Five Things You're Not Sure About About Tandem Double Buggy
Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great choice when you have twins or children who are close in age. They're a bit smaller than side-byside buggies and ideal for navigating tight spaces, such as entrances, on public transportation and rocky terrain.
Some can 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 feel less stable as they bump up kerbs.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seat or changing a single stroller into double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a big, beautiful stroller that converts easily from a single stroller to double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). It's costly and less maneuverable than other dual strollers because the 2nd seat goes in front of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow provides a similar choice, but it lacks storage under the seat when it is used as a double stroller.
Other options include twin buggies that have all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can accommodate two kids. They tend to be more expensive, however they're designed for long trips over rough terrain and can have a higher resale value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you want a double stroller that will accommodate children of various age groups, you'll require one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This allows your older child to rest while the baby is in the bassinet and the reverse is true.
Think about the width of your stroller, as this will determine the ease of you to navigate through doors and on public transport. If you have very narrow doorways then it might 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 generally smaller than side-byside models, and aren't as difficult to maneuver around kerbs however they can be able to accommodate a bigger range of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations making them a good option for twins or siblings of different age. These buggies are more expensive than single buggies to double but they're well worth it if you plan to keep it for a number of years. They also hold an impressive amount of value if you decide to sell it when your kids have outgrown it.
Another crucial thing to look out for is if the seat backs can recline independently of one another as this will let you put your child in the ideal position to nap or observe. This is particularly important if you have a younger child in the rear seat, who will prefer to lay back and sleep while the older child wants 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 nearly flat, which is ideal for newborns. For example the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline both the toddler seat included and the add-on RumbleSeat to multiple positions, so your kids can have a choice of where they will sit, and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin buggies
There's no need to have twins to benefit from a larger double buggy. They're perfect for siblings of various age groups and let you move around without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a bit longer with one seat positioned behind the other. The seats can be reclined completely for babies or placed in an upright position for toddlers.
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which features the slimmest side-by-side design on the market and has an identical footprint to one buggy. It features an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake, which is useful on steep hills. It is suitable for use from birth, and can be used with a range of car seats and carrycots.
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 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 wish to be seated together. It's a little longer than other models, but it still feels light and has soft suspension for the kerbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler inline tandems that are available - check out 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 the size of a single buggy, which is helpful when you have trouble storing it at home or frequently need to transport it into and out of your car on public transportation.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy will be heavier and heavier than a single compact buggy. Make sure double to single buggy know what you want prior to making a purchase. You'll need to take it on and off trains, buses and subways frequently, so it must be easy to use and manage. You may also have to move it on and off the car seat when taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to ensure it can be easily manoeuvred in tight spaces.
From your birth, you are a suitable candidate
Whether you're expecting twins or have a second child after your first, you're going to need to find a pushchair that fits the entire family. Double buggies are typically a bit 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 double buggies work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to carry three children simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs put one child ahead of the other. They're a good choice if your children are of similar ages and are good friends. But they're not foolproof Side-by-side chairs may punch or kick each other, and children who are different heights can argue over who should sit higher. A tandem high-low model could solve this issue by elevating the seat to the rear, which prevents your older child from being sat on the bottom and not getting the best view.
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 which can be expanded in size when you add a second child seat. It folds flat for compact storage. The cushioned straps, buckles, and seats are all of the best quality we have seen in our testing. The seats can be reclined independently, and the canopies are big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection and windows that peek out.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit expensive. However, a quality tandem will last you for a long time and will have an attractive resale value so in the end you'll probably recoup a portion of the cost. It also doesn't offer the same selection of seating options as the other top choices however the iCandy is a good choice for families that don't want to spend a lot.