Side-by-Side or Tandem: Which Stroller to Buy?

Whether you are expecting the arrival of twins or pregnant with a second baby on the way, considering how to get around with two children is a priority. Just like when purchasing a buggy for baby number one, now a buggy with two seats is imperative. Buggies are one of the best and most necessary pieces of baby gear, whether to make traveling to the park easier or to keep everyone together while running errands. As you’ve only got two hands, a double buggy that sits both kids is important and useful.

Many features found in a single buggy might seem optional. However, when it comes to a buggy for two, most of these features become mandatory. These features can be sorted by the two most popular styles of buggies are available: side-by-side and tandem.

In the past, double buggies were cumbersome things. You could cause a traffic jam by going down the aisle at the grocery store, or even just walking outdoors took up the entire sidewalk width, and open doorways were not usually an option. The double buggies available today are of far higher quality. They are less bulky, lighter, easier to operate regarding maneuvering, and more compact for storage purposes. There are numerous styles available, both from high-end designers and ones that are much friendlier budget-wise. Between the features available in a tandem or a side-by-side buggy, there is a buggy that will fit your expanding family.

Side-by-Side Stroller

These kinds of buggies are designed with the two seats right next to each other, horizontally. While doorways can still be a concern, many buggies in this style are narrow enough that they can function through most doors without trouble. You’ll require less space in the grocery store aisle, and you probably won’t take up the entire sidewalk. Narrow sidewalks could still prove problematic, though.

This kind of buggy is adaptable to carrying two new arrivals in some models but is better at adjusting for an older child and new arrival. Most side by side buggies will feature the click and lock system for a baby carrier that single strollers use for at least one of the sides. The best part of a side-by-side buggy is its equality. The same amount of leg room and arm room is offered for both seats. Children who are of similar age, whether newborn or a little older, will have the same views and can also converse with each other. A better, less obstructed view of the surroundings on the walk is also offered.

Both seats typically recline fully, and side by sides tend to feature more storage space. They can still be bulky for loading into a car, for example, but many styles are lighter and easier to fold down. A more common feature for this style is the jogging version of it, which makes maneuvering much easier. This style can typically come in the traditional four-wheel or sportier three-wheel style.

Tandem Strollers

A tandem buggy has two seats lined up vertically. One seat can recline fully, while the other seat is perfect as a travel system for a baby carrier. In other styles of the tandem line, both seats are normal, but only one can be fully reclined.

The narrower width of the tandem style makes it a favorite for getting around in areas that need to share the width better, be it a tighter grocery aisle or narrower path to the park. When walking with crowds, a tandem provides single file style traveling, which makes this easier. Doorways shouldn’t be a problem, but the thing that many tandem buggy owners run into is the side to side or turning ability (or the lack thereof). Tandems are longer and more difficult to turn sharply.

This is a style best suited to children of different ages, or if you’re able to source one with customizable seating, two new arrivals. As the children get older, disagreements about who gets which seat could happen, in addition to the kids not being able to converse with each other easily. Views of the surrounding are also limited.

Which is Right for You?

Truly, it initially depends on the age of the kiddos. Children who are closer in age and older might prefer a side-by-side, while newborn twins are usually best suited to a tandem. A tandem is also more commonly used for an older child and new arrival, but side by side strollers are emerging to compete with this feature. Sportier families are attracted to the potential three-wheel design of a side-by-side, but width-wise, a tandem buggy can’t be beaten. The website doublebuggyreviews.com thoroughly discusses these features in depth and help make the purchasing decision easier for parents.