The Secret Life Of Tandem Double Buggy

Buying a Tandem Double Buggy

If you have twins or children close in age, a tandem double buggy is a fantastic option. They are a bit smaller than side by side buggies and are ideal for small spaces such as doors, public transport and rough terrain.

Some can be converted into travel systems that use two carrycots or child car seats. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.

Convertible

There are a variety of options for adding a second seating or converting a single stroller to double. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller that easily converts from a single and double stroller stroller to a double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It's costly and less maneuverable than other dual strollers since the second seat goes behind the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar option with great seating versatility but does not have storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.

Other alternatives include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels and joggers with fixed wheels that can accommodate two kids. They are more expensive but they are designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain and have a higher resale price.

Independent recline of the seat

If you require a double prams with adjustable footrest buggy that is able to transport children of various ages, you'll require a model with an recline independent for both seats. This will allow your older child to sit and stand double stroller back and relax while the baby sleeps in the bassinet, and reverse.

You'll also have to consider the width of the pushchair, as this will impact the ease of get through doors and on public transport. If you have narrow doors, it could be worth considering a side-by-side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy, however it can take 2 seats and car seat adaptors.

Tandem buggies are usually slightly longer than side-by-side models and therefore aren't difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs, however, they can accommodate a wider range of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations so can be a good option for twins or siblings of various age groups. These buggies are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but they're worth it if you plan on keeping it for many years. They'll also keep an impressive amount of value if sold when your children have outgrown it.

Another important feature to look out for is if the backs of the seats can recline independently of one another since this will allow you to place your child in the best position for naps or watching. This is crucial if your child is in the back seat and wants to nap while the more mature child prefers to sit up to observe the surroundings.

Certain brands come with a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to completely recline into an almost flat position that is perfect for infants. For example, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the included toddler seat and the additional RumbleSeat into multiple positions so your kids can have the option of where they want to sit, as well as offering an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that can be seen from afar.

Larger than twin buggies

They are great for siblings of different ages, and you can move around without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a larger, with one seat behind the other. The seats can be reclined completely for newborns or 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 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 is suitable to use from birth and it can be combined with a variety of car seats and carrycots.

The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in either mono or duo mode with just a single click. The clever frame expands in width to accommodate an additional chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic choice for older siblings that want to be seated together. It's a little longer than other models, yet it's light to steer and has soft suspension that is able to handle kerbs.

There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that offer stability and swift steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They can be folded into one buggy if you are limited in space at home or need to transport it from the car to the bus station.

It's worth bearing in mind that a large double buggy will feel heavier and bulkier than a single and double stroller buggy that is smaller Make sure that it's what you need before purchasing. You'll have to get it on and off subways, buses, and trains regularly so it needs to be easy to use and manage. You may also need to juggle it on and off the car seat when taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to know it can be easily manoeuvred in tight spaces.

From birth

You'll need a stroller for your entire family, whether you're expecting twins or you have another child after you've had your first. Double buggies are typically heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However they are much easier to maneuver in tighter doorways or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies can be used with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This allows you to carry three children at the same time.

Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other. They're a good option if your children are of similar ages and are able to get along. They're not foolproof. Siblings seated side-by-side may kick or punch each other and children with different heights can fight over who sits higher. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low design that elevates the seat in the rear. Your child's older will not be seated on the bottom of the car and won't be able to get an eye.

The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to fit both a newborn in a carrycot and an older child in the main seat. It has a clever frame that can be expanded in width when you add the second seat and folds down to flattish storage. The cushioned buckles, straps and seats are all of the highest quality we have encountered in any of our tests. You can recline both seats independently and the canopy is large and generous with UPF 50+ protection and windows that can be seen from a distance.

The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's expensive however, a good tandem will last for years and maintain its resale value. So you'll probably recoup some of the cost in the end. It also doesn't offer the same variety of seating options as others of our top choices however, the iCandy is a great choice for families who don't wish to spend a lot.