Ten Tandem Double Buggy Myths That Aren t Always True
Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great choice if you have twins, or children who are very close in age. They are a bit smaller than side-by-side buggies and are great for tight spaces like doorways, public transport and rocky terrain.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or car seats for children. However, they can be heavier and longer than single double stroller pushchairs and may not be as stable when bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
There are many options to add a second seat or changing a single stroller into a double. The UPPAbaby V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can be easily converted from a single double stroller to a dual by adding the rumble seat. However, it's pricey and less mobile than other double strollers due to the fact that the second seat goes in front of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option, but it lacks storage under the seat when used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggy from birth buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. These tend to be more expensive but they're designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain and can have more resale value.
Independent seat recline
If you're looking for a double buggy that can transport children of different ages then you're going to require a model with an independent seat recline for both seats. This will allow your child's older to relax in the back while the baby is in the bassinet, and reverse.
Think about the width of your pushchair and consider the ease of you to get through doors and on public transportation. If you have narrow doorways then it might be worth considering a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint that is similar to a single buggy, but can still take 2 seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies tend to be larger than side-by-side models, making them more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and are a great option for twins and siblings of various ages. They can also be more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are a worthwhile purchase if you plan to keep it for a long time and will retain a decent amount of resale value should you sell it on when your children have grown out of it.
This feature allows you to put your child in a comfortable position for naps or observation. This is essential if your child is in the back seat and would like to take a nap while the child in the front prefers to sit and observe the surrounding.
Certain brands come with a unique seat design which allows the back seat to fully recline to an almost flat position which is perfect for babies. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined in several positions. It also comes with a UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
More spacious than twin pushchair from birth buggies
It's not necessary to have twins to benefit from a larger double running stroller (information from Metooo) buggy. They're perfect for siblings of different age groups. They allow you to go about your day without having to worry about your children touching each other. They are usually a little larger with one seat in front of the other. The seats can be reclined completely for infants, or put in an upright position for toddlers.
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design on the market and has the same footprint as a single buggy. It also features an adjustable handle, making it easy for parents of different heights to push, and a handbrake, which is useful when tackling difficult terrains. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots. This means it is a great travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in mono or duo mode with just one click. The clever frame can be expanded to accommodate a second chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic choice for older siblings that would like to sit and stand double stroller together. It's slightly longer than other models, but it feels light and has a comfortable suspension for the kerbs.
There are also plenty of 3-wheeler inline tandems that are available such as Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for instance they provide stability and quick steering. These can often be folded into a single buggy if you are limited in space at home or need to carry it from the car to the bus stop.
It's worth bearing in mind that a double-buggy with a wider width will feel bulkier and heavier than a smaller single buggy Make sure that it's what you require before purchasing. It will be used on buses, trains, and subways frequently so it should be easy to use and manage. You might also have to move it on and off the car seat while taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to know it can be easily manoeuvred within small spaces.
From birth, you are a good candidate
You'll need a stroller for the whole family, regardless of whether you're expecting twins or you have a second child after you've had your first. Double buggies are generally slightly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers. However, they can also be easier to maneuver in narrower doorways or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies are compatible with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This lets you transport three children simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs put one child ahead of the other. They're a great option if your children are similar in age and are good friends. They're not completely safe. Siblings sitting side-by-side can punch or kick each other, and children of different heights may fight over who is sitting higher. A tandem high-low model can solve this problem by elevating the seat to the rear, preventing your older child from being on the bottom and not getting much of a view.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that can accommodate both the newborn and the older child. It features a smart frame that can be expanded in width when you add a second seat. It folds to flattish storage. The padded seats, straps and buckles are all of the best quality we have seen in our tests. The canopies are large in size with UPF 50+ protection, and a windows that peek out. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit expensive. However, a good tandem will last for years and retain the highest resale value, so at the end of the day, you'll likely recoup a portion of the cost. It doesn't come with the same selection of seating configurations that some of our other top choices however, the iCandy is a good option for families that don't want to shell out a lot of money.