10 Tips For Quickly Getting Tandem Double Buggy
Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children close in age, a tandem double buggie is a great option. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for maneuvering tight spaces, such as entrances, on public transportation and on rough terrain.
Some convert into travel systems to include two carrycots or car seats. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible stroller that converts from single to double or to add a second seat to an existing one, there's a variety of options available. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a big, beautiful stroller that easily converts from a single to a double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). However, it's expensive and less mobile than other double strollers because the 2nd seat is located in front of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model with great seating flexibility, however it does not have storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies, as well as fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. They tend to be more expensive, but they're made to last longer on rough terrain, and may have more resale value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you're looking for a double stroller which can accommodate children of different age groups, you'll need one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This will allow your older child to relax in the back while the baby sleeps in the bassinet and the reverse.
It is also important to think about the size of the pushchair, as it will impact how easy it is to get through doors and on public transportation. If your doorways are very narrow, you might want to consider a side by side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller, but it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies tend to be longer than side by side models, and therefore are more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However they can be able to accommodate more combinations of seats/carrycots/car seats and can make the perfect choice for twins and siblings of different age. They are also more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are a good investment if you intend to keep it for many years and will have a decent amount of resale value should you decide to sell it off after your children have grown out of it.
This feature allows you to put your child in an ideal position for naps or observation. This is particularly important if you have a child younger than in the rear seat, who will prefer to lay back and sleep while the older child would prefer to sit and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back of their vehicles to recline into a position that is almost flat, ideal for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined in various positions. It also offers UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins in order to benefit from a bigger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of various age groups and let you move around without worrying about your children touching each other. They're typically a bit longer too with one seat positioned behind the other and usually with a fully-flat recline option for infants (or a more upright position for toddlers).
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design available and features an identical footprint to one buggy. It also comes with an adjustable handle, making it easy for parents of different heights to push as well as a handbrake that is useful when tackling difficult hills. It is suitable for use right from birth, and can be used with a range of car seats and carrycots.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has a simple one-click to fold and can be utilized in a duo or mono mode. Its innovative frame can be expanded to accommodate a second chair and it can be used with two carrycots or car seats which makes it an ideal choice for older siblings who wish to sit together and share the view. It's a bit longer than other models but still feels light to steer and comes with soft suspension that can handle kerbs.
There are also a variety 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 swift steering. Often these can be folded into the size of one buggie which is useful for those who struggle with storage at home or have to transport it into and out of your car on public transport.
It's important to remember that a wide double buggy will feel bulkier and heavier than a smaller single buggy, so make sure it's what you require before purchasing. It will be used on trains, buses and subways often, therefore it must be simple to manage and use. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat in and out while taking your child to school or to nursery.
From your birth, you are an ideal candidate
If you're expecting twins or you have a child following your first, you're going need to find a stroller that can accommodate the whole family. Double buggies are typically slightly heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers, however they can also be easier to maneuver in narrower entrances or around obstacles such as curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as an accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front the other. They are a good option for children who are of similar ages and are able to get along. However, they're not 100% secure Side-by-side chairs may punch or kick one another, and children who are different heights can argue over who gets to sit higher. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low model that raises the seat in the rear. Your child's older will not be seated on the lowest part of the car and won't be able to get an eye.
The iCandy Wave is a good option for parents who are looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that can accommodate both the newborn and the older child. It has a clever frame that expands in width when you add the second seat, and folds flat to make it a compact storage. The padded buckles, straps and seats are all of the best quality we have encountered in our testing. The canopies are large in size and UPF 50+ protection, and a the window is peekaboo. Both seats can recline independently.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's a bit expensive however, a good tandem will last for years and maintain its resale value. So you'll probably get back some of the cost over the long term. It also doesn't offer the same range of seating configurations as some of our other top picks, but the iCandy is a good option for families who don't wish to spend a fortune.