Joovy Caboose Stand-On Tandem, Blue Check

For the front seat, a universal car seat carrier attachment is included and, similar to Baby Trend's Snap `n Go stroller, the front can be adjusted to accommodate most major brands. At 6 months or when babies can sit up on their own, they may use the seat. The seat offers two positions, one upright and one slightly reclined for babies who fall asleep in the stroller. The black and blue check seat is made of durable ripstop nylon and is padded all the way around, including the armrests. However, the back and base of the seat is pretty hard so this stroller may not be comfy for long stretches. A three-point harness straps baby in and is easy to unbuckle with one hand. Webbing holds the top of the straps flat against the seat back to reduce twisting of the straps. A two-position foot rest snaps into a vertical position for little babies with short legs and then folds down when a toddler's legs get longer and are more comfortable hanging down.

The stand-on platform area offers plenty of space for two little feet to ride in a forward-facing position. Two padded handles give toddlers a secure hold while riding and a belt-like harness clips behind the child to provide a little extra security in case he tries to lean back while cruising. This harness doesn't provide a wealth of extra stability though and parents will need to watch that the child doesn't try to step off the rolling stroller without warning. A rear-facing seat, cushioned with identical padding as the front seat, is also available for toddlers who get tired of being on their feet. When children are seated, the standing platform becomes a foot rest and a three-point harness contains them a bit better. The seat slides forward to provide access to a decently sized mesh storage basket. Because the seat does not lock into place, it could be prone to moving while a child is sitting in it.

Made of lightweight aluminum, the chassis on this stroller is sturdy in construction but barebones and functional-looking in design. A few of the features do appear flimsy, such as the front footrest, which is made of very lightweight plastic, and the ratchet on the canopy. However, the inexpensive design choices do keep the price low and affordable for most families. Not that there aren't any design perks on the Joovy Tandem: The front wheels rotate 360-degrees for supreme maneuverability through crowds or twisting paths. There is also a front wheel lock to hook wheels in a forward-facing position; for example, when your older child wants to push the baby in the stroller and you want to make sure he aims straight ahead. Another great feature is the ratcheting canopy, which can be pulled down to completely cover one of the two children or left in the central position to give each child adequate overhead shading.

The handlebar for parents has soft, slip-resistant padding around the bar for comfortable pushing, but lacks the adult drink/accessory tray that is incorporated into the design of most strollers these days. The bar is on the high side so kids can duck under it to get to the ride-on platform and is not height adjustable. More petite moms might find it awkward to push a stroller that hits at chest level rather than at the midsection or waist.

When the ride is over, closing up the Joovy Tandem couldn't be easier. The two red levers on each side of the handlebar lift easily and the stroller folds forward to a pretty compact position for storage or car travel (although it'll be easier to stash in a "mom vehicle" like an SUV or wagon than a more compact car). The levers lock when the stroller is open so there's no chance of the stroller accidentally collapsing during motion. Even though the frame is lightweight, this stroller is still pretty cumbersome to heave into a car or lug into a closet, so parents shouldn't plan on carrying it too far.

All in all, the Joovy Stand-On Tandem Stroller is a great advancement in stroller travel for parents of two children under the age of five, offering plenty of cruising options for the older sibling. The only thing this stroller can't do is prevent toddlers from wanting to push their sibling in the stroller—and they all want to do it. Moms, you're on your own with that one. --Cristina Vaamonde

Product Description
The Caboose Stand-On Tandem makes strolling two children a breeze!