5 Lessons You Can Learn From Tandem Double Buggy
Buying a Tandem double Buggy Travel system Buggy
If you have twins or children similar in age, a tandem double buggy is a fantastic option. They are narrower than side-by-side buggies and are great for small spaces such as doorways, public transport and rocky terrain.
Some can be converted into travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats for children. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options to add a second seat or converting a single stroller to double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a large, gorgeous stroller that can easily be converted from a single stroller to double stroller with car seat by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is placed behind the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option, but it lacks storage under the seat when used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include lightweight twin buggy buggies with all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can be used to carry two kids. These tend to be more expensive, however they're designed for long trips over rough terrain, and may have greater resales value.
Independent seat recline
If you're looking for a double stroller that can accommodate children of various age groups, you'll need one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to sit back and relax while the baby is in the bassinet and vice versa.
You'll also need to think about the size of the pushchair, as this will impact the ease of get through doors and on public transportation. If you have narrow doorways then it might be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint similar to a single buggy however it can use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally a little longer than side-by-side models, and aren't as easily maneuverable around kerbs however they can be able to accommodate a wider variety of car seat/car seat combinations, and are a great option for twins or siblings of different age. These buggies are more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but they're worth it if you plan on keeping it for many years. They'll also keep an impressive amount of value when sold once your children are old enough to use the buggie.
This feature will allow you to place your child in a comfortable position for naps or observation. This is particularly important if you have a child younger than in the rear seat, who will want to lie back and take a snooze while the older child would prefer to sit and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back of their vehicles to fully recline to a position that is almost flat, ideal for newborns. For example the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the toddler seat included as well as the optional RumbleSeat into various positions so your kids can have the option of where they want to sit as well as offering an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out.
Wider than twin buggies
There's no need to have twins in order to benefit from a bigger double buggy side by side buggy. They're great for siblings of different ages and allow you to 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 providing a flat recline for babies (or a more upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It has the slimmest design that is side-by-side, and a footprint that is comparable to the footprint of a single stroller. It also has an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of different heights to push, and a handbrake that is helpful when climbing difficult terrains. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots, which means it's a great travel system.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and can be used in duo or mono mode. The frame's clever design expands in width to accommodate an additional chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic option for older siblings who would like to be seated together. It's slightly longer than some other models but still feels light to steer and has soft suspension that is able to handle the kerbs.
There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems with inline tires that provide stability and fast steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Most of them can be folded down to the size of a single buggy which is useful when you have trouble storing it at home or need to transport it into and out of the boot when you travel on public transportation.
It's important to remember that a wide double buggy will feel bulkier and heavier than a single buggy that is smaller Make sure that it's what you need before purchasing. It is likely to be used on trains, buses and subways often, so it should be easy to manage and use. You might also have to juggle it on and off the car seat when you take your children to school or nursery so you'll need to ensure it's easy to maneuver in small spaces.
From your birth, you are a suitable candidate
There will be a need for a pushchair for your entire family regardless of whether you're expecting twins or you have another child after you've had your first. Double buggies tend to be a bit heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers, however they can also be more maneuverable in narrower entrances or around obstacles like curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or through an accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other, so they're usually a better option for families with two children that are close enough in age to function well. They're not foolproof. Siblings sitting side-by-side can kick or punch each other, and children of different heights could argue over who sits taller. A tandem high-low model could solve this issue by elevating the seat at the rear, preventing your older child from being on the bottom and not getting any view.
The iCandy Wave is a great option for parents looking for an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can fit a newborn into a carrycot and an older child in the main seat. It has an intelligent frame that expands in width when you add a second child seat. It folds flat for storage that is compact. The padded seats, straps and buckles are all of the best quality we have seen in our testing. The canopies are large in size, UPF 50+ protection, and peekaboo window. Both seats are reclined independently.
The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's a bit expensive, but a quality tandem will last for years and will retain its resale value. So you'll probably get back some of the cost over the long term. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating options as our other top picks. However, it's an ideal choice for families that don't want spend much cash.