By Graham FisherChoosing a double stroller means balancing the needs of two children with the realities of sidewalks, doorways and storage. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other safety organizations offer clear guidance on what makes a stroller safe, and those rules apply whether you are looking at a side-by-side model, a tandem design or a convertible stroller that can grow with your family. Understanding the trade-offs between these types helps you pick a stroller that fits your daily life while keeping both children secure.
Types of double strollers
Double strollers generally fall into three categories: side-by-side, tandem and convertible. Each arrangement has practical differences that affect steering, stability and how the stroller folds.
Side-by-side strollers place the two seats next to each other. The AAP advises that if you purchase a side-by-side twin stroller, the footrest should extend all the way across both sitting areas. A child’s foot can become trapped between separate footrests. KidsHealth, from Nemours, reinforces this point, noting that a single footrest prevents a child’s foot from getting stuck.
Tandem strollers position one child behind the other. According to KidsHealth, tandem models are generally easier to steer than side-by-side types. They are also described as more stable and folding more compactly. This can be helpful on narrow paths or when loading the stroller into a car.
Convertible strollers, sometimes called sit-and-stand models, allow an older child to sit or stand on a rear platform while a younger child rides in the front seat. The AAP cautions caregivers to be mindful of weight guidelines and to watch that the child in the back does not become overly active and tip the stroller. These designs can adapt as children grow, but they require extra attention to balance.
Safety features to check on any double stroller
Regardless of the type you choose, several safety features are essential. The AAP and KidsHealth both emphasize a five-point harness, which includes straps over both shoulders, hips and between the legs. This harness should be used on every ride. For newborns who cannot hold up their heads, KidsHealth notes that they need to be able to lie almost flat, and tightly rolled baby blankets can be placed around the baby to prevent slouching, as the AAP also suggests.
Brakes are another critical point. The AAP recommends easy-to-operate brakes that lock two wheels rather than just one, providing an extra measure of safety. KidsHealth adds that the best brakes lock the back wheels by engaging mechanisms in the wheels themselves, not by pressing on the tires. Always set the brake whenever the stroller is stopped, and make sure your child cannot reach the release lever.
A wide base helps prevent tipping. The AAP says to select a stroller with a wide base so it will not tip over. KidsHealth advises checking stability by pressing lightly down on the handles; the stroller should resist tipping backward. The seat should be low in the frame, and any basket for carrying items should be placed low on the back of the stroller, in front of the rear wheels. Hanging purses or diaper bags from the handlebars is dangerous: the AAP warns that this can tip the stroller backward, and KidsHealth adds that a baby could become tangled in the straps and be strangled.
Folding mechanisms can pinch small fingers. Both the AAP and KidsHealth recommend folding and unfolding the stroller away from children. Always lock the stroller open before placing a child inside, and check that your baby’s fingers cannot reach the wheels. KidsHealth also suggests registering a new stroller with the manufacturer so you can be notified of any safety recalls.
Never leave a child unattended in a stroller. The AAP states that if a child falls asleep in the stroller, you should be able to see them at all times. KidsHealth echoes this, and adds that you should not use a pillow or blanket as a mattress in the stroller.
Comparing double stroller types
The table below summarizes the differences the AAP and KidsHealth point out for side-by-side, tandem and convertible strollers. Use it as a quick reference when you are shopping.
| Feature | Side-by-side | Tandem | Convertible (sit-and-stand) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | No specific guidance. | Generally easier to steer (KidsHealth). | No specific guidance on steering; an overly active child in the back can tip the stroller (AAP). |
| Stability | Wide base helps prevent tipping (AAP). | More stable than side-by-side (KidsHealth). | Risk of tipping if rear child is overly active; follow weight guidelines (AAP). |
| Footrest | Must be one continuous piece across both seats to avoid foot entrapment (AAP, KidsHealth). | No specific footrest guidance. | No specific footrest guidance. |
| Fold | No specific guidance. | Folds more compactly (KidsHealth). | No specific guidance. |
| Special considerations | Check that hinges and wheels are out of reach of children’s fingers (AAP). | Check that leg openings are small enough to prevent an infant from slipping through (KidsHealth). | Older child sits or stands in rear; be mindful of weight limits and active movement (AAP). |
No matter which style you consider, always inspect the stroller in person if possible. Push it with one hand to see if it tracks straight, as KidsHealth recommends. The handlebars should be at your waist level or slightly lower. And if you plan to use the stroller with an infant car seat, consult the stroller manufacturer’s instructions and your pediatrician for guidance on safe travel configurations.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a double stroller for a newborn and a toddler?
Yes, but the newborn’s seat must recline nearly flat because newborns cannot hold up their heads, as KidsHealth explains. Check the manufacturer’s age and weight limits, and ask your pediatrician if you are unsure about positioning.
Are tandem strollers really more stable than side-by-side strollers?
KidsHealth states that tandem models are more stable and easier to steer. However, the AAP emphasizes that any stroller should have a wide base to resist tipping. Both sources agree that hanging bags on the handles can make any stroller tip backward, so stability also depends on how you use it.
What should I do if my child falls asleep in the stroller?
The AAP says you should never leave a child unattended in a stroller, and if they fall asleep, make sure you can see them at all times. Do not add pillows or blankets as a mattress, as KidsHealth warns. If you are at home, consider moving the child to a safe sleep space like a crib or bassinet, and speak with your pediatrician about safe sleep practices.
For more help choosing the right stroller, browse our stroller guides or read about stroller types explained, jogging strollers and travel systems vs separate strollers. If you are outfitting gear for multiples, our baby gear for twins article can help you decide what you need two of.
Sources
- How to Choose a Safe Baby Stroller (HealthyChildren.org, AAP)
- Choosing Safe Baby Products: Strollers (Nemours KidsHealth)
- How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe (HealthyChildren.org, AAP)
About Graham Fisher
Graham Fisher is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our baby gear guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
