Are you expecting twins or have already had a baby and now planning a new addition? If you are, now is an important time for you to decide what stroller would be the most suitable one for you and your babies' needs. There are tons of strollers with different styles and functions available. But those who have or are planning to have more than one child will surely need a double stroller. This then raises the question, when choosing double strollers, do you choose a side-by-side stroller or a tandem stroller?
Both tandem and side-by-side double strollers can accommodate two children. The most noticeable difference is the width of the stroller. A tandem stroller is no wider than a single stroller, but a side-by-side stroller has double the width of a single stroller. What are the other differences?
Tandem strollers
In general, a tandem stroller is easier to navigate through narrow spaces like doorways and shopping aisles. Due to their compact structure, they are more convenient to push through a crowd of people or busy cafes and streets, which makes it more practical for parents on the go.
Also, most tandem strollers can be adjusted to suit your growing family. From a tandem stroller, it can be converted to a single stroller and vice versa, which allows you versatile functionality.
Tandem strollers provide more seating options with some models featuring reversing seats. The common seat arrangement for a tandem stroller is for the bassinet to be on the top, while the older infant or toddler sits in the second seat below. Some tandem strollers are designed for the bassinet to be at the bottom and many tandem strollers convert into a travel system, too.
Pros of tandem strollers
- Easier to push and navigate due to its compact structure
- Can convert from a single stroller to double strollers
- Easier to fold and store away
- Perfect to use when you are out and about
- Enables different seating combinations
Cons of tandem strollers
- Lack of storage space when both seats are occupied
- The second seat may be smaller
- Some tandem models can be slightly longer in length than a single stroller
Here are some tandem strollers available on our website
Babyhood Doppio Inline Stroller
Side-by-side Strollers
As the name suggests, a side-by-side or twin stroller is essentially two single strollers attached side by side. The main benefit of a side-by-side stroller is it allows interaction between your children as they are seated next to each other.
The seats of a side-by-side stroller tend to be shallower than a tandem, which makes it feel more lightweight when pushing. A side-by-side stroller also has more storage space available beneath the seats even if both seats are occupied.
However, it can be a little difficult to maneuver a side-by-side stroller as it is wider. It may not fit some doorways or narrow spaces as well as taking up more space in busy city streets or crowds.
Pros of side-by-side strollers
- Can usually accommodate newborns to toddlerhood
- Allows your children to sit next to each other
- Good basket size and storage
Cons of side-by-side strollers
- Usually very wide, making it hard to pass through doors and narrow spaces
- Not all side-by-side strollers have reversible seats which means your baby can't see you
- Can't be convertible to a single stroller
Here are some side-by-side strollers available on our website
