Double Strollers: Tandem vs. Side-by-Side?

on June 12, 2009 at 12:54 PM

Whether you're expecting twins or giving your toddler a new sibling in the next few months, you may be considering a double stroller so you can actually get out of the house once in a while.

There are no shortage of brands, styles, and features to keep you busy in the months ahead. But the really big question when upgrading to a double is always: What's better -- a tandem (front-to-back) or side-by-side?

You've got enough to do with a new baby coming. So I compiled a list of pros and cons from the many and frequent discussions across CafeMom:

Side-by-Side

Pros

Easier to push and maneuver for general transport

More storage underneath seats

Both seats fully recline

No fighting for who gets to sit in the front, and both kids get to see each other

Easier, more compact folding (some models)

Better choice for heavy kids

Cons

Harder to get through some doors, aisles in stores

Easier for kids to steal toys and fight

Tandem

Pros

Fits easily through doors and down aisles

Can hold infant seats (some models)

Kids don't fight as readily

Seats may turn to face each other (some models)

Cons

Harder to push and maneuver (especially if you have heavier kids)

More awkward to store in the car

Potential for hair pulling

Baby Trend Sit-n-Stand; $170

Another hugely popular alternative among CafeMoms is the Sit-n-Stand Stroller by Baby Trend -- here's a picture. Moms with infants and older children like this stroller because the bigger kid can sit or stand while the baby stays in front.

Get specific brand and model recommendations in these chats:

Which double stroller do you use?

Suggestions for an infant/toddler double stroller

Double stroller advice

Side-by-side or front-to-back double strollers?

Which style double stroller do you prefer -- tandem or side-by-side?

About the author Cynthia Dermody

is The Stir's Managing Editor who has trophies in her home for her skills at the Irish Jig. She makes cupcakes with as many fattening ingredients as possible, doesn't comb her hair for months at a time, and was probably a faerie in a former life.

Filed Under: baby gear, baby prep, twins & multiples

Comments (5)

madamekatekate

on Jun 13, 2009 at 4:29 PM

I personally hate double strollers of any sort! Nothing serious, really...I just don't like them. There's very little to nothing that would ever make me buy one. I can hardly navigate my regular stroller, lol. But I suppose that if you were in the market for one it would depend on where you were going to use it as to which would be better. If you needed something to take with you when you go to parks and outdoors events a side by side might suit you better. If you needed something more streamlined to go shopping and running errands with a tandem might work best.

I'll soon have a toddler and a newborn and when I was asked what kind of double stroller I'd like, I politely (but quickly) declined. I plan on wearing our youngest and using the stroller for the eldest. and around the time Big Sis will enjoy actually walking around, I'll probably let Little Sis ride in the stroller.

I would think it would be neat if someone made a stroller that carries a newborn carrier on top and had a seat for an older baby under that. If I could find something like that I'd probably switch my current travel system for it...Provided it was proven safe and in my price range.

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RanaAurora

on Jun 13, 2009 at 4:58 PM

I don't agree with that. I think side-by-sides are INSANELY hard to push and steer compared to the better front-to-back/tandem strollers.
The Sit N' Stand I have steers almost as well as my beloved full-sized single stroller.

yeaigot4ofem

on Jun 13, 2009 at 11:53 PM

I actually have one of each. A sit-n-stand and side by side. I use the sit-n-stand for my more general use like the zoo, doc appt, or other places that I will be going through areas that are maybe kinda tight. The side-by-side I mainly use for traveling, I loved it at the airport and since if folds down pretty small it fit really well in the rental car.

1plustwinsmommy

on Jun 14, 2009 at 7:16 PM

I have one of each. I have twins so a single stroller was not an option. I like both depending on where I am going. The side by side is great for walks around the neighborhood and quick trips to Walmart(wide aisles). The tandem is great for trips to the mall and places like that. My biggest issue is the tandem will not fit in my car trunk so I have to take hubby's car for that. The side by side fits easily in the trunk of my car and I drive a Honda Civic, so that's saying something!