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 sturdy enough to handle most surfaces, and comfortable for an infant in a car seat as well as an active toddler.

The fact that the stroller can fold into a slim profile using only one hand is a big advantage for testers. It offers plenty of storage space, both for children and adults.

Adjustable Recline

This stroller is a great choice if you want an option that can grow with your family. It's designed as a single stroller and can be outfitted with another seat, a jump seat or stand-on board for older kids. It is easy to steer and push for even taller parents. The rear suspension and the air-filled tires allow for jogging with ease. The canopies are spacious and have a well-placed peekaboo view. The seats also recline nearly flat. But, they do 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 car you drive. The tandem double stroller features one point fold, unlike most, which require lifting the canopy or seat to fold. Instead, it utilizes the strap which is pulled and then lifted. It can be folded and stored standing up. However, its buckles are a little difficult to fasten, especially with the car seat attached, and it's also a bit expensive for a double buggy converts to single stroller.

The Graco DuoGlider makes a great choice for families who have a toddler and an infant. It has a spacious storage basket, a recline that can be adjusted in both seats (although the front seat only goes to approximately half way down), and a good amount of padding on the harnesses. In our tests, it was one of the most comfortable options for adults and children, even for those over 6'. Its length can be a challenge in tight spaces and when you are juggling children and groceries.

The Baby Trend sit And stand double Stroller N' Stand Double is the top option among strollers with a budget. It can be used with an infant car seat adapter or with a second child seat that is sold separately. Both seats come with a wide recline, an adjustable footrest and an UPF 50+ canopy with large peekaboo windows. The front seat can be turned to face the rear, so older children can see each other more clearly. The only drawback is that it can't accommodate two infant car seats at once, so it won't work for twins or siblings of the same age.

UPF 50+ Canopy

If you don't want your kids to be screaming and whining the duration of the day you should consider a double stroller that has a canopy large enough for both seats. The most effective tandem strollers have a UPF 50+ canopy that is large enough to offer real shade. It also comes with a peekaboo window on each seat. For easy pushing, you also need large wheels and a sturdy suspension. After testing 17 tandem strollers over 100 hours at the zoo, and during stroller-enabled classes as well as running the errands, and trick-or-treating we discovered that side-by-side models like the Chicco BravoFor2 or Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 double travel buggy Stroller performed better in terms of maneuverability than inline models. They were also easier to turn and fit into doors that are standard than the majority of models.

You'll want to think about whether the tandem stroller can accommodate your family's lifestyle and comfort and convenience features. For instance when you often take public transport or be able to carry a large amount of gear and luggage, look for a model with a large storage basket and an adjustable bumper bar that folds under the stroller for transport.

Another factor to consider is how long you plan to use the stroller. For the majority of families, a high-quality double stroller will last from newborn to toddlerhood and possibly even beyond. It's worth it to spend 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 look for a model that can fold flat or even with one foot. The best double stroller tandem double strollers fold down in a matter of seconds, making them ideal for families who are constantly on the move.

If you're considering adding a second child, the type of stroller you pick will have a major impact on your budget and lifestyle. There are many options available depending on whether you're looking to purchase a side by side or an inline stroller.

One-Point Fold

Expert stroller reviewers have one key requirement when it comes to purchasing a tandem double stroller. It has to be easy to fold and unfold. This is crucial because tandem strollers are generally larger than single strollers, and may feel heavy when being driven. They also have more storage space in your car trunk than a single stroller would.

The best tandem double strollers come with a one-point fold that is simple to use. Many tandem double strollers include an automatic lock that stops the stroller from folding while it is open or in use. This is a security feature that you should consider especially when your child is sitting in the front seat.

If you plan to use a tandem stroller to transport children in car seats, it's recommended to select a side-by-side model rather than one that is reversible. Reversible strollers let you place your infant in front and your older child in back. However, it may be difficult to reach your child from the rear while the stroller is moving.

Another consideration is the width of the tandem stroller. Most double strollers are wider than single strollers, and the width can impact whether or not it will fit through the doors of your home. Check your doors' typical width between 30 and 36 inches width before buying a tandem stroller.

If you're looking for a multi-functional stroller that works well with two infant car seats, consider the Contours Options Elite V2. This double stroller features seven stadium-style seating options which are ideal for twins. It also accommodates the majority of infant car seats. It comes with many great features like reversible seats, adjustable footrests and a zippered extension on both canopy. It's also a great value and parents have left excellent reviews. It's only flaw is that it doesn’t recline at the back. This can be a problem when your child is napping. It does come with a large storage bin and an adult tray that's covered and comes with cup holders. It's still a great option for most families.

Easy Assembly

It doesn't matter if were shocked to learn that you're expecting twins, or knew you'd have another child in the same way as you planned. You must think about how you will get your children from A to B. There are a variety of double strollers that are suitable for parents with multiple children. We test tandem strollers that have either side-by-side or front-facing seats so that kids can communicate with each other while cruising. Many tandem strollers are compatible with infant car seats as well as standard stroller chairs for children. They also have high-low seating that lets both children view their surroundings.

The majority of our tandem strollers fold up easily and are compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car or in your home storage. Some tandem strollers require you to take off the seat to fold them. This is typical for side-by-side strollers. However, this reduces the overall storage capacity. This is something to keep in mind when selecting the best model, as well as taking note of the dimensions of any doorways that 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 options have adjustable reclining options for both seats, as well as large canopy that protects your kids from the sun and wind. They also come with cup holders and onboard storage for snacks and gear along with brakes that are easy to reach, and a sturdy bar that is at ease to hold while pushing. Many models can be used with piggyback ride-along board attachments that allow older siblings and toddlers to enjoy the fun.

Find used tandem strollers online for a chance to save money on your purchase. There are used double strollers at less than new models on online marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist. Make sure to inspect the stroller for loose and rusty screws, as well as any recalls. It's worth the effort to find a decent deal on a lightweight twin stroller for your family members that will last many years.