Tandem Strollers

Tandem double strollers fit better through doors, aisles

Tandem strollers position the two seats one behind the other, so this type of double stroller is narrow but long -- great for fitting through doorways and aisles. Experts say this type of stroller works well for children of different ages.

Reviews say the tandem-style Graco DuoGlider LX (*Est. $150) is a good choice for parents on a budget. Although previous DuoGlider models have been prone to owner complaints about durability, the DuoGlider LX has been getting consistently good feedback. Parents say that, at just 20 inches wide, it fits nicely through doorways, and they especially like the fact that it holds two infant seats. The DuoGlider LX's elevated back seat (Graco calls this "stadium seating") serves two purposes. The child in the back gets a better view, and parents find it easier to access the storage basket. Parents say the Graco DuoGlider LX stroller is easier to fold than previous models, with a bigger basket. Both front and back seats have a multi-position recline, including a full recline on the back seat for newborns and napping kids. The weight and height limits for both seats are 40 pounds and 43 inches. There are also machine-washable seat pads, removable canopies with storage pockets, removable snack trays and convertible three-point/five-point harnesses. If you need to go with a budget tandem stroller, the nearly 30-pound DuoGlider LX is your best bet, with lots of padding and features.

The Graco Quattro Tour Duo (*Est. $250) folds up 20 percent smaller than the DuoGlider LX, Graco says -- even though the Quattro Tour Duo weighs more (39 pounds) and has more features, such as dual cupholders in the front seat (instead of a tray that must be removed before a child can climb in unassisted, as with the DuoGlider LX), a second cupholder for the parent and a drop-down bottom basket for easy access. As with the DuoGlider, only the rear seat reclines totally flat, although both front and back seats have multi-position recline. The older child -- up to 50 pounds and 45 inches -- rides up front while the younger one -- up to 40 pounds and 43 inches -- sits in the back. Like the DuoGlider LX, the Quattro Tour Duo accepts two Graco infant car seats. The Quattro Tour Duo is a top pick with professional reviewers, who like the convenient one-hand fold. It's also doing well on user review sites, although some parents find it too heavy and bulky. While this isn't a luxury tandem, and doesn't steer like one, parents say the Graco is packed with features and offers plenty of comfort for both passengers.

If you can spend more and want something with more features and flexibility, Peg-Perego's 44-pound Duette SW (*Est. $780) gets good ratings from parents. The Duette SW is more expensive than other double strollers, but it's very flexible, especially if you have twin newborns, with several seating configurations. The stroller's seats are both fully reclining, and they can both be reversed so babies can face you while riding. The seats can also face each other or be situated back to back. The seats are removable, and you can substitute car-seat carriers for one or both seats. The downside is that this stroller is a pain to fold, because both seats must first be removed. It's also large and bulky when folded, but that's a nearly ubiquitous issue with double strollers. The Duette SW can hold two infant seats and has five-point harnesses.

The pricey Duette SW comes loaded with features, including an adjustable steering wheel-style handle, a large bottom basket, a side carry handle, five-point harnesses, all-wheel suspension and several reclining positions. However, some owners complain about durability, and some don't like the steering wheel-style handlebar.

The Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem (*Est. $190) falls between the Graco DuoGlider and Graco Quattro Tour Duo in price, but it looks more like the Peg-Perego Duette SW in features and style. The Kolcraft tandem is a favorite of owners posting at Amazon.com, Viewpoints.com and Epinions.com. One top expert source recommends the Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem because it offers a few features the Graco double strollers don't, including reversible seats (so your children can face you, each other, etc.), full recline on both seats and adjustable leg rests. Like the Graco models, the Kolcraft tandem stroller can accept two infant car seats -- but unlike the Gracos, you must buy the car seat adapters separately (*Est. $30 each). The Kolcraft tandem also proves less maneuverable and harder to use than the Graco Quattro Tour Duo in one major expert test. At 46 pounds, it's also heavier than the Graco Quattro Tour Duo. Its weight limit is 40 pounds per seat. The Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem II (*Est. $270) includes one car seat adapter and adds height adjustment for the canopies, swing-out cupholders for the kids and a removable iPod dock with speaker.

Triple baby strollers

A few strollers come in a triple version. The Peg-Perego Duette SW is also sold with an extra seat as the Peg-Perego Triplette SW (*Est. $1,145). If that's more than you want to spend on a stroller, the Foundations Trio (*Est. $420) offers triple seating with far fewer features (for example, it does not accommodate infant car seats).

Alternatively, the Triple Decker (*Est. $400 to $425) is a triple car seat carrier with an unusual stacked seating design that gives all three children an unobstructed view. As each little one outgrows his or her infant car seat, parents have the option of attaching individual toddler seats (*Est. $85 each). The Triple Decker has a maximum capacity of 100 pounds with the car seats and 135 pounds with the toddler seats.

The Runabout Triple Stroller (*Est. $895) has a similar design; each spot has a toddler seat good for up to 50 pounds, and two of them can accommodate Graco SnugRide infant car seats. The Runabout isn't widely distributed but it gets rave reviews from parents of multiples who praise its durability and maneuverability. The Runabout is also available in double (*Est. $595), quad (*Est. $1,095), quint (*Est. $1,295) and six-seat (*Est. $1,495) versions.

All the above are tandem-style strollers. As you can imagine, most side-by-side strollers are impossibly wide when outfitted with three seats. However, some jogging strollers come with three seats, such as the Mountain Buggy Urban Triple (*Est. $1,100), Baby Jogger Summit XC Triple (*Est. $960) and BebeLove Evo-TS (*Est. $500).

If at least one of your three is at least 2 and a half years old, you might consider the Joovy Big Caboose Stand On Triple Stroller (*Est. $380). It features two tandem-style stroller seats (it also accommodates two infant car seats) plus a rear running board on which the older child can sit or stand. With the Valco Baby Tri-Mode Twin stroller (Discontinued), you can get an optional fold-away toddler jump seat (*Est. $100) for an older child who wants to ride occasionally.

Another stroller, the Valco Baby Tri-Mode Twin stroller (Discontinued), was recalled by the manufacturer in early October for a potentially serious safety hazard. The recall includes about 12,000 Valco Baby Tri Mode Single and Twin jogging strollers sold between November 2007 and March 2010. No injuries have been reported, but an unharnessed child could potentially slide down the seat, get stuck and strangle on the grab bar. Owners should remove the grab bar and contact Valco for a replacement: (800) 610-7850 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern. Owners also can visit the firm's website at valcobaby.com or email the company at recall@valcobaby.com.