Five Things You ve Never Learned About Tandem Double Buggy

Buying a Tandem Double Buggy

If you have twins or children similar in age, a tandem double buggy is a great option. They're a bit smaller than side-byside buggies and ideal for navigating narrow spaces like entrances, on public transportation and on rocky terrain.

Many also convert into travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats. They can be heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.

Convertible

There are a variety of options to add a second seat or making a single stroller double umbrella stroller. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a large, gorgeous stroller that can easily be converted from a single model to double stroller with bassinet by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable due to the fact that the second seat is positioned behind the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option, but it lacks storage underneath the seat when it's used as a double stroller.

Other alternatives include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can accommodate two children. They are generally more expensive, but they're made to last longer on rough terrain and can have greater resales value.

Independent seat recline

If you are looking for a nipper double buggy stroller that will accommodate children of various age groups, you'll need one with an independent recliner for both seats. This will allow your older child to be able to relax while your baby is in the bassinet and the reverse is true.

It is also important to consider the width of the pushchair, as this will impact the ease of traverse doors and public transport. If you have extremely narrow doorways then it might be a good idea to consider a side-byside pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy, however, it is able to take 2 seats and car seat adaptors.

Tandem buggies are generally longer than side by side models, and therefore are more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and can make the perfect choice for twins and siblings of different age groups. They can also be more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are a good purchase if you plan to keep it for years and will retain a decent amount of resale value in the event that you decide to sell it when your children have grown out of it.

This feature allows you to put your child in an ideal position for naps or to observe. This is particularly important if you have a younger child in the rear seat, who will be inclined to lie down and take a snooze while the older child wants to sit up and look around their surroundings.

Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to recline to a position that is nearly flat, which is ideal for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined into multiple positions. It also has a UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.

More spacious than twin buggies

You don't need to have twins to benefit from a bigger double buggy with car seat buggy - they're ideal for siblings of different age groups and let you go about your day without worrying about your children touching each other. They're typically a little larger too with one seat placed behind the other and usually offering a fully-flat recline for newborns (or an upright position for toddlers).

A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which is the tiniest Side By Side Double Pushchairs-by-side model available and features an identical footprint to a single buggy. It has an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake which is useful on steep hills. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots, meaning it is a great travel system.

Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and is able to be utilized in a duo or mono mode. The clever frame expands in width to accommodate a second chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal option for older siblings who would like to sit together. It's slightly bigger than the other models, but it still feels light and has soft suspension for curbs.

There are also plenty of 3-wheeler tandems inline available such as Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for instance they offer stability and swift steering. Often these can be folded down to the size of one buggy which is useful if you struggle with storage at home or frequently need to transport it into and out of your car on public transport.

It's important to keep in mind that a wide double buggy will feel heavier and bulkier than a single buggy that is smaller So make sure it's what you require before you purchase. You'll be taking it on and off subways, trains and buses often, so it should be simple to use and manage. You might also have to juggle it on and off the car seat when you take your children to school or nursery so you'll need to be aware it can be easily manoeuvred in tight spaces.

From birth

There will be a need for a pushchair for your entire family whether you're expecting twins or if you have a child after you've had your first. Double buggies are typically slightly heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers, but they are also easier to maneuver in narrower entrances or around obstacles like curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or through an accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at the same time.

Tandem pushchairs seat one child in the front of the other, so they're generally a better option for families with two children who are close enough in age to be able to live well. They're not 100% secure. Siblings sitting side-by-side can punch or kick one another, and children of different heights can fight over who sits taller. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat to the rear. Your child's older will not be seated on the lowest part of the car and won't be able to get a look out.

The iCandy Wave is a great option for parents looking for an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to fit a newborn into a carrycot and an older child in the main seat. It has a clever frame that expands in width when you add a second seat, and folds flat for compact storage. The padded seats are comfortable, the straps are simple to secure and the buckles some of the best we've seen on any of our tests. The canopies have a generous size and UPF 50+ protection, and a the window is peekaboo. Both seats can be reclined independently.

The only downside of the iCandy is that it's a bit expensive, but a quality tandem will last for years and will retain its resale value. So you'll probably recoup some of the cost over the long term. It doesn't come with the same variety of seating configurations as some of our other top picks, but the iCandy is a good option for families that don't want to shell out a lot of money.