A tandem stroller is a type of double stroller that positions the second seat behind the first. This makes the stroller profile long and narrow, and some parents find this sort of silhouette more maneuverable than a side-by-side stroller model. Tandem strollers are popular with parents of twins and with parents of two small children.
Stadium Seating
The main drawback of tandem-style strollers is that the child in the back seat has no chance at a good view of anything except the seat in front. Many strollers attempt to compensate for this with an elevated back seat, sometimes known as "stadium seating." This may mean that one of the seats has limited capacity to lean back to horizontal, but it can also allow for extra storage space behind the elevated rear seat. Tandem stroller that feature stadium seating include the Graco DuoGlider and Quattro Tour Duo.
Adjustable Seating
Adjustable seating options are the other alternative higher-end tandem strollers offer to solve the seating problem. The seats themselves can be rearranged to face front or back--and sometimes even sideways. This option almost always adds to the cost of the stroller, however, and it also makes the stroller heavier. The Peg Perego Duette and the Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem both offer this feature.
Foldability
A major factor to consider when comparing tandem strollers is their foldability. How easy will it be to fit the stroller into your car, van or SUV? Is the stroller easy to fold one-handed, or does it take extra work and concentration? Tandem strollers vary markedly on this feature. The high-end Peg Perego Duette, for example, is quite difficult to fold, while the Graco Quattro Tour Duo, a mid-range tandem stroller, folds up easily into a relatively compact package.
Maneuverability
Unlike foldability, the maneuverability of a tandem stroller is linked consistently with price; that is, the more expensive the stroller, the smoother the ride is likely to be. The tandem strollers with the highest marks in this category are the Peg Perego Duette and Phil & Teds Vibe with doubles kit. The latter is a jogging-style stroller with a large front wheel.
Weight
Dealing with the weight of two young children is sometimes challenging enough; how much more stroller weight do you want to add to that burden? Some parents have no problem with a weighty stroller, but others are seeking a lightweight package. The Peg Perego Duette and Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem are on the heavyweight end of the tandem stroller scale; the sporty Phil & Teds Vibe is on the lighter side.
Price
Tandem strollers range in price from about $150 to $900. A budget option such as the Graco DuoGlider or Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem isn't necessarily a bad choice--you'll lose some fancy features, perhaps, and likely some maneuverability. A higher price tag will buy you durability and a smoother riding, easier-to-steer carriage.
