Tandem vs side by side stroller: Anyone that’s ever gone hunting for the best double stroller for their particular situation knows how difficult it can be. There are THOUSANDS of these things out there – tandem, side by side, wildly varying prices, quality and size – you can get lost in an online black hole for hours (or with really sore feet wandering store to store at the mall).
Give yourself a break and just read our list – we’ve done the hard yards for you.
We’ve done a lot of research (online and speaking with other parents and experts) and used a few different types of both tandem and side-by-side strollers, and what follows is our lbreakdown of tandem vs side by side stroller, who should go with which, the advantage and disadvantages – and finally, the best we’ve found so far – of both types!
So, if your toddler is about to be joined by one more, dive on in, the answer is below – tandem vs side by side stroller… GO!
- Should I Choose A Tandem or Side by Side Stroller?
- The Best Tandem Strollers
- The Best Side by Side Strollers
- The Best Single to Double Strollers
Table of Contents
Tandem vs Side by Side Stroller: Which Should You Choose?
Why Should I Choose A Tandem Stroller?
Who Should Choose a Tandem Stroller
- People who live in cities and crowded places
- People who like to visit cafes & restaurants
- Parents with an older and a younger child, as opposed to twins
Advantages of a Tandem Stroller
- Some models can accommodate child car seats in the front and back.
- Tandem strollers will fit through most shop doorways and along narrow sidewalks.
- Some tandem strollers have “stadium seating” that allows an older child to sit in the higher back seat, giving them a better view of the world.
- Tandem strollers typically come with snack trays, cup holders, canopies, underseat storage baskets, and handy pockets for your cell phone, keys, etc.
Disadvantages of a Tandem Stroller
- Tandem strollers are typically longer than side-by-side strollers, so it’s difficult to access the child sitting in the front seat when you’re pushing the stroller.
- Many models of tandems don’t have rear seats that fully recline, making them unsuitable for a newborn, unless you buy a model that accommodates an infant car seat.
Why Should I Choose A Side by Side Stroller?
Who Should Choose a Side by Side Stroller
- Parents with twins or children of a similiar age
- Parents with cheeky children who want to be able to reach both kids easier
- Parents that want more under pram storage
Advantages of a Side by Side Stroller
- Side-by-side strollers are designed for children of the same age, so they’re perfect for twins, particularly as this style of stroller works best when passengers of the same weight are riding.
- Side-by-side strollers are shallower than tandem strollers, so you have more control over the vehicle and better access to both your passengers.
Disadvantages of a Side by Side Stroller
- Side-by-side strollers can cause chaos when taken along busy sidewalks in town. And venturing out on narrow streets and crowded stores during hectic Christmas shopping periods is a definite no-no.
- If you have two toddlers, who tend to bicker, having them seated side-by-side can potentially be a nightmare.
- The range of side-by-side strollers that can be used with infant car seats is very limited.
Tandem & Side-by-Side Stroller Buying Guide
Children’s Age
Both tandem and side by side prams can have the ability to go from newborn to toddler. Side by sides will often have larger seats, enabling you to use them for much longer. If there is going to be a large age gap between your two bubs, you may find your elder child growing out of a tandem seat.
Do You Want the Stroller to be a Jogger?
Side by side prams will be easier to manoeuvre while jogging, but make sure you opt for one with extra-large, air-filled tyres to make pushing as easy as possible.
What is Included with the Stroller?
Does the pram include both bassinet/cocoon and stroller seat? Do you need to purchase a second seat separately? Do you need to purchase capsule adaptors?
Are There Any other Accessories Included?
Both tandem and side by side prams can have the ability to go from newborn to toddler. Side by sides will often have larger seats, enabling you to use them for much longer. If there is going to be a large age gap between your two bubs, you may find your elder child growing out of a tandem seat.
How Big is Your Car Boot?
Tandems are usually easier to take apart and “tetris” into your car, but we always recommend that you check the folded dimensions.
The Weight of The Pram
How heavy do you feel comfortable lifting? Side by sides do tend to be lighter overall, but tandems can often be taken apart before folding to make lifting into the car easier.
How much Storage Do you Need?
How big is the basket and do you have access when using the pram with two children? Are there any additional storage areas like seat-back pockets or handlebar bags?
What seat features do you need?
What Seat Features Do You Need?
Is it important that the seats are reversible, or that they recline to fully flat? How tall do you need the seats to be?
Do you want equal space for each child? Often tandems will come with a smaller “rumble seat” as a second child option that may only last a few months until they grow out of it. Check if both seats are the same size.
The Best Tandem Strollers
The Most Budget Friendly Tandem Stroller: Contours Options
Price $
Do I Need To Buy Any Attachments?
For 2x toddlers: The purchase price includes the pram frame and 2x seats, so is great for 2x toddlers and/or twins. You will not need to buy any additional accessories.
For 1x toddler and 1x infant: If you want to use the stroller for 1x toddler and 1x infant, you will need to purchase the additional bassinet seat.
