit through the doors of your home. Doors that are standard sizes are between 30 and 36 inches wide, so make sure to measure them prior to you purchase a tandem stroller.
Contours Options Elite V2 is a stroller that can be used with two infant car seats. This double stroller features seven seating options with stadium-style seats that are ideal for twins. It also accommodates most infant carseats. It comes with many great features like reversible seats, adjustable footrests and a zippered extension of both canopies. It's also affordable and has received rave 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 large storage bins and a tray for parents that's covered and comes with cup holders. This is still a great option for most families.
Easy Assembly
If you're shocked to discover that you're expecting twins or you were expecting a second child on the way as planned, it's 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 with more than one child and there are several types to choose from. We tested tandem strollers that have seats that face each other, or side-by-side so that children can interact and see each other while they are on the move. They also support infant car seat and standard child stroller seats, and many have high-low seating that gives both children a complete view of their surroundings.
Most of our tandem stroller choices fold up easily and are compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car or in 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 reduces their overall storage capacity. This is something to consider when selecting the best model, as well as assessing the dimensions of any doors you'll need to pass the stroller through.
A majority of our top tandems offer an easy-to-fold mechanism that can be operated with one hand and adjustable reclining in both seats and a large canopy to shield children from sun and wind. They also offer parent cup holders and onboard storage for snacks and equipment as well as brakes that are easy to reach and a sturdy handlebar that feels comfortable to hold when pushing. Many models are able to accommodate piggyback ride-along boards which allow older children to join in the fun which makes them a great option for families growing with school-aged children and toddlers.
Find used tandem strollers for sale online If you're looking to save money on the purchase. There are used double strollers for less than new models on online marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist. Be sure to look for loose screws, rust and look up any recalls that might be in place before purchasing. It's well worth the effort to find a decent deal on a stroller for your family members that will last many years.