The Best Tandem Stroller For Your Money

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A tandem baby stroller has two seats, one behind the other. The back seat can be reclined fully, but the front seat usually cannot be reclined all the way in some cases. Therefore, such a tandem stroller is ideal for an infant and a toddler, where the toddler sits in front, and the younger sibling lies or sits in the back seat. However many families prefer a tandem stroller for their twins as many brands these days accommodate two infant car seats as a double travel system.

Why Trust Us?

Because my full-time job is being mom to 2 precious daughters, and I know a thing or two about strollers. Besides personal experience, I get feedback from other moms who use these strollers every day and put all that research into our unbiased stroller buying guides

- Kyli

One of the best features a tandem stroller has is that it has the same width as a single, which allows access through doors and tight spaces. Maneuvering a tandem stroller through crowds should be easier than a side by side since you’re going in single file, taking up less space. But turning corners is more challenging with all that weight sticking out in front. It can be like navigating a ship sometimes.

Quick Summary: The 5 Best Tandem Strollers

Baby Jogger City Select Double Stroller - 2016 | Baby Stroller with 16 Ways to Ride, Included Second Seat | Quick Fold Stroller, OnyxBaby Jogger City Select DoubleCheck on Amazon →
Phil and Teds Voyager Stroller WITH Doubles Kit (Chilli)Phil and Teds Voyager Check on Amazon →
2018 UPPAbaby VISTA Stroller, Henry (Blue Marl/Silver/Saddle Leather)UPPAbaby VistaCheck on Amazon →
No products found.Contours Options EliteCheck on Amazon →
Chicco Cortina Together Double Stroller, OmbraChicoo Cortina TogetherCheck on Amazon →

You will be amazed at all the choices on the market today from simple tandem styles to models with all the luxury features. From stadium seating to removable, reversible seats, you’ll be sure to find the right double tandem for your family.

Based on consumer reviews, professional guides, blog reviewers as well as personal experience, these are the best tandems this year.  The most expensive tandem strollers are listed first.

Go to Midrange & Budget tandem strollers for options $300 and less.

Table of Contents

Higher-End Tandem Strollers

These tandem stroller choices on the upper end of the budget range have one thing in common: they are convertible strollers that go from single to double. See more here. These are the most popular in the tandem category at this price range.

Baby Jogger City Select Double

Baby Jogger City Select Double Stroller - 2016 | Baby Stroller with 16 Ways to Ride, Included Second Seat | Quick Fold Stroller, Onyx
  • Most versatile tandem stroller on the market today, the City Select was designed to keep your family rolling as it grows from one child to two
  • Now sold with the Second Seat Kit included, the City Select Double is allows parents to mix and match seats, bassinets and car seats to suit their family's needs
  • Over 16 different combinations from double tiered car seats to a bassinet and single seat combo (Car Seats, Bassinet Kits and accessories sold separately)
Known as a convertible stroller, the Baby Jogger City Select is the ultimate “mix n match” stroller; it can transform from a stylish single stroller into a tandem buggy with the addition of another stroller seat or bassinet with 16 different combinations.

Now, this is wonderful for parents who still have one child and plan to have another baby because the City Select is a gorgeous, functional single stroller.

It saves you money when you’re ready for that second seat when the new sibling arrives and you don’t have to go purchase another stroller, just the cost of the second seat with adapters.

City Select owners give this stroller great reviews for functionality and maneuverability. Consumer Reports gives it a good overall score with very good marks for Ease of Use and Safety, and a good mark for Maneuverability.  Find out why so many parents love this stroller when you read my exclusive review.

Phil and Teds Voyager

Phil & Teds has made innovation their par for the course, and they did it again with the new Voyager. This convertible stroller has a 4-in-1 adaptable seat, both in front and for the second seat that you can buy as a doubles kit. The seat either sits up in “regular mode” or lies bassinet flat for your newborn. It also parent-faces or can be removed in bassinet mode as a free-standing unit. Use both seats as bassinets at the same time, and you have an ideal stroller for twins.

Other features in the Voyager include a folding system that enables you to fold it with both seats attached, facing in either direction, or in bassinet mode. For you new parents on the scene, this was literally impossible not that long ago!

12″ New Zealand designed Aeromaxx tires provides a smooth ride with puncture-proof peace of mind. The sun canopies have zip-away panels for maximum coverage. Parents love the 24″ seatback, allowing lots of growth room, it’s the tallest seat back on the market right now.

This is a newer Phil&Teds stroller, and not many reviews are out yet, but the few reviews out there are giving it the highest praise for the seating versatility, the fact that the stroller can fold with the second seat still attached, and the convenient hand brake. Not to mention that it has a sleek design and is made with quality materials.

