Tandem vs Side By Side Stroller: Which Double Stroller is Right for Your Family?

Whether you are a new parent expecting your first baby and already thinking about growing your family, expecting twins, or have multiple kiddos who need to get around, choosing the right double stroller is a big decision. One of the most common questions I get is whether to go with a side-by-side double stroller or a tandem (inline) double stroller. In this post, I break down the real differences, the pros and the cons, and walk through different situations to help you decide which one is right for your family.

I have tried over a hundred strollers with my three kids, and I also do stroller consultations where I help families one-on-one. So I have seen firsthand how different families thrive with different setups.

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Quick Definitions: Side-by-Side vs. Tandem

Before we get into the details, let’s make sure we are on the same page with what these terms mean.

A side-by-side double stroller has two seats next to each other. These tend to be a little more compact front to back but wider side to side.

A tandem or inline double stroller has two seats stacked front to back. These are narrower in width but longer in length. Within the tandem category, there are three main types: fixed doubles (more common in the budget category, where you just have two seats), single-to-double strollers (which are probably the most popular option in this category), and sit-and-stand strollers where you have a seat in the front and a platform with a small seat in the back for your older toddler.

Side-by-Side Double Strollers: Pros and Cons

Side-by-side double strollers are so popular right now, and for good reason. I personally have found this tends to be my preferred method of using a double stroller, and I have also seen through my stroller consultations that many families start with a tandem stroller and then move to a side-by-side as their kids grow because of the space, simplicity, and better manueverability.

Pros

• Simpler to fold. Because most side-by-side strollers are not modular (meaning the seats are stationary and you don’t have a bunch of configurations), the fold tends to be much more straightforward. Many models offer a one-hand fold, and you do not have to remove seats before you can fold the stroller.
• Better weight distribution and maneuverability. With both kids sitting next to each other, the weight is distributed more evenly, which makes pushing feel more balanced and easier on your wrists.
• More all-terrain and jogging options. This is a big one. All your double joggers are in the side-by-side category. There are no tandem jogging strollers. So if you are an active parent who runs or needs true all-terrain capability, a side-by-side is your only option.
• Higher weight capacity. Many side-by-side strollers can hold bigger kids. For example, the Zoe Twin can hold up to 60 pounds in each seat, and many side-by-sides also offer better clearance under the canopy.
• Easier for kids to get in and out. As a mom with kids of varying ages, I have found it so much easier for my older kids to climb in and out of a side-by-side stroller on their own.
• More cost-effective. Because you are not buying a bunch of additional adapters, a second seat, and other accessories to convert it into a double, side-by-side strollers tend to be a more straightforward purchase out of the box.
• Newborn options are getting better. We are seeing a lot of side-by-side strollers now offering newborn reclines. So even though you may not have a bassinet with every model, you can use many of the seats from birth, and some brands even offer bassinet options and infant inserts.

Cons

• Wider footprint. This is probably the biggest trade-off. Side-by-side strollers are wider, which can make navigating tight spaces trickier.
  
  Now, there is a big misconception that side-by-side double strollers do not fit through standard doorways, and that is actually not the case. Most side-by-side strollers will fit through any ADA or standard doorway. However, they can be harder to navigate in stores with narrow aisles. I usually do not have issues at a grocery store, but I have had issues at places like HomeGoods and TJ Maxx, where the aisles are narrower. I also know from many families who live overseas that I have helped in my stroller consultations that side-by-side strollers are not always realistic, depending on where you live. But for most families here in the US, a side-by-side will work for the majority of your daily life.
• Less modular. You typically have fewer configuration options compared to tandem strollers. You are not going to get parent-facing seats or the ability to mix and match bassinets and car seats in as many combinations.
• Kids sitting next to each other. I have heard from some parents that their kids fight more when sitting side by side. This is true, and we have definitely experienced this at Disney. But honestly, kids can fight in a tandem stroller, too. That is just a reality of parenting!

Tandem (Inline) Double Strollers: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Narrower width. The biggest benefit of a tandem stroller is its narrower design, which makes it better for navigating tight spaces, crowded cities, narrow sidewalks, and public transportation.
• Extremely modular. This is where tandem strollers really shine. You can mix and match seats, bassinet, car seats, and parent-facing configurations using adapters. If having your baby face you is important, especially in those early months, a tandem stroller gives you that flexibility.
• Single-to-double versatility. Many tandem strollers can be used as a single and then converted to a double when you need it, which is a nice option if you are not sure how often you will need two seats.

Cons

• A longer length makes maneuvering harder. Tandem strollers are longer, and making tight turns can be challenging. I have noticed that as my kids got bigger and heavier, it hurt my wrists more when maneuvering through tight spaces. I would also hit things when turning corners, depending on how long the stroller was.
• More expensive when you add everything up. Because tandem strollers are so modular, you often need to purchase additional adapters, a second seat, and other accessories. That flexibility comes at a cost, both financially and in terms of complexity.
• Folds can be bulkier. Sometimes you need to remove seats to get the stroller to fit in your trunk, which adds an extra step when you are also loading kids into car seats.
• Not all single-to-doubles are created equal. This is something I talk about regularly in my stroller consultations. Some single-to-double strollers are better as a single and just okay as a double, while others are great as a double but feel really big when used as a single.

