The Most Common Tandem Double Buggy Mistake Every Beginner Makes
Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great option for twins or children who are very close in age. They're narrower than side-by-side buggies and ideal for navigating tight spaces, such as doorways, on public transport and rocky terrain.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that can take 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 kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible stroller that converts from single to double or to add another seat to an existing one, there are several options available. The UPPAbaby V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can easily be changed from a single to a double by adding a seating area with a rumble. However, it's expensive and less maneuverable than other dual strollers since the second seat is located in front of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option, but it lacks storage underneath the seat when it is used as a double stroller.
Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can accommodate two children. They are more expensive but they are designed to last longer on rough terrain, and come with higher resale prices.
Reclining the seat independently
If you need a double buggy to transport children of various ages, you'll require a model with an independent seat recline for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to relax in the back while the baby is in the bassinet, and vice versa.
It is also important to think about the size of the pushchair, as this will affect the ease of navigate through doors and on public transport. If you have very narrow doorways then it might be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint that is similar to a single buggy, however it can use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are a little longer than side-by-side models and therefore aren't easy to manoeuvre up and down kerbs, but they can accommodate a wider range of car/car/seat combinations, making them a good option for twins or siblings of different ages. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are a good investment if you intend to keep it for many years and will retain a decent amount of resale value in the event that you decide to sell it off when your children are out of it.
Another crucial thing to look out for is if the seat backs are able to recline independently of each other since this will allow you to put your child in the ideal position for napping or observation. This is important when your child is in the back seat and wishes to rest while the older child prefers to sit up and observe the surroundings.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to recline to a position that is almost flat, perfect for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined to several positions. It also has a UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
Wider than twin buggies
You don't need to have twins to benefit from a larger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of various age groups and let you get around without worrying about your children touching. They're usually a larger with one seat positioned behind the other. The seats can be reclined completely for infants, or put in an upright position for toddlers.
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It has the slimmest design that is side-by-side, and a footprint that is similar to a single stroller. It also comes with an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of different heights to push and a handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb steep hills. It is suitable to use from birth and it can be combined with a range of car seats and carrycots.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has a simple one-click to fold and is able to be used in duo or mono mode. The frame's clever design can be expanded to accommodate an additional chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic choice for older siblings that would like to be seated together. It's slightly longer than other models, but it feels light and has a comfortable suspension for the kerbs.
There are also plenty of 3-wheeler inline tandems that are available - check out 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 down to size one buggie which is useful if you struggle with storage at home or have to transport it into and out of the car when you travel on public transportation.
It's important to keep in mind that a double-buggy with a wider width will feel bulkier and heavier than a compact single buggy So make sure it's what you need before purchasing. You'll have to get it on and off subways, trains and buses regularly so it needs to be easy to operate and manage. You might need to manage the car seat on and off while taking your child to school or the nursery.
From birth
You'll need a pushchair for your entire family, regardless of whether you're expecting twins or you have another child after having your first. Double buggies tend to be slightly heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers, however they can also be easier to maneuver through narrower doors or around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or through a separate accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child ahead of the other. They are a good option for children who are similar in age and are able to get along. They're not 100% secure. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could kick or punch each other, and children of different heights could argue over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model can solve this issue by elevating the seat to the rear, preventing your older child from being on the bottom and not having the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want 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 the second seat, and folds to flattish storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps easy to fasten and the buckles some of the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. The canopies are large in size with UPF 50+ protection, and a the window is peekaboo. Both seats can recline independently.
The only downside of the iCandy is that it's a bit expensive however, a good tandem will last for years and will retain its resale value, which means you'll likely recoup some of the cost in the end. The iCandy doesn't have the same seating arrangements as our other top choices. It's nevertheless an ideal choice for families who don't wish to spend a lot of money.