5 Lessons You Can Learn From Tandem Double Buggy
Buying a Tandem double buggy with carrycot Buggy
If you have twins or children close in age, a tandem double buggy is a fantastic option. They are a bit smaller than side by side buggies, and are ideal for tight spaces like doorways, public transport and rough terrain.
Some can be converted to travel systems that can take two carrycots or car seats for children. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are a variety of options to add a second seat or converting a single stroller to a double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is spacious, gorgeous stroller that converts easily from a single to double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable because the second seat is placed behind the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model with great seating versatility but lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other alternatives include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels and joggers with fixed wheels that can be used to carry two kids. These are more expensive, but they are made to last longer on rough terrain, and come with a higher resale price.
Independent seat recline
If you're looking for a double stroller that will accommodate children of different ages, you will need one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This will allow your older child to rest while the baby is sleeping in a bassinet and reverse.
Take into consideration the width of your pushchair and consider the ease of you to navigate through doors and on public transportation. If you have narrow doorways then it might be a good idea to consider a side-byside pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint that is similar to a single buggy but can still take 2 seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies tend to be longer than side by side models, which makes them 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 are a great option for twins and siblings of different age groups. They are also more expensive than single buggies to double buggy with carrycot, but they're 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 are old enough to use the buggie.
Another crucial thing to look for is if the seat backs are able to recline independently from one another since this will allow you to put your child in the best double strollers position for naps or watching. This is particularly important if you have a child younger than in the rear seat who may want to lie back and sleep while the older child wants to sit up and look around their surroundings.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to recline fully into a position that is almost flat, ideal for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined to multiple positions. It also has UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
Larger than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings of different ages, and you can move around without worrying about your children touching. They are usually a little bit longer, with one seat behind the other. The seats can be reclined completely for babies or placed in an upright position for toddlers.
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which is the tiniest side-by-side model on the market and has an identical footprint to one buggy. It has 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 paired with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in mono or duo mode in a single click. The frame's clever design expands to accommodate a second chair and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal option for older siblings who want to be seated together. It's a little longer than other models but still feels light to steer and comes with soft suspension to tackle kerbs.
There are many 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that offer stability and swift steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They can be folded into one buggy if you have limited space at home or you need to carry it from the car to the bus station.
It's worth bearing in mind that a large double buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a smaller single buggy, so make sure it's what you require before purchasing. You'll be taking it on and off trains, buses and subways frequently, so it must be simple to use and manage. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat on and off while taking your child to school or to nursery.
The best travel double stroller time to start is when you are born.
There will be a need for a pushchair for your entire family whether you're expecting twins or you have a second child after having your first. Double buggies are generally a bit heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers. However, they are also easier to manoeuvre in narrower doorways or around obstacles such as curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as an additional accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front the other. They're a good option if your children are close in age and are able to get along. They're not foolproof. Siblings sitting side-by-side can kick or punch each other and children with different heights may fight over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model could solve this issue by elevating the seat at the rear, which will prevent your child's older one from being on the bottom and not having much of a view.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for a convertible lightweight double stroller buggy with a carrycot that is able to accommodate both infants and an older child. It has an innovative frame that can be expanded in size when you add a second child seat. It also folds flat to make it a compact storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps are easy to secure and the buckles are among the best we've seen on any of our tests. The seats can be reclined independently, and the canopies are large and generous with UPF 50+ protection and peekaboo windows.
The only downside of the iCandy is that it's a bit on the expensive side but a high-quality tandem will last a long time and retain its resale value. So you'll probably get back some of the cost in the long run. The iCandy does not have the same seating options as our other top choices. However, it's a good option for families who don't wish to spend a lot of money.