See this informative tandem stroller video review to see if this is the stroller you’re looking for!

UPPAbaby Vista

2018 UPPAbaby VISTA Stroller, Henry (Blue Marl/Silver/Saddle Leather)
  • Includes bassinet, full size front or rear facing toddler seat with multi-position recline, toddler seat rain and bug shields, and bassinet bug shield and storage bag
  • Compatible with MESA Infant Car Seat - direct attachment, no adapters necessary; Compatible with select Chicco and Maxi-Cosi infant car seats when using adaptors (car seats and adaptors sold...
  • Longer bassinet mattress pad with ventilation for added breathability

One of the more popular and well-made luxury convertible strollers, the UPPABaby Vista is one of the brands that includes a feature-rich bassinet with purchase. An award-winning favorite of parents since 2006, the Vista is known for high quality materials, smooth steering, modern beautiful style and convenience. And now the Vista has been redesigned since 2015, and all these improvements are detailed in my review.

Favorite features include a comfortable, full-sized seat that is easy to reverse and recline. A huge storage basket stores everything you need and a telescoping height-adjustable handle provides strolling comfort for both mom and dad.

Large rubber tires never go flat and takes you smoothly over bumpy park terrain. Weighing only 33½ pounds with both seats attached, it is about standard for full-sized for a tandem stroller.

It is also compatible with all major brand car seats with the right adapter sold separately, or click the UPPAbaby MESA right onto the frame. The Vista now holds two car seats or two bassinets and is a fantastic option for parents with twins. Whether you have a single child or two, the Vista is excellent as a single or a double stroller and switching between the options is seamless.

For years parents like you have ADORED this stroller and regularly give the Vista great reviews! Discover all the amazing aspects of this stylish convertible stroller + video reviews in my exclusive UPPAbaby Vista review.

Midrange and Budget Tandem Strollers

There are few options in this category. Over the years I’ve noticed that more and more brands are heading toward the sit and stand or single to double convertible stroller option. Many sit and stand strollers have a second removable seat option that goes over the bench. Joovy and Graco are the best brands. Single to double options are usually not in this price category.

Contours Options Elite

No products found.

Contours have consistently put out excellent strollers, and their tandems have been met with great reviews in years past. The Options Elite gives you seven seating options for your two children. If you have twins, this stroller is a great choice because it accommodates two infant car seats. One car seat adapter is included with purchase, and most major car seat brands are accepted.

This tandem Contours stroller has a convenient standing fold, and folds with both seats attached. While it is a hefty 38 pounds, it has all the features you could want, like a generous storage basket with zippered sides for easy accessibility. Large sun canopies with mesh panel extensions provide ample shade and air circulation. Mesh pockets in the seat holds little snacks or toys for each child.

Seats have a 3-position recline and adjustable footrest, along with pivoting bumper bars. 5-point safety harnesses keep your passengers snug and safe. Large rubber-coated wheels smooths out the ride and you get a cup holder.

So far, the Options Elite is getting high ratings for its easy maneuvering and for the great value for money. Read my complete review for lots more in-depth information, measurements, additional photos, and Consumer Reports.

Take a look at this short video review.

Chicoo Cortina Together

Chicco Cortina Together Double Stroller, Ombra
  • Build your own travel system with matching Chicco car seats; Accepts two No.1-rated Key Fit or Key Fit 30 infant car seats
  • Fully-reclining rear seat for bassinet enclosure or car seat attachment ,Assembled Dimensions - 47.25 x 45.5x 23.5 inches,Folded Dimensions - 47.75 x 23.5 x 16.75 inches
  • Exclusive forward-fold front seat for car seat attachment

Versatility is a high point on this Chicco double stroller. Parents of twins love that they can use TWO KeyFit or KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seats in this stroller to turn it into a Chicco travel system. If you use just one car seat, you have the option of using either the front or the back seat. As a mom or dad, you know how important it is to have several options available!

Reviews have been solidly positive for the Cortina Together, giving it high ratings on average. Praises for the one-handed maneuverability and smooth ride are common.

Parents appreciate the sturdy frame and durability of this Chicco tandem stroller. It is easy to fold and only slightly larger than a standard stroller once folded, making storage in the trunk space more compact

Consumer Reports rates the Cortina Together “so-so” with an overall good rating. Ease of Use has very good marks while Maneuverability and Safety get fair marks.

Discover more about this Chicco double stroller in my review to see if it is the one for your growing family.