For 2x infants: If you are after the stroller for 2x infants, you will need to purchase 2x additional bassinet seats.
Size & Weight: Durable aluminum frame weighs under 22 pounds, it also offers a large seat area
Additional Features: A carry handle to use once folded down (super handy for when out and about without extra help!)
Fold: Easy compact fold and auto lock makes it simple to fold AND store this stroller
Type: Side-by-side
Terrain: Anti-shock front wheels make for smooth and easy use
Sun: The dual adjustable & removable canopies with flip-out sun visors are perfect for sunny days
Storage: It includes two extra-large storage baskets, two rear storage pockets, AND a cup holder.
Comfort: It has separate adjustable recline on each seat for comfort, as well as 5pt safety harnesses
The Lightest Tandem Stroller: Joovy Caboose
Price : $
Do I Need To Buy Any Attachments?
For 2x toddlers: The purchase price includes the pram frame, 1x front seat and 1x rear seat which acts as a bench so is great for 2x toddlers of seperate ages (larger toddler on the bench seat or standing and younger toddler in front seat). You will not need to buy any additional accessories.
For 1x toddler and 1x infant: The Joovy Caboose comes with an included infant car-seat adapter, and is compatible with many infant car seats, including most major brands. So if you’ve got one of these already, you will not need to purchase any additional resources.
For 2x infants: We wouldn’t recommend the Joovy Caboose for 2x infants.
Size/weight: 27.5 lbs
Features: Aircraft grade aluminum frame, internal suspension built into each wheel and ball bearing lined wheels
Fold: It also folds really flat (like teenager, first car, car boot flat!)
Type: Tandem – one seat, one standing platform (for older toddlers only)
Terrain: Go anywhere and everywhere with this wheel suspension!
Sun: Nice big shade canopy for front seat, additional rear canopy available for purchase
Storage: Nice deep under stroller storage basket – easily fits diaper bag
Comfort: Not the greatest for extra long walks as toddler just gets a standing platform. Great for travel though!
The Best Side by Side Strollers
The EASIEST TO FOLD Side by Side Stroller: Baby Jogger
Price : $$
Size/weight: 36.5 pounds
Fold: Super easy one-handed fold (yes, a double stroller with a one-handed fold!!)
Type: Side by side
Terrain: This bad boy is the real deal and makes handling rough terrain super smooth. It is designed for jogging, after all
Sun: Full-sized canopies provide excellent coverage from sun and wind
Storage: An easy-access, large storage basket has room for baby, toddler and parent essentials
Comfort: Adjustable calf supports, near-flat reclining seats, and air ventilation panels.
The Most Luxe Side by Side Stroller: BOB Gear
Price : $$
Size/weight: 33.1 lbs
Fold: Easy to fold & fit anywhere
Type: Side by side
Terrain: Oversized standard wheels, this deluxe double stroller can handle anything
Sun: HUGE CANOPIES – industry-best 4-panel canopy
Storage: The bottom storage is very roomy, however, cup holders cost extra
Comfort: The seats are very padded and the side padding makes it much more comfortable than your average side by side stroller
The Most Adaptable Side by Side Stroller: Bugaboo Donkey Twin
Price : $$$$
Size/weight: 33 lbs
Fold:
- Compact two-piece fol: d35.8 x 23.6 x 9.4 in
- One-piece self-standing fold: 20.4 x 29.1 x 36.6 in
Type: Side by side
Terrain: Smooth all-terrain push, this deluxe double stroller can handle anything (including sand and snow!)
Sun: Comes with an SPF 50+ sun canopy with each seat
Storage:Side luggage bag and under-seat basket available
Comfort: Added padding for a comfortable ride
The Best Side By Side Umbrella Strollers: Jeep Power Glyde
Price : $
Size/weight: 27 pounds
Fold: The easy compact umbrella fold with carry handle and auto latch lock Is ideal for travel or everyday use
Type: Side by side umbrella
Sun: An extra-large neoprene canopy with UPF 50+ sun visor will protect your children from the elements
Storage: While the Power Glyde has storage pockets and 2x cup holders – it does not come with an under-pram storage basket
Comfort: reclining seats ensure kids are comfortable during walks
The Best Single-To-Double Strollers
The Best Quality Single to Double Stroller: Uppababy Vista
Price : $$$$
Do I Need To Buy Any Attachments?
For 2x toddlers: The purchase price includes the pram frame, 1X bassinet and 1x toddler seat. For 2x toddlers, you will need to purchase an additional Uppababy seat.
For 1x toddler and 1x infant: The purchase price includes the pram frame, 1X bassinet and 1x toddler seat, so there is no need to purchase additional attachments. The Uppababy Vista also comes with the built-in ability to connect to a MESA infant car seat. So if you’ve got one of these already, you will not need to purchase any additional resources.
For 2x infants: The purchase price includes the pram frame, 1X bassinet and 1x toddler seat. For 2x infants, you will need to purchase an additional bassinet attachment, or attach your MESA infant car seat if you already have one.
