The People Closest To Tandem Double Buggy Share Some Big Secrets
Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a fantastic option for twins or children who are close in age. They are smaller than side by side buggies, and are great for tight spaces like doors, public transport, and rocky terrain.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or car seats for children. They can be heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are a variety of options for adding a second seat or changing a single stroller into a double. The UPPAbaby is a large, beautiful stroller. It can easily be transformed from a single stroller to a double by adding the seating area with a rumble. It is more expensive and less maneuverable due to the fact that the second seat is located in front of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model with a wide range of seating options, but does not have storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
double strollers include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can accommodate two children. These tend to be more expensive, however they're designed for long trips over rough terrain, and may have a higher resale value.
Reclining seat recline independently
If you're looking for a double stroller that will accommodate children of various age groups, you'll need one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This will allow your older child to rest while the baby is in the bassinet, and the reverse is true.
You'll also have to consider the width of the pushchair, as it will impact the ease of navigate through doors and on public transport. If you have narrow doors, it could be worth considering a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint that is similar to a single buggy but can still use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally a little longer than side-by-side models, and aren't as difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs, but they can accommodate a bigger range of car seat/car seat combinations, so can be a good option for twins or siblings of various age. They are more expensive than single buggies to double but they're well worth it if you intend to keep it for a few years. They also hold an impressive amount of value if you decide to sell it when your children have outgrown the buggie.
Another crucial thing to look for is if the backs of the seats can recline independently of each other as this will let you put your child in the best position for naps or watching. This is especially important when you have a younger child in the rear seat who will be inclined to lie down and take a snooze while the older child would prefer to sit up and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to recline fully into a position that is almost flat, ideal for babies. For example, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline both the toddler seat that comes with it and the add-on RumbleSeat into multiple positions so your kids can have a choice of where they will sit, as well as offering an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that peek out.
Wider than twin buggies
They are great for siblings with different age groups, and they allow you to get around without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a bit larger with one seat placed behind the other, and typically providing a flat recline for babies (or an upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It is the tiniest design of the two-in-ones on the market, and a footprint that is like a single stroller. It has an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake that can be useful on hills that are steep. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, meaning it's a great travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in duo or mono mode in a single click. The frame's clever design expands in width to accommodate the second chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a great option for older siblings who would like to be seated together. It's a little longer than other models, yet it's easy to steer and has soft suspension that can handle kerbs.
There are many 3-wheeler tandems with inline tires that provide stability and fast steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They are often folded into a single buggy if you have limited space at home or need to transport it from your car to the bus station.
Be aware that a double wide buggy is more heavy and bulkier than a single compact buggy. Make sure you know what you want prior to making a purchase. It will be used on buses, trains and subways frequently, so it should be easy to manage and use. You may also need to juggle it onto and off the car seat while taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to ensure it is able to be maneuvered in tight spaces.
Suitable from birth
If you're expecting twins or you have a child following your first, you're going to need to find an appropriate pushchair for the entire family. Double buggies are typically a bit heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers, but they can also be more maneuverable in narrower entrances or around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via an additional accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at a time.
Tandem pushchairs seat one child in the front of the other, so they're usually a better option if you have two kids who are close enough in age to get along well. They're not 100% secure. Siblings seated side-by-side may punch or kick one another, and children of different heights can fight over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this issue by elevating the seat towards the rear, which prevents your child's older one from being on the bottom and not having any view.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for an adjustable double buggy that can be converted into a carrycot that can accommodate both the newborn and the older child. It has a clever frame that can be expanded in width when you add a second seat and folds down to flattish storage. The cushioned buckles, straps and seats are all of the highest quality we have encountered in our tests. Both seats can recline independently and the canopy is large and generous with UPF 50+ protection and peekaboo windows.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit expensive. However, a quality tandem will last you for many years and have the highest resale value, so in the end you'll likely recover a portion of the cost. It doesn't have the same variety of seating configurations as some of our other top choices however the iCandy is a great choice for families who don't wish to shell out a lot of money.