Before You Buy: Questions to Ask

Should you buy a tandem stroller? Choosing the right stroller for your growing family need not be difficult. To guide you in making the correct purchase, ask yourself the following questions:

How and where are you going to use it?

The stroller market is vast and wide, and there is a stroller for almost every parent. That said, it’s important to look for a stroller that complements your lifestyle and matches your needs.

Are you primarily looking to use your stroller in crowded, public places like grocery or department stores or malls? Then a tandem stroller is a better option.

Are you going to be spending more time driving than walking your kids around? A travel system-ready stroller will be a good investment.

Are you the rugged, outdoorsy type who likes to go on off-road adventures on weekends? Then consider going for a sturdy all-terrain stroller whose wheels, suspension, and brake system can handle rough and uneven trails.

Not quite sure what you’re going to be using it yet, but just need a form of transport for your newborns? Then a basic, no-frills double car seat stroller frame may be all that you need for now.

How old, tall, and heavy are your children?

This is an important question to ask, especially if both or one of your children is still a newborn or infant. If you have newborn twins, go for a complete travel system—that is, a stroller that can accommodate two infant car seats. ( You may want to steer clear of buying double umbrella strollers until your babies are older and better able to support their heads. )

On the other hand, if you have toddler-aged twins, a double umbrella stroller may be all you’ll need. Don’t break the bank buying a top-of-the-line model; chances are, they’re going to grow out of their seats soon or decide they’re too cool to be seated in a stroller.

Kids that are less than a year apart can be comfortably seated in a tandem stroller. But if the age gap is wider and your first child is already toddler-aged, a sit and stand stroller (also called a stand-on tandem) may be more viable.

What are your trunk measurements?

An often neglected but important consideration is your double stroller’s compatibility with your car’s storage area. Before you go stroller-shopping, make sure you know your car trunk’s dimensions first. That way, you can easily size it up against the folded dimensions of the stroller you are eyeing.

How strong are you?

Parents using double strollers for the first time may be surprised by how heavy it is. It may not be a problem if you’ve been consistently committing to arm days at the gym. But if carrying heavy objects is an issue for you, consider a model that’s more convenient and lightweight.

Tandem vs. Side-by-Side: Pros and Cons

Let’s pit these two types of double strollers to see how they’ll stack up against the most common features that parents of two children look for when buying a stroller.

Width

Tandem strollers are the same width as a single stroller. Side-by-side strollers are double that, although some newer twin strollers already come with a smaller “footprint.” Still, navigating through doorways and narrow spaces (like the aisles between clothing racks) may still be a challenge. 

Winner: Tandem strollers.

Seating Options

Different models of tandem strollers allow for varying seat configurations. If you need an example of that, just look at the Baby Jogger City Select that offers 16 different ways to seat your kids.

With side-by-side strollers, you’re basically stuck with one seat configuration option: both kids facing forward.

Winner: Tandem strollers.

Versatility

Side-by-side strollers come in many types: there are three-wheeled joggers, rugged all-terrains, and lightweight umbrella side-by-side strollers.

Tandem strollers, on the other hand, come in twin car seat frames, convertible (which are usually all-terrain), all-purpose, and sit-and-stand variants. Unlike side-by-side strollers, though, tandem strollers are not recommended for jogging because of their design.

Winner: It’s a tie.

Maneuverability

Tandem strollers are easy to push—until you place a heavier child in front, which greatly affects ease of use. Adding to the tandem stroller’s maneuverability issue is its length, which makes rounding corners quite a feat.

While wide and (mostly) heavy, side-by-side strollers are easy-to-navigate. However, the general consensus is that placing kids of differing weights in a side-by-side stroller is going to affect weight distribution, and parents may end up having to compensate by using more force on one side to keep the stroller on-course.

Winner: Side-by-side strollers.

Travel System–Compatibility

While side-by-side strollers are primarily built for twins, models that accommodate two infant car seats are few and far between.

On the other hand, most tandem strollers are a complete travel system—that is, they allow for two infant car seats, like the Joovy Twin Roo+.

Winner: Tandem strollers.

Passenger Comfort

With side-by-side strollers, your two kids get a wide view of the world and equal seating space. Features and accessories are also equally distributed, eliminating the problem of fighting.

As for tandem strollers, it depends on your kids’ size as well as the seating configuration. In general though, the one seated in front, aside from getting a better view, usually gets more leg room. The view for the rear seat occupant is compromised too, although stadium-style seats usually don’t have this problem.

Winner: Side-by-side strollers.