How They Fit in Your Trunk

How a stroller folds and fits in your trunk is a practical factor that many parents don’t consider.

Side-by-side strollers tend to be less flexible in how they pack. They fold into one shape, and that is what you get. They can be bulky, but they are predictable.

Tandem strollers can often be taken apart. You can remove seats and rearrange pieces, which can be nice if you have a really small trunk. But it also makes things more complicated if you are doing it multiple times a day.

To give you a real-world example, the Bombi Twin (a side-by-side) has been taking the stroller world by storm because of its affordable price and incredible fold. With the push of a button and one hand, it folds into a compact package. Loading it in and out of the trunk is quick and easy, and if you have a larger SUV with a narrower trunk, it actually fits really well.

On the other hand, a tandem stroller like the Veer can technically fold with both seats on, but the folded package is going to be very large. Most of the time, you probably will want to remove one of the seats before loading it, which gives you more flexibility in how you pack your trunk but adds an extra step when you are juggling kids.

Which Stroller Type Is Best for Your Family?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer here. Your daily life determines the best pick. Let me walk through some common family situations and what I typically recommend.

Kids Close in Age

This is me! I had my first two 19 months apart and my second two 2 years apart. I thought for sure I would love a tandem double stroller. Having a bassinet and a child facing towards me, it seemed really appealing. But as my kids have grown, I have found that a side-by-side double stroller is my preference. It is so much easier to push, my kids can get in and out of the stroller themselves, and the simpler fold is a huge win in daily life.

I have also found through my stroller consultations that many families follow the same pattern: they start with a tandem and then switch to a side-by-side as their kids grow. As side-by-side strollers have improved with features like newborn reclines and even bassinet options, they are becoming an even better fit for families with kids close in age.

Expecting Twins

If you are expecting twins, I have a full video where I break down all the pros and cons of many different twin strollers that are better suited for twin families, meaning they have seats that are the same size and good newborn options.

Many twin parents prefer a tandem in the beginning because it can be easier to have two bassinets or two infant car seats stacked on top of each other. Some side-by-sides offer this too, and you will want to think about doorway widths at your home and the places you go most often. If doorways are narrow, a tandem may be more practical. Something like the Bugaboo Donkey, while amazing as a side-by-side, can be harder to get through certain doorways, especially with two car seats on.

Larger Age Gap

For families with a bigger gap between kids, you have a few options. A single stroller with a rider board or a sit-and-stand stroller can work well, but keep in mind that with a sit-and-stand, your younger baby will be further away from you because the back seat is taken up by the platform for your older child.

Another option is to go with a single-to-double stroller and use it as a double for the short window of time you need it, like occasional trips to the zoo, knowing that the push will not be perfect. Then, for the majority of the time, you have a single stroller for your younger child.

You could also go with a side-by-side double stroller, especially if your older child still enjoys riding in the stroller. You are going to get better space and potentially a higher weight capacity, depending on which stroller you choose.

Active and Outdoor Families

If you hike, run, or need true all-terrain capability, you are going to want a side-by-side double stroller. Specifically, look for options that give you all-terrain wheels or a dedicated jogging setup. I have several double jogging stroller reviews on my channel.

If you do not necessarily need three wheels but still want a stroller that handles rough terrain, options like the Bumbleride Indie Twin and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 are worth looking at.

Tandem double strollers tend to not to have as good all-terrain capabilities as what you will find in the side-by-side space, though there are a few exceptions. The Veer Switch and Go is worth considering if you need a tandem with decent off-road performance.

City Life and Narrow Sidewalks

For urban families dealing with narrow sidewalks, frequent public transit, or tight apartment hallways, a tandem or sit-and-stand stroller is often the better choice. I recently helped a family in Mexico City who needed a narrow stroller, and a tandem was the clear winner for their lifestyle.

If you go the tandem route, look for one that is either built as a double stroller from the start or has a bigger, heavier frame that can support two children of different sizes. You want both seats to be a good size for both kids to be comfortable. Options like the sit-and-stand models from Chicco, Joovy, or Austlen are worth looking at, as well as single-to-double strollers that are really in their prime as a double, like the Momcozy ChangeGo.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, there are pros and cons to both side-by-side and tandem double strollers. There is no perfect stroller, and every option has trade-offs. In general, if your life includes frequent outdoor adventures, jogging, or kids close in age who benefit from roomy seats and easy in-and-out access, a side-by-side is often the better long-term pick. If you live in a dense city, need a narrow footprint, or value modular seating options like parent-facing or mixed car seat configurations, a tandem stroller will likely make everyday life simpler.

My biggest piece of advice is to think about your daily routine. Where do you go most often? How much trunk space do you have? How important is a quick fold when you are wrangling two kids? Once you know your must-haves, the right choice becomes much clearer.

If you have questions about specific models or your unique situation, I offer stroller consultations if you want one-on-one help finding the perfect stroller for your family. Thank you so much for reading!

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