7 Secrets About Tandem Double Buggy That Nobody Will Tell You
Buying a Tandem small double buggy Buggy
If you have twins or children similar in age, a tandem double buggy is a fantastic option. They're a bit smaller than side-byside buggies and are ideal for maneuvering tight spaces such as entrances, on public transportation and on rocky terrain.
Many convert into travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are a variety of options to add a second seat or making a single stroller double. The UPPAbaby is a large, beautiful stroller. It can easily be changed from a single to a dual by adding an Rumble seat. It is more expensive and less maneuverable due to the fact that the second seat is located in front of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model with great seating versatility but does not have storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies and fixed-wheel joggers that can accommodate two children. These are more expensive, but they are designed for long trips on rough terrain, and come with more expensive resales.
Independent recline of the seat
If you require a double buggy to transport children of different ages, you'll need a buggy that has an independent seat recline for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to rest while the baby is in the bassinet, and vice versa.
You'll also need to consider the width of the stroller as it will impact the ease of navigate through doors and on public transport. If your doorways are very narrow, you might want to consider a side-by-side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller, but it can accommodate 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, however they can be able to accommodate a wider variety of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations so can be 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 worthwhile investment if you intend to keep it for many years and will retain a decent amount of resale value in the event that you sell it on after your children have grown out of it.
Another thing to look for is whether the seat backs can recline independently of each other since this will allow you to place your child in the most optimal position for napping or observation. This is crucial when your child is in the back seat and would like to nap while the child in the front prefers to sit up to observe the surrounding.
Certain brands come with a unique seat design which allows the back seat to completely recline into an almost flat position that is perfect for babies. The iCandy Orange, for example, has stadium-style seating that can be reclined to multiple positions. It also offers UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
Larger than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins in order to benefit from a wider double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of different age groups and let you go about your day without worrying about your children touching. They are usually a little larger with one seat positioned behind the other. The seats can be reclined fully for babies or placed in an upright position for toddlers.
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design on the market and has a footprint similar to a single buggy. It has an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake that is useful on steep hills. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots. This means it makes an excellent travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in mono or duo mode with just a single click. Its clever frame expands widthways to accommodate a second seat and can be used with two car seats or carrycots which makes it an ideal choice for older siblings who want to sit together and enjoy the view. It's a little bigger than the other models, but it isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for the kerbs.
There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems with inline tires that provide stability and fast steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They are often folded down to the size of one buggy which is useful when you have trouble storing it at home or frequently need to carry it in and out of the boot when using public transport.
It's important to remember that a large double buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a compact single buggy Make sure that it's what you need before purchasing. You'll need to take it off road double buggy and on trains, buses and subways often, so it should be easy to operate and manage. You may also have to move it on and off the car seat when you take your children to school or nursery so you'll need to know it's easy to maneuver within small double buggy spaces.
Suitable from birth
If you're expecting twins, or you have a child following your first, you're likely to need to find a pushchair that fits the whole family. Double buggies are generally heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are also more maneuverable in tighter doors or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This lets you transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in the front of the other, so they're often a better choice if you have two kids that are close enough in age to be able to live well. But they're not foolproof Side-by-side chairs may punch or kick each other, and kids on different heights can squabble over who gets to sit n stand double stroller (Read More On this page) higher. A tandem high-low model could solve this issue by elevating the seat towards the rear, which will prevent your child's older one from being sat on the bottom and not getting any view.
The iCandy Wave is a good option for parents who are looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that can fit both infants and an older child. It has a clever frame that expands widthways when you add a second seat. It folds flat for compact storage. The padded seats are comfortable, the straps are easy to fasten and the buckles some of the most comfortable we've seen on any of our tests. The canopies have a generous size and UPF 50+ protection, as well as a peekaboo window. Both seats are reclined independently.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit costly. However, a quality tandem will last you for many years and have a high resale price, so in the end you'll probably recoup a portion of the cost. It also doesn't offer the same selection of seating options as the other top picks, but the iCandy is a great choice for families that don't want to spend a lot.