Best Tandem Strollers 2018 – Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the best tandem strollers for infant and toddler is an essential part of your to-do list while still pregnant. Every year, there are several upgrades and modifications and so as much as possible, I’ll gather models from 2017 only.
But even if they’re older products but still have great features, I’ll include them on the list.
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Contents
What To Look For
Manoeuvrability: You’d want a decent and smooth push even if it’s loaded (kids and light items). Remember, this factor is important even if it’s just one kid in the stroller, so what more if there’s two?
The last thing you’d want is to huddle the children while struggling with the wheels. And it can compromise safety too if it doesn’t turn smoothly or if it has problems when backing up. The wheels NEED to be sturdy because obviously, it will need to carry the collective weight of the occupants.
Durability: In any baby gear, this is a priority. You don’t need something that won’t last. But most of all, you never want any item that could potentially harm your baby. Think about it, you bought a tandem stroller so you can freely go anywhere (park, grocery, mall, etc.) and monitor both of your kids.
They’ll be spending some time tucked in the stroller, and you want one that can take a beating whether it’s strolling on a rough terrain or accommodating the weight of your kids.
Portability: Is it easy to fold? Do I need someone else’s help in storing or unfolding it? Does it have a foot-powered mechanism which will make it easier for me especially when I’m alone with the kids? If I fold them up, will they fit in our trunk?
Are there smaller parts that need to be removed and installed when I’m bringing them for travel? Should I opt for the lightweight ones?
Storage space: Let’s face it, you’re bringing times two of everything – bottles, diaper bags and other essentials. You can’t do away with compartments – you’ll find it can be a real life-saver at times.
Parents’ feedback: This is one of those times where you need to listen to other people’s opinion. More than what the product promises, you need to know if it delivers. Also, it might help you decide which one best fits your needs especially when you find someone whose situation is similar to yours.
Of course, there’s a reason why a product is best rated. That’s also why checking out reviews before buying is a must.
Perks Of Tandem Strollers
Convenience: For parents with multiple children or twins, this will become one of your best friends. No, it’s not just about travelling conveniently, but because the width is the same as a single stroller, you wouldn’t struggle in crowded areas like the mall or even just going in and out of the house.
Space-saving: Side by side strollers may have an edge regarding visibility (both can look ahead) and stability. However, when you want something that saves space especially for travel by plane or car, you’d want the tandem stroller.
It’s easier to breeze through crowds and doorways because it’s going to feel like you’re pushing a regular stroller.
Safety Precautions
- If you’re planning to buy second-hand products, don’t. Because tandem strollers can drill a hole in your pocket; you might be tempted to look for something that’s pre-loved or a hand-me-down from a friend or relative.
I suggest you reconsider. First off, you don’t know how much beating the gear has gotten from previous owners. You probably wouldn’t even know if there are missing parts or screws. - Always use the safety harness. Even if they’re sleeping or you’re on even ground, never forget to use the straps to avoid injury caused by falling. Especially if you have toddlers, they will want to move around and might reach for things.
Remember, there are two of them, and if one tries to lean towards the side, it might topple the stroller. - Don’t overload the compartment. Sometimes, it can be tempting to hang the diaper bags (if they won’t fit in the storage provided) on one side. But again, the collective weight is already bulky. Consider carrying a backpack instead.
- Regularly check the brakes. Try pushing the stroller and also look at the tires. It might wear off and may need replacement. Never use it when the brakes are not working.
- Make sure you don’t exceed the weight limit. Kids grow fast. You’ll barely notice it until you visit the paediatrician for a check-up or when you get noodle arms from carrying them for an extended period.
So always mind the numbers and take note if you have reached the limit. That’s written there for a reason. - Don’t leave children unattended. Please don’t rely on the stroller no matter how durable and high quality it is. Always stay close even if they’re sleeping. Like every other baby gear, it will still require supervision.
Product Name | Quality | Price | Our Rating |
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A+ | |||
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The 5 Best Top Rated Tandem Strollers For Infant And Toddler
Made of 100% polyester, it’s extremely versatile. It’s ideal for growing families since it allows you to transfer the seats, bassinets and convertible car seats to accommodate your varying needs. You can mix and match up to 16 combinations.
Each seat of this four-wheel stroller has a 45-pound weight capacity.
Pros
- With one-step fold technology for your added convenience.
- It has a hand-operated parking brake which makes it easy to use should the need arise.
- It’s comfortable for the kids because of the multiple recline options.
- It’s easy to manoeuvre and has a solid build.
- It’s sturdy and ensures a smooth ride.
- Assembling is a no-brainer.
- It has a narrow width so there’s no problem in passing through doorways.
- It has a big storage underneath the stroller.
- It rolls over grass or gravel ground easily.