Tandem Strollers: Features to Look For

Size and weight

Parents who live in the city usually favor a tandem stroller because of its narrow profile, which is better suited for crowded or small spaces. Foldup is another issue though, as tandem strollers do not fold up into a neat little package. Still, tandem strollers generally fold up smaller than side-by-sides.

Aside from size, another key feature to look for in an ideal tandem stroller is weight. While understandably heavier than a single stroller, there are tandem stroller models that are surprisingly lightweight, like the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite (23 lbs.) or the Mountain Buggy Plus One (30.9 when used as a double).  

Seats

Make sure your kids are comfy in their seats by checking if the seat configuration is compatible with both your children’s age. If you have a newborn, look for a tandem stroller that accommodates a car seat in at least one of the seats, or has a rear seat that reclines fully (and ideally, comes with infant head rests).

If one of your children is over three years old, look for a stroller that has a longer, deeper seat back for a larger child.

Car Seat Compatibility

Most tandem strollers are travel system-ready, accommodating one car seat for a newborn or infant. Got twins? Check if the stroller model you’re eyeing can accommodate two infant car seats, like the Contours Options Elite and the Chicco Cortina Together.

Wheels/Suspension

Compared to side-by-side strollers, most tandem strollers come with small plastic wheels, which don’t do much when it comes to absorbing the impact from rough terrain. That said, look for stroller models that offer all-round suspension—a must, especially if you’re transporting a newborn or infant.

Folding and Carrying

Again, tandem strollers aren’t the niftiest when it comes to foldup and storage. Still there are options available if you’re limited on space. Car seat carrier frames are more compact and lightweight, so these are better options for parents who don’t have a lot of room in their car trunk. The Contours Options Elite is another model that folds neatly (for a tandem stroller, at least).

Tandem Strollers: Best Brands

Looking to narrow your options? Here’s the lineup of some tandem stroller makers of note.

Baby Trend

Parents of toddlers have this company to thank for inventing the sit and stand stroller. More than 30 years since coming out with the first sit and stand stroller, Baby Trend continues to manufacture a wide variety of strollers, including full-size, joggers, lightweight, travel systems, umbrella strollers, as well as car seat stroller frames.

Click here to know more about Baby Trend strollers.

Chicco

An Italian baby brand founded in 1958, Chicco is a household name known for all things baby: strollers, car seats, high chairs, and playyards. For parents looking for a tandem stroller for their kids, Chicco has the Cortina Together. You can also check out their other double stroller lineup here.

Contours

A leading American baby brand for more than 70 years, Contours is a premium baby gear brand focused on “providing families with high-quality, innovative baby products.” Among its double strollers, the versatile and value-for-money Options Elite is a crowd-pleaser. Find out more about this award-winning brand and its stroller offerings here.

Graco

Founded in 1942 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Graco offers a host of baby products including infant car seats (its most popular being the SnugRide), travel systems, strollers, high chairs.

Graco offers a diverse lineup of strollers that cater to parents of one to multiples. Its double stroller favorites include the DuoGlider and the Ready2Grow. You can explore Graco’s double stroller lineup here.

Joovy

An American family gear brand founded in 2005, Joovy is one of the newer brands to enter the stroller market and has become a crowd favorite among parents. They have a diverse lineup of strollers, from from single, double, jogging, sit and stand, to triple strollers.

Parents with two kids will be delighted with Joovy’s Caboose and its lightweight counterpart, the Caboose Ultralight. You can read more about Joovy’s stroller lineup here.

Mountain Buggy

Parents who love the great outdoors love this New Zealand brand. Founded in 1992, Mountain Buggy has since become a globally recognized brand known for its durable all-terrain strollers.

Mountain Buggy offers the Plus One tandem stroller as well as the Duet (which also comes with a Luxury variant) for parents looking to transport twins or two kids.

UPPAbaby

Athough one of the newer names in the stroller segment, UPPAbaby has been earning praise from parents for their quality premium strollers. Mom-and-dad duo Lauren and Bob Monahan founded this brand in Rockland, Massachusetts.

UPPAbaby offers the convertible Vista for tandem stroller fans. Want something for twins? They also have the side-by-side G-Link, as well as the lightweight Minu, G-Lite, and G-Luxe.

The Final Word

Depending on which team you’re on—tandem or side-by-side—choosing a stroller for your kids (whether twins or of different ages) is an exercise in education. Be an informed buyer and research your options thoroughly before you zero in on a type and model that’s best for you and your family.

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Amy Tanathorn

Amy is a mom and the creator of Stroller Envy. Though she's no longer an active part of the team, you'll still find some stroller reviews from her on our blog and YouTube channel

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