Different Types of Double Strollers: How to Choose the Right One for Your Family

As if there aren’t enough choices to make as a parent already, here’s one more to throw into the mix: what type of double stroller is right for your family?

Fun, right? 

Choosing between all the different types of double strollers can feel like a lot. Side-by-side, tandem, convertible, lightweight, compact, newborn-friendly, toddler-approved. Let's make this easy. 

We've prepared a handy dandy double stroller guide to simplify your decision making process. We’re breaking down the main double stroller types, the pros and cons of each, and how to decide which option makes the most sense for your family, your lifestyle, and your tiny passengers.

What Are the Different Types of Double Strollers?

There are three main types of double strollers:

1. Side-by-side double strollers

2. Tandem double strollers

3. Convertible single to double strollers

Each one has its own perks, quirks, and very specific “this might save my sanity” moments. The right choice depends on your kids’ ages, where you live, how often you travel, and how much stroller Tetris you’re willing to play with your trunk.

Here’s the quick breakdown before we get into the good stuff.

Side-by-Side Double Strollers

A side-by-side double stroller is exactly what it sounds like: two seats next to each other, side by side. Very cute. Very fair. Very “nobody has to fight over who gets the front seat.”

This type of double stroller is especially popular for twins and siblings close in age because both kids get a similar setup. Same view, same seat style, same general vibe. No one is dramatically exiled to the back.

Pros of side-by-side double strollers

The biggest win here is equality. Both kids sit next to each other, which means they usually get the same amount of space, visibility, and comfort.

Side-by-side strollers also tend to feel more balanced when you push them. Because the weight is distributed evenly across the frame, parents say these can be easier to steer. This is especially helpful if you’re taking longer walks, navigating curbs, or trying to push two kids while holding an iced coffee (a necessary parenting skill).

They also make it easier to reach both kids. Snacks, dropped toys, mystery crying, someone needs a shoe adjusted for the fourth time. You can get to both passengers quite easily.

Cons of side-by-side double strollers

The tradeoff is width. Side-by-side strollers are wider than tandem strollers, which can make tight doorways, crowded cafés, narrow store aisles, and tiny elevators a little more interesting.

That said, not all side-by-sides are the giant sidewalk tanks people imagine. Some modern versions are designed to be lighter, more compact, and easier to maneuver than the older double strollers that haunt everyone’s memory.

Tandem Double Strollers

A tandem double stroller has one seat in front of the other. Think of it as the stroller version of a little train! 

Because tandem strollers are narrower, they can be a great fit for parents who are constantly moving through tighter spaces. Doorways, grocery aisles, apartment buildings, busy sidewalks, small shops. If your daily routine involves a lot of squeezing through narrow spots, tandem might catch your eye.

Pros of tandem double strollers

The biggest benefit of a tandem stroller is its slim profile. Since the seats are stacked front-to-back instead of side-to-side, tandem strollers usually fit through standard doorways and narrow aisles more easily.

Many tandem strollers also offer multiple seating configurations. Depending on the model, you may be able to face one child toward you, face both forward, attach an infant car seat, or adjust the seats as your kids grow.

For families with a newborn and an older toddler, that flexibility can be helpful.

Cons of tandem double strollers

The main downside is the length. Tandem strollers may be narrow, but they can also feel long, which can make turning corners and navigating tight spaces a little awkward. Less “gliding through the day,” more “carefully steering a tiny bus.

The seats also may not be equal. One child might have more legroom, a better view, a deeper recline, or easier access to a snack tray. If your kids are old enough to have opinions, and they usually are, this can become a whole thing.

They are also usually quite gigantic when folded, making them much harder to pack and travel with.

Convertible Single to Double Strollers

A convertible single to double stroller starts as a single stroller and can be converted into a double by adding a second seat. Some can even accommodate a third child with a ride-along board or bench seat.

This type of stroller is often appealing if you’re shopping for your first baby but already thinking, “Maybe we’ll do this whole newborn chaos thing again.”

Pros of convertible single to double strollers

The biggest benefit is flexibility. You can use it as a single stroller now, then convert it when your family grows. That can make it feel like a smart long-term investment, especially if you’re planning to have children close together.