Cons
- Car seats and bassinet kits sold separately.
- Recommended for six months and up.
- It’s heavy and has plenty of accessories and parts.
- You need to take off some parts when putting it in and out of the car and may take up plenty of space in your trunk.
- There’s no cup holder.
It offers versatility and better ride with shock-absorbing rubber coated rear wheels. Other features include a cup holder, expandable mesh canopies and storage basket. The footrests and headrests are adjustable for maximum comfort.
And it also has a five-point harness to ensure safety for the passengers. Each seat has a weight limit of 40 pounds.
Pros
- Has seven seating options
- Has a universal seat adapter which can accommodate ten different car seats
- Can easily fit in the trunk
- Spacious head and leg room
- Easy to push around and manoeuvre
- Huge storage basket
- Folds up neatly even when both seats are attached
- You don’t need to remove parts when storing it.
- The canopies efficiently block light and harsh winds.
- Steering is smooth, and the stroller feels solid under your hands.
- Cheaper than other similar products
- Contains clear step-by-step instructions
- The heavy duty wheels feel sturdy.
- Ideal for travelling or parents on-the-go
Cons
- Massive and bulky enough to make it difficult to lift and carry with one hand
- Some find the seats and cup holder a bit flimsy
- Can be hard to steer when used on uneven terrains and grounds
This sleek and elegant baby gear have fully reclining rear seat and forward-fold front seat which allows you to attach the car seat without hassle. The maximum weight limit is 40 pounds for each child.
The Cortina also boasts of its lighter weight as compared to other similar products.
Pros
- Makes it easier to bring for travels because of its one-hand activate fold
- Spacious and accessible storage basket
- Car seat easily snaps into place without the need for lots of accessories and parts
- Easy to assemble
- Not difficult to steer and manoeuvre
- Ensures a smooth ride for the kids
- Durable, can take a beating and still function well
- Plenty of room for the legs
- Wheels can glide over bumps well
- The harnesses can be easily adjusted.
- Would be ideal for twins or taller toddlers
Cons
- It may be lightweight but smaller mothers might still find it hard to lift into the trunk of the car.
- Belt cushions can come off
- The canopies aren’t that big and consequently; don’t offer a lot of protection.
- On uneven and rough terrain, it might be hard to turn
With reclining seats, a large basket, trays and cup holders for both children and parents, and a five-point harness to ensure safety, you might consider this stroller. Perhaps its best feature is flexibility, and it can accommodate kids from less than a month old up to five years. Its maximum weight limit is at 50 pounds each.
Pros
- It’s sturdy and well-built
- Glides smoothly over grass and gravel
- Easy to steer, turn and manoeuvre
- Folding and unfolding is a breeze
- No hassle in assembling the parts
- It rolls well even in off-road terrains and pavements
- Easy to navigate in doorways or public places because of its width
Cons
- The basket may be large, but it can sometimes get tricky to put in bigger items mostly because of the foot rest.
- A petite mother could have difficulty completely folding it with the strap and lifting it in and out of the car trunk.
- Sometimes, the front wheels get stuck especially if the storage basket is full.
- The rear seats don’t fully recline thus unable to accommodate sleeping babies and keep them comfortable.
- You may need to remove some parts, like the trays so it can fit in the trunk.
This Graco stroller has seat cushions to ensure maximum comfort when strolling. It also has both 3 and 5 point harnesses to help keep the children secured. The rear seat’s maximum weight limit is 40 pounds while that on the front seat is 50.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Has 12 riding options for the kids
- Runs smoothly on smooth and uneven ground
- Adjustable canopies help add protection from the sun and winds
- Stable and sturdy, and steers well
- Broad and accessible storage basket
Cons
- To fit in the trunk, you need to remove the front canopy and trays.
- You can use it on rough roads but for a short period only, don’t push it to its limits.
- The front seat may not be ideal for taller kids.
- Not great going up a hill because of its weight
- You need to remove the sun shades and trays when storing in the trunk.
- The one-hand fold with automatic lock feature takes some time to learn, may not be easy for those who are not used to tandem strollers.
- The seats will not fully recline, and it’s not ideal for sleeping or napping babies.
Which One Is My Pick?
These are all great products, mind you. But personally, I’d go for Contours Options Elite Tandem Stroller because the downsides to this one are what you mostly expect from double strollers. The weight will never be as light as the regular, single ones.
It will be heavier comparatively speaking. And regarding manoeuvring and steering on rough roads and uneven terrain, it can be challenging especially with two kids. Overall, it’s a good product and well worth the price.
It lives up to the requirements of manoeuvrability (albeit on regular, smooth ground), durability, portability, space and of course, positive feedback.
But again, it depends on what your priorities are and what features you can forgo. Have fun shopping!
