Average Price: $199.99
Availability: Widely Available
Product Link: Contours Tandem Stroller
Rating:

The Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem stroller is a tandem stroller with some interesting features. The seats can be arranged to face in different directions for up to 7 different configurations. The 5 point harnesses have reflective trim and are padded for comfort, and the stroller comes with infant head rest inserts. The stroller’s range of options make it ideal for both infants and older children up to 40lbs.

When I went looking for a stroller for my twins, being a first-time parent I put very little thought into the details. I knew that I wanted something pleasing to the eye that was relatively inexpensive. While I wouldn’t say that I regret this purchase, I do feel that I would be happier with it if I had done more research on double strollers before making my final choice.

SIZE AND DIMENSIONS

At right around 50 pounds, this stroller seems to be on the high end of the weight spectrum for a “stacked” stroller. If you are looking for something lightweight, then I would not recommend it. It is not only a heavyweight, but its folded dimensions are unwieldy. I am 5′3″ with a small frame, and I find it nearly impossible to lift this stroller into the trunk of our small SUV by myself. Since I’m used to carrying 45 pounds of child around on a regular basis, my determination is that the issue lies more in the bulk rather than the weight. The folded dimensions are 24″ x 25″ x 42″ and I find that my arm span is the culprit, as my 6′ husband has no such issue. I would also have to say that this is not a stroller you want in the back of a small SUV if you’re buying groceries or anything else that you expect to have space to transport. I find it perfect for trips to the park or for window shopping, but the length of it literally reaches from one side of my vehicle to the other. I have the 2003 Saturn VUE, which I believe is a tad bit roomier than a Honda CRV but which is smaller than the back of a standard SUV.

EASE OF USE

In order to fold this stroller you must remove the front seat and place it between the rear seat and the handlebar. This sounds like it could be inconvenient, but I’ve found it very quick and easy. There are simply two buttons at the base of the seat that get pushed in to allow the seat to lift off. Reattaching the seat is as simple as clicking the buttons back in place. The stroller actually folds in an upright position, and I find it convenient to not have to bend down to the ground to finish the job. Once the fold is complete, there is a canvas strap with a snap-buckle that holds everything in place. The buckle for this strap is made of a thinner plastic than the buckles of the harness strap but is easier to open and doesn’t seem to pose a finger-pinching risk. Even the thinner plastic of this buckle is sturdy. In fact, the one word to describe this entire stroller would have to be “sturdy”.

PROS

The more I use the stroller, the more I can see the pros of it. The frame is wonderfully sturdy and will easily support the recommended 40 pound per seat weight limit. After testing a different stroller in a similar style, I came to appreciate just how smooth the steering is. I can easily push my daughters along and make sharp turns if necessary without panting from the effort. The seats have a bar running in front of them that I found perfect to attach toys to when the babies were younger. There is room for two drinks in the parent area of the handle as well as a small storage cubby that I find works well for my cell phone and keys. The basket has room for my extra large diaper bag as well as my purse. The canopies are large enough that the sun does not come close to touching my children if I pull it all the way out. The five point harness can be a little bit difficult to snap and unsnap initially, but it sets my mind at ease that my children will not learn to unbuckle themselves anytime soon. The seat inserts are very plush with plenty of padding. There are even two little handles attached to the bottom of the handlebar for older kids to hold and walk along.

VERSATILITY

My favorite feature, and the reason I would recommend it to anyone, is the versatility of the seats. They can both face forward, both face backward, face inward at each other, or face outward leaving the children back to back. I wouldn’t want a stroller where one child was looking at the back of the other child’s seat, and this is one of the only strollers with the face to face option that I’ve seen on the market. You can also take one of the seats off and leave yourself plenty of room to use the basket for grocery shopping if necessary. Included in the original purchase is a single car seat adapter that allows you to use most major brands of infant carriers, and an additional one may be purchased separately. Both seats also recline for naptime comfort.

CONCLUSION

Overall, I would say that this stroller is pretty close to perfect when compared to others of its class, and the options set it apart from anything similar in price. A nice option would be a variety of color choices for people who perhaps do not like red, but color seems inconsequential for all that you receive for under $200, and the red is one of the safest choices for visibility. If you’re looking for a versatile workhorse of a stroller and have the strength and arms long enough to deal with the bulk of this stroller, the Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem stroller is an excellent choice.