Five Things You're Not Sure About 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 very close in age. They are narrower than side by side buggies, and are ideal for tight spaces like doors, public transport and rocky terrain.

Some can be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or car seats for children. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may not be as stable when in bumping up kerbs.

Convertible

There are many options to add a second seat or changing a single stroller into double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is spacious, gorgeous stroller that converts easily from a single model to a double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable due to the fact that the second seat is placed on top of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow provides a similar choice but lacks storage under the seat when it is used as a double stroller.

Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggy from birth buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. These tend to be more expensive but they're designed to last longer on rough terrain and can have more resale value.

Reclining the seat independently

If you want a double stroller that will accommodate children of various age groups, you'll need one with an independent recliner for both seats. This will allow your older child to rest in the back while the baby sleeps in the bassinet, and vice versa.

You'll also have to think about the size of the pushchair, as it will impact how easy it is to get through doors and on public transportation. If you have extremely narrow doors, it may be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side 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 are usually a little longer than side-by-side models, and aren't as easily maneuverable through kerbs and up and down, however, they can accommodate a wider variety of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations so can be a good option for twins or siblings of different age groups. They can also be more expensive than single-to double stroller with bassinet buggies, but are worth the purchase if you plan to keep it for many years and have a good amount of resale value should you sell it on when your children have grown out of it.

Another important feature to look for is whether the seat backs can recline independently of one another as this will let you put your child in the ideal position for naps or watching. This is especially important when you have a younger child in the rear seat, who will be inclined to lie down and sleep while the more mature child wants to sit up 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 babies. For example the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the toddler seat that comes with it as well as the optional RumbleSeat into multiple positions so your kids can have the option of deciding where to sit as well as providing an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that can be seen from afar.

Wider than twin buggies

It's not necessary to have twins to benefit from a bigger double buggy. They're perfect for siblings of different ages and allow you to get around without having to worry about your children touching. They are usually a little bit longer with one seat positioned behind the other. The seats can be reclined fully for newborns or in an upright position for toddlers.

Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It is the tiniest design side-by-side on the market, and a footprint that is comparable to a single stroller. It comes with 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 duo or mono mode with just a single click. Its clever frame can be expanded to accommodate a second chair and it can be used with two car seats or carrycots so it's an excellent option for older siblings who want to sit in a group and enjoy the view. It's a bit larger than other models, but it still isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for the kerbs.

There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that provide stability and fast steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They can be folded into one buggy in case you have a small space at home, or need to transport it from the car to the bus.

Be aware that a double-wide buggy is heavier and more bulkier than one that is compact. Make sure you know what you want prior to making a purchase. It is likely to be used on trains, buses, and subways frequently so it should be easy to use and manage. You may also have to move it on and off the car seat while taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to be aware it is able to be maneuvered in tight spaces.

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 entire family. Double buggies are generally a bit heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers, but they are also easier to maneuver through narrower doors or around obstacles like curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as a separate accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at the same time.

Tandem pushchairs double (just click the next article) place one child in the front of the other, so they're often a better choice if you have two kids who are close enough in age to be able to live well. They're not foolproof. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could kick or punch each other and children with different heights could argue over who sits taller. A tandem high-low model could solve this problem by elevating the seat towards the rear, preventing your older child from being sat on the bottom and not having the best double buggy view.

The iCandy Wave is a good option for parents who are looking for an adjustable double buggy that can be converted into a carrycot that can accommodate both a newborn and an older child. It has a clever frame that can be expanded in width when you add the second seat. It folds flat for compact storage. The padded seats, straps and buckles are all of the best quality we have encountered in our tests. The seats can be reclined independently, and the canopies are spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection as well as peekaboo windows.

The only downside of the iCandy is that it's a little expensive but a high-quality tandem will last a long time and maintain its resale value, so you'll likely recoup some of the cost in the end. The iCandy doesn't have the same seating configurations as our other top selections. It's nevertheless a good option for families who don't want to spend much cash.