15 Things You've Never Known About 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're a bit smaller than side-byside buggies and are ideal for maneuvering tight spaces such as doorways, on public transport and on rough terrain.
Some can be converted to travel systems that use two carrycots or child car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may not be as stable when bumping up the kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add a second seat to an existing one, there's a variety of options available. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a large, gorgeous stroller that easily converts from a single model to double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). However, it's pricey and less maneuverable than other dual strollers since the second seat is located behind the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model but lacks storage underneath the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels and joggers with fixed wheels that can hold two kids. double pram pushchair are more expensive however, they are designed to last longer on rough terrain and come with a higher resale price.
Reclining the seat independently
If you are looking for a double stroller which can accommodate children of different ages, you will need one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This will allow your child's older to rest in the back while the baby sleeps in the bassinet and vice versa.
You'll also need to consider the width of the stroller as it will impact the ease of navigate through doors and on public transport. If you have very 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 a little longer than side-by-side models and therefore aren't difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs, but they can accommodate a wider range of car/car/seat combinations, and are a great option for twins or siblings of various age. They are also more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are worth the investment if you intend to keep it for many years and will have a decent amount of resale value in the event that you sell it on after your children have grown out of it.
Another crucial thing to look out for is if the backs of the seats can recline independently from one another because this allows you to put your child in the best position for napping or observation. This is essential if your child is in the back seat and wishes to nap while the older child prefers to sit and observe the surroundings.
Certain brands come with a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to fully recline to an almost flat position that is perfect for babies. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined in multiple positions. It also offers UPF 50+ sun protection and windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
There's no need to have twins to benefit from a larger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of different ages and allow you to move around without worrying about your children touching each other. They're typically a bit larger with one seat positioned behind the other and usually offering a fully-flat recline for newborns (or a more upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It is the slimmest design of the two-in-ones on the market, and a footprint that is like a single stroller. It comes with an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake that can be useful on hills that are steep. It is suitable 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 utilized in a duo or mono mode. The frame's clever design 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 longer than some other models but still feels light to steer and comes with soft suspension to tackle kerbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler inline tandems that are available such as Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies for instance that offer stability and swift steering. They are often folded down to size a single buggy, which is helpful when you have trouble storing it at home or need to carry it in and out of your car when you travel on public transportation.
It's important to remember that a large double buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a smaller single buggy Make sure that it's what you need 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 may also have to juggle it onto and off the car seat when you take your children to nursery or school so you'll need to know it can be easily manoeuvred in small spaces.
From birth
If you're expecting twins or have another child after your first, you're going to need to find a stroller that can accommodate the whole family. Double buggies are generally a bit heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers, however they are also easier to manoeuvre through narrower doors or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies can be used with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to carry three children simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front of the other, and they're generally a better option for families with two children that are close enough in age to be able to live well. They're not 100% secure. Siblings seated side-by-side may kick or punch each other and children of different heights could argue over who is sitting higher. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low model that raises the seat to the back. Your child's older one will not be sitting at the bottom of the car and won't get much of an opportunity to see.
The iCandy Wave is a great choice 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 features an innovative frame that can be expanded in size when you add the second child seat. It can also fold flat to make it a compact storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps are simple to secure and the buckles some of the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. You can recline both seats independently and the canopies are large and generous with UPF 50+ protection as well as windows that can be seen from a distance.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's on the expensive side but a high-quality tandem will last for years and maintain its resale value. So you'll probably recoup some of the cost in the end. The iCandy doesn't have the same seating arrangements as our other top picks. It's nevertheless an excellent choice for families who don't want to spend lots of cash.