Convertible strollers also tend to offer multiple configurations, which can be helpful when you have kids at different stages. One baby in an infant car seat, one toddler sitting upright, one child facing you, one facing the world.

Cons of convertible single to double strollers

Convertible strollers can be expensive, especially once you factor in the second seat, adapters, boards, bassinets, or other accessories that may be sold separately.

They can also get heavy. What starts as a sleek single stroller can become bulkier once all the extra pieces are added. Depending on the model, folding it may also require removing one of the seats first, which is not exactly ideal when you’re standing in a parking lot with two kids and one teeny tiny remaining ounce of patience.

Not to mention, they are often good single strollers and terrible double strollers. In most cases, the older child has to sit closer to the parent and the younger child is in the front due to weight distribution. Not desirable, to say the least.

Tandem Stroller vs Side by Side: Which Is Better?

The big question: tandem stroller vs side by side?

Honestly, it depends on what kind of chaos you’re trying to manage.

If you want a stroller that gives both kids the same seat, the same view, and the same level of comfort, a side-by-side stroller may be the better fit. It can be especially helpful for twins or siblings close in age because there’s less built-in comparison between seats.

If you need something narrower for tight indoor spaces, a tandem stroller may make more sense. It can be easier to get through store aisles, doorways, and crowded spaces without feeling like you’re taking up the entire room.

Here’s the simplest way to think about the tandem vs side by side stroller decision:

A Double Stroller Designed for Real Family Life

If you’ve made it this far and found yourself leaning toward a side-by-side, we see you. Equal seating? Love. Smooth steering? Need. A stroller that can handle two kids without making you feel like you’re pushing a shopping cart with a wonky wheel? Absolutely.

That’s where the Bombi Bēbee Twin Double Stroller comes in. 

The Bēbee Twin takes everything parents love about a side-by-side double stroller - equal seating, smooth steering, easy access to both kids - and builds on it to make everyday life a whole lot easier.

It’s designed to simplify the moments that usually feel complicated. The ambidextrous one-hand fold and unfold means you can collapse it with the press of a button (yes, even while holding a child or juggling a bag). It folds down compactly for easy storage and transport, and at just 28 lbs, it’s lightweight enough to lift without a second thought.

From day one, the Bēbee Twin is ready to go. With a built-in newborn cocoon and near-flat recline, it works from birth–no extra attachments required. It’s also car seat compatible, giving you flexibility as your family grows and your routine evolves.

Plus, we offer full car seat compatibility on our twin stroller for either one or two seats. Bam!

And for parents worried about the classic side-by-side “will this fit?” question, we’ve got you. At 29.75 inches wide, the Bēbee Twin is designed to fit through standard doorways, making it far more practical for everyday errands than you might expect. It’s even Disney-approved, so you can take it from neighborhood walks to full-day adventures without missing a beat.

FAQs About Different Types of Double Strollers

What are the different types of double strollers?

The three main types of double strollers are side-by-side double strollers, tandem double strollers, and convertible single to double strollers. Each type offers different benefits depending on your kids’ ages, your lifestyle, and how you plan to use the stroller.

What is the difference between a tandem stroller and a side-by-side stroller?

A tandem stroller has one seat in front of the other, while a side-by-side stroller has two seats next to each other. Tandem strollers are usually narrower, while side-by-side strollers often offer more equal seating and easier access to both children.

Is a tandem stroller vs side by side stroller better for twins?

For twins, many parents prefer a side-by-side stroller because both babies get the same view, seat style, and comfort. A tandem stroller can still work well, especially if you need a narrower option for tight spaces.

What is a convertible single to double stroller?

A convertible single to double stroller starts as a single stroller and can expand into a double stroller with an added second seat. It’s a popular choice for parents who have one child now but are planning for another in the future.

Which double stroller type is best for siblings of different ages?

For siblings of different ages, tandem and convertible strollers can be helpful because they often offer more seating configurations. However, a side-by-side stroller can also work well if both children are old enough to sit comfortably in standard stroller seats.