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.
The fact that the stroller can fold into a slim profile with only one hand is a huge benefit for those who test it. It also comes with a huge amount of storage onboard 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 designed as a single stroller but can be fitted with another seat, a jump seat or stand-on boards for older children. It is easy to steer and push for taller parents. The rear suspension and air-filled tires make jogging effortless. The canopies are large and feature a well-placed peekaboo window. The seats can also recline nearly flat. But, they do require two hands to bring them back up.
Another benefit is that it fits through most doorways--though it may be too long for some trunks, depending on the car you drive. The tandem double stroller features one point fold, which is different from other strollers that require you to lift the canopy or seat to fold. Instead, it uses an elastic strap that can be pulled and lifted. It also folds when folded, which is useful for transport and storage. However, its buckles are a bit difficult to fasten, especially with the car seat in place, and it's also a bit expensive for a dual stroller.
pushchair twin is a solid choice for families with a toddler as well as an infant. It has a huge storage basket, a recline that can be adjusted on both seats (although only the front seat reclines to about half way), and good padding on the harnesses. It's the most comfortable car seat for adults and children alike, including those who are more than 6 feet tall. The only drawback is that its length can make it difficult to maneuver around tight spaces or when carrying 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 or with an additional child seat that is sold separately. Both seats feature a deep recline, an adjustable footrest as well as a UPF 50+ canopy with large windows that peek out. The front seat can be turned around to face the back which allows older children to see each other more clearly. The only downside is that it's not able to accommodate two infant car seats at once It's not ideal for twins or siblings that are close in age.
UPF 50+ Canopy
If you don't want your kids to be screaming and whining all day long you should choose a stroller that has a canopy that is big enough to accommodate both seats. The best tandem double strollers come with UPF50+ canopy that extends far enough to offer real shade. They also have windows that can be opened for peekaboo from each seat. It also requires a high-quality suspension and large wheels that make them easy to push. After spending more than 100 hours evaluating 17 tandem strollers at the zoo during stroller-enabled exercise classes as well as while running errands and even trick-or-treating, it was our experience that side-by-side options, like the Chicco BravoFor2 and Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller were more efficient than inline models for maneuverability. They were more easy to turn and could be inserted into standard doorways than most other models.
In addition to comfort, convenience features and ease of use, you'll also want to think about whether the tandem stroller will be able to accommodate your family's needs. For instance If you regularly use public transportation or be able to carry a large amount of luggage and equipment, look for an option with a large storage basket and a bumper bar that folds down under the stroller to transport it.
Another thing to consider is how long you hope to use the stroller. A high-quality double stroller will last for a lot of families from the time that their child is born to toddlerhood and beyond. Therefore, it's worth paying more in the beginning if you are certain that you'll be able to use the stroller for a couple of years at least.
If you're a frequent traveler, you might want to consider a model which can be folded flat or with just one foot. The best tandem double strollers are easy to fold down, which makes them perfect for families on the move.
The type of stroller you choose will affect your budget and lifestyle if you are considering adding a child. If you're looking for a side by side or an inline model, there are lots of great options to meet your needs.
One-Point Fold
Expert stroller reviewers have a essential requirement to purchasing a tandem double stroller: It must be easy to fold and unfold. This is crucial because tandem strollers are typically larger than single strollers, and may feel heavy when being carried. They also have more storage space in your car trunk than a single stroller.
The best tandem double strollers provide an easy-to-use fold at one point. Many tandem double strollers also have an automatic lock that will stop the stroller from folding when it is open or in use. This is a security feature you should think about especially when your child is in the front seat.
If you're planning to utilize a tandem stroller in order to transport children in car seats, it is recommended to select a side-by-side model instead of an reversible model. Reversible strollers let you place your infant in front and your older child behind. However, it might be difficult to reach your child from the rear as the stroller is moving.
Another consideration is the width of the tandem stroller. Most double strollers are bigger than single strollers and the width can impact whether or not it will pass through the doors of your home. Measure your standard doorways between 30 and 36 inch width before buying a tandem stroller.
If you're looking for a multi-functional stroller that is compatible with two car seats for infants take a look at the Contours Options Elite V2. This double stroller comes with seven stadium-style seating options which are ideal for twins. It also accommodates most infant car seats. It's loaded with great features like the ability to reversibly seat as well as adjustable footrests and zippered extensions on both canopies. It's also a great value and parents have left it great reviews. The only drawback is that it doesn't recline in the back, which can be problematic for kids who are napping. It does come with large storage bins and a tray for parents that is covered and has cup holders. This is a great option for the majority of families.
Easy Assembly
It doesn't matter if you were shocked to learn that you're expecting twins, or were aware that you would be having a second child as planned. It is important to think about how you'll take your children from A to B. 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 with either front-facing or side-by-side seats so that kids can be in contact with each other and have fun while they cruise along. Many tandem strollers are compatible with infant car seats as well as standard child stroller chairs. They also come with high-low seating, which lets both children view their surroundings.
Most of our tandem strollers fold up easily and are compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car, or in storage at home. Some require you to remove the second seat to fold them (this is common for side-byside strollers) and this reduces their storage capacity by slightly. It is crucial to consider this when choosing the right model. Also, make sure you know the dimensions of the doorways you'll have to pass the stroller through.
In addition to a one-handed fold, many of our top tandem choices also offer adjustable reclining for both seats, as well as a spacious canopy to shield your kids from the sun and wind. They also offer parent cup holders and onboard storage for food and other gear along with brakes that are easy to reach, and a sturdy handlebar that is at ease to hold while pushing. Many models can accommodate piggyback boards that let older siblings take part in the fun, making them a great option for families growing with toddlers and school-aged kids.
If you're looking to save money on your new tandem stroller, be sure to look into used options online. You can find used double strollers for only a fraction of the cost of new models on marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist. Make sure to inspect the stroller for loose and rusty screws, as well as any recalls. It's well worth the effort to find a good bargain on a stroller for your family that will last for many years.