Whether you were shocked to find out that you are expecting twins or if baby number two was perfectly planned, it’s time to start thinking about how you will transport your growing family from Point A to Point B with all of their stuff in tow.

So, what type of double stroller is best for you?

Today we are dispelling myths and breaking down the pros and cons of tandem vs. side-by-side double strollers. 

What's the Difference?

You’ve probably heard of the term convertible stroller or expandable stroller. Simply put, "convertible" and "expandable" means you can transform your single stroller into a double by adding on a second seat. Tandem is a term that refers to having those stroller seats stacked on the frame stadium style. See the image below for a visual reference.

Convertible Strollers

From a family planning perspective, a convertible stroller is a great option if you are warm to the idea of more children in the future. This gives you the ability to use your stroller in single-mode and when the time comes you can purchase the second seat and adaptors if required.

Shopping for multiples?

No problem! Simply purchase the second seat right away and Voila!  You’ve got yourself a double stroller. Each stroller brand uses a different term to refer to their second seat attachment – you'll hear everything from second seat kit, sibling seat, toddler seat, extension set, and rumble seat.

So, why do those second seat terms matter?

When researching weight limitations, for instance, it is important to take note of which seat the manufacturer is referring too. In some cases, second seat attachments have a lower weight capacity and have different adjustment abilities and configuration limitations to consider.

Learn about our Top Convertible Strollers of the Year, here.

Convertible Tandem Strollers

• Baby Jogger City Select 2
• Baby Jogger City Select 2 Eco
• Cybex Gazelle S
• Silver Cross Wave
• UPPAbaby VISTA V2
  
• Peg Perego YPSI Stroller
  
  

Side-by-Side Double Strollers

The Bugaboo Donkey5 is one of the only convertible strollers on the market that expands from a single stroller (mono) to a side-by-side double stroller when in “duo mode”.

Most other side-by-side double strollers come with two seats ready to be used right out of the box. Your little passengers will sit [you guessed it] side by side to enjoy the view together and the stroller must always operate as one complete unit. Both seats don’t always have to be used – but the second seat cannot be removed.

Learn about our Top Double Strollers of the Year, here.

Side-by-Side Strollers

• Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller
• Britax B-Lively Double Stroller
• Bugaboo Donkey5 Mono Complete Stroller
• Valco Baby Snap Duo Trend Double Stroller
• Valco Baby Snap Ultra Duo Double Stroller
  
• Mountain Buggy Duet Buggy Stroller
  
• UPPAbaby G-Link Double Stroller
  
• Mountain Buggy Nano Duo Buggy Double Stroller
  
  

Sporty Side-by-Side Strollers

• Bumbleride Indie Twin All-Terrain Double Stroller**
• Bob Revolution Flex 3.0 Double Stroller**
• Thule Urban Glide 2 Double Stroller**

**denotes all-terrain wheels

Side-by-Side Myths Busted

MYTH #1:

A side-by-side double stroller is big and bulky and doesn't fit through doorways.

FALSE! Most side-by-side doubles strollers fit through most standard doorways — the largest we carry is 29” wide. Most standard doorways are at least 32” in order to accommodate wheelchairs.

MYTH #2:

You can't customize a side-by-side double stroller.

FALSE! Most side-by-side strollers offer an individual canopy per seat, individual recline, adjustable leg and calf support per rider, and can accept 1 or 2 infant seats [with the use of adaptors.]

Some, like the Bugaboo Donkey5 or Valco Baby Snap Ultra Duo allow you to re-arrange your seats to parent face or face towards the world (because every child is different!). Many also allow for the addition of a bassinet on one or both sides to accommodate newborns without a car seat.

MYTH #3:

Side-by-side strollers are SO heavy.

FALSE! This factor depends on the brand. Valco Baby makes some of the lightest side-by-side strollers on the market with the Snap Duo’s weighing in at just 24 pounds.

The Pro's & Con's

SIDE-BY-SIDE

Pro's:

• Easy maneuverability with one-handed push
• Easy to fold without having to remove any seats first
• Both children are always within arm's reach
• No fighting over who gets which seating position
• Higher weight capacity per seat
• Seats recline flat vs. The “c” position of tandem strollers
• A side-by-side is often less expensive than a convertible stroller + the cost of a second seat

Con's:

• Takes up more trunk or garage space as the second seat cannot be removed
• The width of a side-by-side is sometimes tough to maneuver when in tight spaces [think the aisles of a department store]
• Smaller under-stroller basket
• Possible sibling rivalry when seated right next to each other

TANDEM

Pro's:

• Can be used as a single or a double stroller
• Multiple seating options and configurations to choose from
• Multifunctional with the ability to forward face or parent face
• Flexibility to remove the second seat when not in use

Con's:

Though flexible in many ways there are some limitations with a tandem double stroller.

• Limited legroom for the rider in the rear position
• The second seat generally has a lower weight limit to keep track of
• In some cases, the second seat has limited ability in order to accommodate multiple configurations e.g. the UPPAbaby RumbleSeat can recline but the leg well cannot be adjusted
• In order to make your stroller a double, you must purchase a second seat for an additional cost of $299.99-$549.99 depending on the brand
  
  

What Will It Be?

Still deciding which stroller is "the one" for you? 

Check out our Related Content below for reviews on some of our most popular strollers!

Happy Strolling + Happy Shopping!