Tandem Double Stroller: 10 Things I'd Loved To Know Earlier Buying a Tandem Double Stroller

A tandem double stroller can be a lifesaver for parents who have to carry two children around the city. They are strong enough to handle most surfaces and are 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 with only one hand is a huge plus for testers. It offers plenty of storage space, both for adults and children.

Adjustable Recline

If you're looking for a stroller that can adapt to your family's needs, this one is a great choice. It's an individual stroller, but can be outfitted with another seat, a jump seat, or stand-on board for older kids. It has an adjustable handlebar so even tall parents find it easy to push and steer (and its rear suspension and three air-filled tires make jogging feel effortless, too). 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 fits through most doorways--though it may be too big for some trunks, depending on your vehicle. This double stroller comes with one-point fold, which is different from other strollers which require you lift the canopy or seat to fold. Instead, it has an elastic strap that can be pulled and lifted. It can be folded and put away standing up. However, the buckles are somewhat difficult to secure particularly with the car seat in place, and it's also on the pricey side for a double stroller.

The Graco DuoGlider makes a great choice for families who have two children, a toddler and an infant. It comes with a large storage basket, an adjustable recline in both seats (although the front seat only reclines to approximately half-way down), and a good amount of padding on the harnesses. It's the most comfortable car seat for both children and adults alike, including those who are more than 6 feet tall. The only drawback is that its length can make it difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, or when trying to manage groceries and kids.

The best option among tandem strollers that are budget-friendly The Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double can be used from birth with the infant car seat adapter, or with an additional toddler seat that is available separately. Both seats have a deep recline and a footrest that is adjustable. They also have a UPF 50+ canopy with a large windows that peek out. The front seat can be flipped to face the back to allow older children to see each other better. It's only downside is that it's unable to fit two infant car seats at once and therefore won't work for twins or siblings of a similar age.

UPF 50+ Canopy

If you don't want your kids to be screaming and whining entire time, then you need a double stroller with an ample canopy that can fit both seats. The most effective tandem strollers come with UPF50+ canopy that reaches far enough to provide real shade. They also have windows that can be opened for peekaboo from each seat. You also need a good 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 fitness classes and while running errands and during trick-or-treating, we discovered that side-byside options, such as the Chicco BravoFor2 and Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller, performed better than models that are inline for maneuverability. They were easier to maneuver and fit through standard doors as opposed to other models.

In addition to comfort, convenience features and ease of use You should also think about whether the tandem stroller is suitable for your family's needs. If you're a frequent user of public transportation, or have to carry lots of gear and luggage, then look for a model that has an ample storage bin as well as a bumper bar which can be folded under the stroller.

Another factor to consider is how long you plan to use the stroller for. For most families, a good double stroller will last from the time of birth to toddlerhood, and possibly even after. It's worth investing more upfront if you know you'll use the stroller for a couple of years at a minimum.

Lastly, if you're a frequent traveler you might want to look for a model that can fold flat or with one foot. The most efficient tandem strollers fold down in a matter of seconds, which makes them ideal for families who are constantly on the move.

The type of stroller you pick can have a big impact on your budget and lifestyle if you are thinking about adding a child. Whether you want a side-by-side or inline model, there are lots of options to suit your needs.

One-Point Fold

Expert stroller reviews have one requirement when purchasing a double tandem stroller: it must be simple to fold and unfold. This is especially important because tandem strollers are generally larger than single strollers and can feel heavy when being carried. They also take up more storage space in your car trunk than a single stroller.

The top tandem double strollers offer an easy-to-use one-point fold. Some also come with an automatic lock that keeps the stroller from folding once open or in use. This is a safety feature, especially for children who are small in the front seat.

If you're planning to use a tandem system to transport children in car seat, it's better to choose a model that is side-by-side instead of one that's reversible. A reversible stroller allows you to place your infant in front while putting your older child in the back, however it may be difficult to access the younger child in the rear seat while the stroller is moving and might not provide the same amount of sun exposure as a side-by-side model.

The width of the tandem stroller is crucial. Most double strollers are larger than single strollers, and the width will determine whether or not it can fit through the doors of your home. Take measurements of your doorways' standard between 30 and 36 inches width prior to purchasing 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 stadium-style seating options that are perfect for twins. It also fits most infant car seats. It comes with many great features, including reversible seats adjustable footrests and a zippered extension on both canopy. It's also very affordable and has received rave reviews from parents. The only drawback is that it doesn’t recline at the back. This could be a problem when your child is napping. However, it has a large storage basket and a covered parent tray with cup holders. It's still a great choice for most families.

Easy Assembly

If you're surprised to learn that you're expecting twins or you were expecting a second child on the way, as you planned, now is the time to consider how you'll get from Point A to Point B with your little ones in the stroller. A double stroller is an essential item for parents of multiple children, and there are a variety of models to pick from. We tested tandem strollers that feature either front-facing or side-byside seats to allow children to see each other and interact while they cruise along. Many tandem strollers work with infant car seats and standard stroller chairs for children. They also come with high-low seating, which allows both children to see 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 in order to fold them. This is common with side by side strollers. However, stroller double reduces their overall storage capacity. This is something to keep in mind when choosing your ideal model, and also assessing the dimensions of any doors that you'll have to take the stroller through.

In addition to a fold that can be folded with one hand one-handed fold, many of our top tandem picks have adjustable reclining options for both seats as well as an expansive canopy to protect your children from the sun and wind. These tandems also feature parent cup holders and onboard storage for snacks or other gear, and brakes that are easy to reach. They also have strong handlebars and break points that are easy to reach. Many models are able to accommodate piggyback boards that allow older children to take part in the fun which makes them a great option for families with preschoolers and children in school.

If you're looking to save cash on a new tandem stroller, be sure to research the used models available online. There are a myriad of used double strollers on marketplaces such as Facebook and Craigslist which can be bought for a fraction of the price of the new models. Be sure to check the stroller for rust and loose screws, as well as any recalls. It's worth the extra effort to find a good bargain on a stroller that will serve your family for years.