Best Side by Side Double Stroller: Double the Fun!
As a 34-year-old mother who left a busy career in Marketing to take care of two young children, I decided to evaluate side by side double strollers for an infant and a toddler.
Although one child in front, one child in back models are sometimes more convenient for narrow spaces in stores and restaurants, I wanted a tandem stroller so my 6-month-old daughter and 4-year-old son could interact with one another and enjoy an unobstructed view when taking them on errands or for walks in the park.
After careful review, here are my 5 top choices for best tandem stroller for an infant and a toddler:
Bugaboo Donkey Duo Stroller
The Donkey is a strange beast but I quickly came to love the versatility of this side by side stroller for an infant and toddler. The bassinet on one side is perfect for my 6-month-old but can be easily converted into a full-size seat for when she gets older. My 4-year-old rides quite comfortably, secured by padded harness straps. And there's plenty of room in the area underneath as well as the unique side luggage basket.
With big wheels and independently-adjustable canopies, the Bugaboo Donkey Stroller is great both for negotiating bumpy terrain or cruising through the mall. Definitely a top contender for the best tandem stroller for an infant and toddler on the market today.
Baby Jogger Summit X3 Stroller
I really like how the Baby Jogger Summit X3 is both rugged enough to take both of my children out for a run but simple to fold and put away with the touch of a button. The adjustable handlebar has a button you can push to lock or unlock the front wheel and a separate button for engaging the brakes, perfect for controlling the stroller on steep or bumpy terrain.
Each child gets their own adjustable canopy and the big 16-inch rear wheels and special suspension system makes taking my children out a very comfortable and safe experience. Available in a stylish gray/black design, the Summit X3 is a great side by side double stroller for my infant and toddler.
Britax B-Agile Double Stroller
Many moms like to debate the benefits of a side by side vs tandem stroller and whether it's best to have a narrower model or let each child experience the ride equally. I like the Britax B-Agile for its super lightweight aluminum design and five-point harness that is very easy to adjust. Both seats can be independently reclined fully, perfect for when my infant needs a nap but my older child is awake.
The B-Agile Double can also take an infant car seat and it only takes me a second to fold it and put it away when not in use. With an adjustable handle, this stroller makes taking my two children out for a walk a very comfortable and pleasant experience.
BOB Revolution SE Duallie Stroller
With a single wheel in front, operating the BOB Duallie side by side stroller for an infant and toddler is super easy. I like how the suspension system seems to soak up all bumps and the snack tray is great for when it's time to stop and have a bite to eat. My 6-month-old can ride in her infant car seat while my older son is comfortable in his five-point padded harness.
Lightweight and easy to put away or unfold, there's a lot to love about this wonderful side by side double stroller for an infant and toddler from BOB.
Baby Jogger City Mini Double Stroller
In the great side by side vs tandem stroller debate, I always hear about how tandems offer greater maneuverability in tight spaces. But the Baby Jogger City Mini Double has all the benefits of having both kids up front and facing out with a great design that's perfect for negotiating grocery store aisles or crowded restaurants.
Each kid gets their own adjustable canopy that includes a convenient window for keeping an eye on sleeping children. There's plenty of storage room underneath and behind the Baby Jogger City Mini Double, perfect for bringing along diapers, snacks and other supplies. And I absolutely love the crimson/gray color scheme of this stroller.
Conclusion
After doing a lot of testing and reading through reviews, it wasn't easy selecting my top five side by side strollers for an infant and toddler. Some of the models were versatile enough to switch between indoor and jogging mode while others were extremely lightweight and only took a second to fold/unfold. It was important for me that the stroller have some longevity, able to securely transport my infant daughter and young son now but versatile enough to adjust as they get older.
While there are some tight spaces that might be difficult to maneuver with a side by side stroller instead of having one kid ride behind the other, I think it is important for my children's development to both face forward and experience the world together.
View our other double stroller reviews here.
All product images via Amazon.com