Size/weight: 27 lbs
Features: Adjustable handlebar, Bassinet mode, Expandable canopy, Mesh side panels, Modular, Peek-a-boo window, Recline, Reversible/removable seat, Storage basket, UPF canopy
Fold: 1-hand release, a pivoting bumper bar for easy loading
Type: Tandem
Terrain: Improved shock-absorbing front and rear suspension
Sun: Adjustable canopy with a zip-out UPF 50+ sunshade for more sun protection
Storage: Nice deep under stroller storage basket – easily fits diaper bag
Comfort: Very comfortable for your little ome/s – you get what you pay for!
The Most Adaptable Single to Double Stroller: Nuna Demi Grow
Price : $$$
Do I Need To Buy Any Attachments?
For 2x toddlers: The purchase price includes the pram frame and 1x toddler seat. For 2x toddlers, you will need to purchase the additional sibling seat.
For 1x toddler and 1x infant: The purchase price includes the pram frame and 1x toddler seat. For 1x toddler and 1x infant, you will need to purchase the additional KLIK infant seat. However, if you’ve got one of these for bub already, you will not need to purchase any additional resources.
For 2x infants: We would not recommend the Nuna Demi Grow for 2x infants, it is not a cost effective way of transporting 2x bubs around.
Features:
- Easy to fold, flip the seat, and switch to carrycot or car seat modes
- Custom dual suspension™ enables the ride best for you and baby
- One-hand adjustable calf support
- Removable, extendable & protective UPF 50+ canopy with flip out eyeshade
Type: Tandem
Terrain: Tires are tough, foam filled and ready for any terrain
Storage: 4.5kg storage basket capacity
What is a Tandem Stroller
Tandem and side-by-side strollers are both double prams that can hold two children (toddler plus baby, twins etc). The most noticeable difference is the width of the pram, with a tandem pram generally no wider than a single pram (hello cafe fans), but a side-by-side pram can be up to double the width.
Generally, a tandem pram is easier to navigate through tight spaces such as doorways, shopping aisles, and narrow passageways. They are also a lot more convenient to push around city streets, or busy cafes since they are more compact, which makes it the perfect double pram for the parent on-the-go.
One of the most convenient aspects of a tandem pram is that they can be adjusted to suit your growing family. Keep this in mind when buying a pram for your first child – as some of the single strollers can be converted from a single to tandem pram, allowing you versatile functionality.
Tandem prams provide a lot more versatile seating options, with some models featuring reversing seats. Common tandem pram configurations can cater for a newborn in a bassinet on the top, while the older infant, or toddler, sits in the second seat below. A tandem pram will be the best option for you if you have 1x infant and 1x toddler.
What is a Side by Side Stroller
As the name suggests, twin or side-by-side prams are basically two single prams attached together side by side. The main advantage of a side-by-side pram is that your little ones can be seated next to each other, which allows them to interact (important when boredom is imminent!)
The seats tend to be more shallow than a tandem, which may allow for a more lightweight feel when pushing. It also allows for more storage beneath the seats than would be available in a tandem pram.
However, navigation and manoeuvrability is reduced in a side-by-side pram, compared to a tandem pram, and they can be much harder to fold and store as they are more bulky. The choice is yours, but read on below for our suggestions! This type of stroller is best for 2x toddlers of a similiar size and age.
What Is A Single-to-Double Stroller?
Single-to-double strollers, otherwise known as convertible strollers are exactly that – strollers that you can buy for one child that can then be easily upgraded to be suitable for 2 (and even 3) children. These tend to be more expensive strollers, however they are a really great investment for a growing family.
An example of this is the Uppababy Vista that comes with the toddler seat but can also be used with a bassinet or an infant car seat attached at the same time.
What Is The Difference Between A Double And A Twin Stroller?
This one stumped me for a while too!! The difference between a double and a twin stroller is this: a double stroller is used for 2x children of varying ages/sized (i.e one toddler and one infant) wheres a rwin stroller is used for 2x children of the same age/size (e.g twins or two toddlers of a similar size). Simple!
Why trust My Toddler Life?
My Toddler Life is run by mum’s, for mum’s. All information provided on our site is thoroughly researched and takes in to consideration our lived experiences and the opinions of industry professionals. How are we different from other sites doing the same thing? We have fun while doing it (often with a glass of wine in hand) and don’t take ourselves too seriously!
To wrap it all up…
Thank you for making it this far with me. I hope that at least one of these tips & images resonates with you & your family when it comes to your hunt for the best double stroller and whether to go tandem or side by side – there are so many out there, it’s hard to narrow it down to one, but I am here to help. We’ve had a look at what tandem and side by side strollers are, the advantages and disadvantages of both, as well as you should look for in when purchasing – and I’ve then provided a breakdown of my top 3 best tandem strollers & top 3 best side by side strollers based off personal experience (and injury), friends experience and the advice of experts. I hope it’s all been helpful – please comment below with any tips I may have forgotten! For more of the best double strollers, check out out Stroller Guide section. And if you need any further tips on activities to do with your toddler and their siblings – check out our Toddler Play section.
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