10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From Tandem Double Buggy
Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great option for twins or children who are close in age. They're narrower than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for maneuvering tight spaces, such as doors, on public transport and rocky terrain.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats for children. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may not be as stable when in bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
There are a variety of options to add a second seat or changing a single stroller into a double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a large, gorgeous stroller that easily converts from a single to double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It's costly and less mobile than other double strollers because the 2nd seat is placed in front of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with great seating flexibility, however it isn't equipped with 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 be used to carry two children. These are more expensive, but they are designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain and come with more expensive resales.
Reclining the seat independently
If you require a double buggy to transport children of different age groups, then you'll want one that has recline independent for both seats. This will allow your child's older to relax in the back while the baby sleeps in the bassinet and vice versa.
Consider the size of your pushchair, as this will determine the ease of you to maneuver through doors and public transport. If you have extremely narrow doors, it may be worth considering a side-by-side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint that is similar to a single buggy, however, it is able to use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally longer than side by side models, which makes them more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However they can also accommodate a wider range of combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and can make an excellent choice for twins and siblings of various age groups. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are a good investment if you plan to keep it for many years and have a good amount of resale value if you decide to sell it off after your children have grown out of it.
This feature will allow you to put your child in an ideal position for naps or observation. This is important if your child is in the back seat and wishes to nap while the child in the front prefers to sit up to observe the surrounding.
twin pushchair have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to fully recline into a position that is nearly flat, which is ideal for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined in various positions. It also offers UPF 50+ sun protection and peekaboo windows.
Larger than twin buggies
There's no need to have twins in order to benefit from a wider double buggy. They're perfect for siblings of various age groups and let you get around without having to worry about your children touching each other. They're usually a bit longer too with one seat positioned behind the other and offering a fully-flat recline for babies (or a more upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It is the tiniest design side-by-side on the market, and a footprint that is comparable to the footprint of a single stroller. It also comes with an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of different heights to push and an adjustable handbrake, which is helpful when climbing difficult hills. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, meaning it is a great travel system.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has an easy one-click fold and is able to be used in mono or duo mode. Its innovative frame can be expanded widthwise to allow for a second seat and it can be used with two carrycots or car seats which makes it an ideal option for older siblings who wish to sit together and enjoy the view. It's a little longer than other models, but it's easy to steer and has soft suspension to tackle the kerbs.
There are also plenty of 3-wheeler tandems inline available - check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example they offer stability and swift steering. They are often folded into a single buggy if you are limited in space at home, or need to transport it from your car to the bus station.
Be aware that a double wide buggy will be more heavy and bulkier than one compact buggy. Be sure to know what you want prior to making a purchase. You'll be taking it on and off subways, trains and buses regularly so it needs to be easy to use and manage. You may need to juggle the car seat on and off when taking your child to school or the nursery.
Suitable from birth
You'll need a stroller 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 heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However they are also more maneuverable in tighter doorways and around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies are compatible with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This allows you to transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child ahead of the other. They're a good choice if your children are similar in age and are able to get along. They're not 100% secure. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could punch or kick each other and children of different heights could argue over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this problem by elevating the seat at the rear, which prevents your older child from sitting on the bottom and not having any view.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for a convertible double buggy that includes a carrycot that can accommodate both the newborn and the older child. It features a clever frame that can be expanded in width when you add the second seat. It folds flat to make it a compact storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps easy to secure and the buckles are among the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. twin pushchair can be reclined independently and the canopy is large and generous with UPF 50+ protection as well as peekaboo windows.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's a bit expensive, but a quality tandem will last for years and retain its resale value. So you'll likely recoup some of the cost in the long run. It doesn't come with the same variety of seating configurations that others of our top picks, but the iCandy is a good choice for families who don't want to shell out a lot of money.
