Five Essential Qualities Customers Are Searching For In Every Tandem Double Buggy
Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very similar in age, a tandem double buggie is a great choice. They're narrower than side-by-side buggies, and ideal for maneuvering tight spaces, such as doorways, on 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 are heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and might feel less stable when as they bump up the kerbs.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seating or converting a single stroller to double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is big, beautiful stroller that easily converts from a single stroller to a double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). It's costly and less mobile than other double strollers due to the fact that the second seat is placed behind the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option but lacks storage under the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels and joggers with fixed wheels that can be used to carry two children. These tend to be more expensive, however they're designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain and can have greater resales value.
Independent recline of the seat
If you want 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 rest in the back while the baby is in the bassinet, and reverse.
You'll also have to consider the width of the stroller as this will impact how easy it is to get through doors and on public transportation. 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 benefit of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy however it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally longer than side by side models, and therefore are 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 the perfect choice for twins and siblings of various age groups. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are worth the investment if you plan to keep it for years and will have a decent amount of resale value if you decide to sell it off when your children have grown out of it.
Another important feature to look for is if the seat backs are able to recline independently of one another because this allows you to put your child in the ideal position for napping or observation. This is essential for children who are in the back seat and would like to nap while the more mature child prefers to sit up to observe the surroundings.
A few brands have a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to fully recline into a nearly flat position, which is ideal for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined to multiple positions. It also has a UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
Larger than twin buggies
They are perfect for siblings of different age groups, and they allow you to move around without worrying about your children touching. Full Content with one seat placed behind the other, and typically with a fully-flat recline option for babies (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 a footprint similar to a single buggy. It has an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake that is helpful on steep hills. It is suitable for use right from birth, and can be used with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has a simple one-click to fold and is able to be used in mono or duo mode. Its innovative frame can be expanded widthwise to accommodate a second seat and can be used with up to two carrycots or car seats so it's an excellent option for older siblings that wish to sit together and share the view. It's a bit longer than other models, yet it's light to steer and comes with soft suspension to tackle the kerbs.
There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems with inline tires that offer stability and quick steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Most of them can be folded down to size a single buggy, which is helpful for those who struggle with storage at home or have to carry it in and out of your car when you travel on public transport.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy will be more heavy and heavier than one that is compact. Be sure you know what you want prior to making a buy. It will be used on buses, trains and subways frequently, therefore it must be simple to use and manage. You might need to manage the car seat in and out when you take your child to school or nursery.
The best time to start is when you are born.
You'll need a pushchair for your entire family, regardless of whether you're expecting twins or you have a second child after you've had your first. Double buggies tend to be heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are much more maneuverable in tighter doors and 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 simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in the front of the other, and they're usually a better option if you have two kids who are close enough in age to function well. They're not foolproof. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could kick or punch each other and children with different heights could argue over who is sitting higher. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low model that raises the seat at the back. Your older child will not be seated on the lower part of the car, and won't have much of an opportunity to see.
The iCandy Wave is a great option for parents looking for an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can accommodate 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 a second seat and folds down flat to make it a compact storage. The cushioned seats, straps and buckles are all of the highest quality we have encountered in our tests. The canopy is large in size, UPF 50+ protection, and a windows that peek out. Both seats are reclined independently.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's expensive however, a good tandem will last for a long time and retain its resale value. So you'll probably recoup some of the cost in the long run. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating options as our other top choices. However, it's a good option for families who don't want to spend much money.