A Glimpse In The Secrets Of Tandem Double Buggy
Buying a Tandem double stroller for twins Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great option if you have twins, or children who are close in age. They are narrower than side by side buggies and are ideal for tight spaces like doorways, public transport and rocky terrain.
Some can be converted to travel systems that use two carrycots or child car seats. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
If you're looking for convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add another seat to an existing one, there are several options available. The UPPAbaby V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller Double. It can be easily changed from a single to a double by adding a seating area with a rumble. It is more expensive and less maneuverable because the second seat is located on top of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with great seating versatility but lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies, as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. They tend to be more expensive, however they're designed to last longer on rough terrain and could have greater resales value.
Independent seat recline
If you need a double buggy that is able to transport children of different ages, you'll want one that has recline independent for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to relax in the back while the baby is in the bassinet, and the reverse.
It is also important to consider the width of the pushchair as this will impact the ease of get through doors and on public transportation. If your doors are narrow, you may think about a side by side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller however can still accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally slightly longer than side-by-side models, and aren't as easily maneuverable around kerbs however they can be able to accommodate a bigger range of car/car/seat combinations, and are a great option for twins or siblings of various age. They are priced higher than single to double pram and pushchair buggies, but they're worth it if you intend to keep it for a number of years. They also hold an impressive amount of value when sold once your children are old enough to use it.
Another important feature to look for is whether the seat backs can recline independently of each other as this will let you place your child in the most optimal position for napping or observation. This is especially important if you have a young child in the rear seat, who will want to lie back and take a snooze while the older child wants to sit up and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to fully recline into a position that is almost flat, ideal for infants. For example, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the toddler seat included and the additional RumbleSeat to multiple positions, so that your children have a a choice of where they will sit, as well as providing an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that peek out.
More spacious than twin stroller side by side buggies
It's not necessary to have twins in order to benefit from a bigger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of various age groups. They allow you to move around without worrying about your children touching each other. They're typically a little larger, with one seat sitting behind the other and with a fully-flat recline option for infants (or a more upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It has the slimmest design side-by-side on the market and a footprint comparable to one stroller. It features an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake which can be useful on hills that are steep. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, meaning it is a great travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in mono or duo mode with just one click. Its clever frame can be expanded to accommodate the 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 sit together. It's a bit longer than other models, yet it's light to steer and comes with soft suspension to tackle kerbs.
There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that provide stability and fast steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Often these can be folded into the size of a single buggy, which is helpful for those who struggle with storage at home or need to transport it into and out of your car when using public transportation.
It's worth bearing in mind that a double-buggy with a wider width will feel bulkier and heavier than a smaller single buggy So make sure you're getting what you need before you buy. You'll have to get it off and on subways, buses, and trains frequently, so it must be easy to use and manage. You might need to manage the car seat in and out when taking your child to school or to nursery.
Suitable from birth
If you're expecting twins or have a second child after your first, you're likely to need to find a pushchair that fits the whole family. Double buggies are generally larger, heavier and more expensive than single strollers. However, they can also be easier to maneuver in narrower entrances or around obstacles like curbs. Many lightweight double pushchair buggies are compatible with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This lets you transport three children at once.
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 similar in age to be able to live well together. They're not completely safe. Siblings sitting side-by-side can punch or kick one another and children of different heights could argue over who sits taller. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this issue by elevating the seat to the rear, which will prevent your older child from sitting on the bottom and not having much of a view.
The iCandy Wave is a great option for parents looking for an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to fit a newborn into a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It features a smart frame that can be expanded in width when you add a second seat. It folds to flattish storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps easy to fasten and the buckles are among the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. Both seats can recline independently and the canopies are spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection as well as windows that peek out.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's expensive, but a quality tandem will last for 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 configurations as our other top choices. It's nevertheless an ideal choice for families that don't want spend lots of money.