Five Things You Don t Know About Tandem Double Buggy
Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great option if you have twins, or children who are close in age. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies and ideal for navigating narrow spaces like doorways, on public transport and on rough terrain.
Some can be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or car seats for children. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and might feel less stable when bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
Whether you're looking for a convertible stroller that can be converted from a single to a double buggy with carrycot or to add another seat to an existing one, there are several options available. The UPPAbaby is a spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can be easily transformed from a single stroller to a dual by adding an rumble seat. However, it's expensive and less mobile than other double strollers since the second seat is located behind the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with great seating versatility but lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other options include twin buggies that have all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can be used to carry two kids. They are more expensive but they are made for long trips on rough terrain and have a higher resale price.
Independent seat recline
If you need a double buggy to carry children of different age groups, then you'll need a buggy that has an recline 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.
Think about the width of your stroller, as this will determine how easy it is for you to maneuver through doors and public transportation. If your doors are narrow, you might think about a side by side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller however can still accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are slightly longer than side-by-side models and so aren't as easy to manoeuvre through kerbs and up and down, however they can be able to accommodate a wider variety of car seat/car seat combinations, so can be a good option for twins or siblings of various ages. They are also 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'll also keep an impressive amount of value if you decide to sell it when your children have outgrown the buggie.
Another crucial thing to look for is whether the backs of the seats can recline independently of each other because this allows you to place your child in the ideal position to nap or observe. This is crucial for children who are in the back seat and would like to rest while the older child prefers to sit up to observe the surroundings.
Some brands feature an exclusive seat design that allows the back seat to completely recline into an almost flat position which is perfect for infants. For example the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline both the toddler seat included and the additional RumbleSeat to multiple positions, so that your children have a a choice of where to sit and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that can be seen from afar.
Wider than twin buggies
They are perfect for siblings of different ages, and you can move around without having to worry about your children touching. They're usually a bit larger too with one seat positioned behind the other and usually offering a fully-flat recline for newborns (or a more upright position for toddlers).
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which features the slimmest side-by-side design available and features the same footprint as a single buggy. It also has an adjustable handle, making it easy for parents of different heights to push, and a handbrake, which is helpful when climbing difficult terrains. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots. This means it's a great travel system.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has a simple one-click to fold and can be utilized in a duo or mono mode. The frame's clever design can be expanded to accommodate the second chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a great option for older siblings who would like to be seated together. It's slightly longer than some other models, yet it's light to steer and comes with soft suspension to tackle the kerbs.
There are also plenty of 3-wheeler tandems inline available such as Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example they offer stability and swift steering. They can be folded into a single buggy in case you have a small space at home or need to transport it from the car to the bus stop.
It's important to remember that a Double Stroller Travel System-buggy with a wider width will feel heavier and bulkier than a single buggy that is smaller, so make sure it's what you require before you buy. It is likely to be used on trains, buses and subways often, so it should be easy to operate and use. You might need to manage the car seat when taking your child to school or the nursery.
From your birth, you are an ideal candidate
If you're expecting twins, or have another child after your first, you're going to require a pushchair that fits the entire family. Double buggies are typically heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are also more maneuverable in narrower doorways and around obstacles such as curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as an additional accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at a time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front the other. They're a good option if your children are similar in age and are good friends. They're not completely safe. Siblings sitting side-by-side can punch or kick each other and children with different heights could argue over who is sitting higher. This problem can be solved 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 have much of an opportunity to see.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that can fit both the newborn and the older child. It has a clever frame that expands widthways when you add the second seat and folds down flat for compact storage. The padded seats are comfortable, the straps are simple to fasten, and the buckles some of the best we've seen on any of our tests. The canopies are large in size with UPF 50+ protection, as well as a windows that peek out. Both seats can recline independently.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it is quite expensive. But a high-quality tandem will last for many years and have a high resale price, so in the end, you'll likely recoup a portion of the cost. The iCandy does not have the same seating configurations as our other top picks. It's nevertheless an excellent choice for families who don't want to spend lots of money.