Are Tandem Double Buggy The Best Thing There Ever Was?
Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a great choice when you have twins or children who are close in age. They are narrower than side by side buggies, and are perfect for narrow spaces like doorways, public transport and rocky terrain.
Some transform into travel systems that include two carrycots or car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and might feel less stable when bumping up kerbs.
double pram and pushchair
There are many options to add a second seat or changing a single stroller into double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is large, gorgeous stroller that converts easily from a single model to double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable because the second seat is positioned behind the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model however, it doesn't have storage under the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can be used to carry two kids. They are more expensive, however, they are designed to last longer on rough terrain and come with a higher resale price.
Reclining the seat independently
If you're looking for a double stroller which can accommodate children of various ages, you will need one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This will allow your child's older to sit back and relax while the baby is in the bassinet and reverse.
Think about the size of your pushchair, as this will determine how easy it is for you to maneuver through doors and on public transportation. If your doors are narrow, you might be considering a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller but can still accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are typically larger than side-by-side models, which makes them more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of seats/carrycots/car seats and are the perfect choice for twins and siblings of various age groups. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but they're worth it if you plan to keep it for a number of years. They will also retain some value if you decide to sell it when your children are old enough to use it.
Another thing to look for is whether the seat backs are able to recline independently of each other because this allows you to place your child in the most optimal position for naps or watching. This is essential if your child is in the back seat and wants to nap while the more mature child prefers to sit and observe the surrounding.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back of their vehicles to fully recline into a position that is almost flat, perfect for babies. For instance the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline both the toddler seat that comes with it and the add-on RumbleSeat into multiple positions so your kids can have the option of deciding where they will sit, as well as providing an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has peekaboo windows.
double pushchair than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings of different ages, and you can get around without having to worry about your children touching. They're usually a bit larger too with one seat placed behind the other, and typically with a fully-flat recline option for infants (or a more upright position for toddlers).
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which features the slimmest side-by-side design available and features the same footprint as one buggy. It comes with an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake that can be useful on hills that are steep. It is suitable to use from birth and can be used with a range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in duo or mono mode with just one click. Its clever frame expands to accommodate a second chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic choice for older siblings that want to sit together. It's a bit larger than other models, but it feels light and has a comfortable suspension for curbs.
There are many 3-wheeler tandems with inline wheels 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 into a single buggy in case you have a small space at home or you need to carry it from the car to the bus.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy will be more heavy and bulkier than a single compact buggy. Be sure you know what you want before you purchase. You'll need to take it off and on trains, buses and subways frequently, so it must be easy to use and manage. double pram and pushchair may also need to juggle it on and off the car seat when you take your children to school or nursery so you'll need to be aware it's easy to maneuver in small spaces.
From birth, you are an ideal candidate
Whether you're expecting twins or have another child after your first, you're likely to require an appropriate pushchair for the entire family. Double buggies are generally a bit heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers, but they are also easier to maneuver in narrower doorways or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies are compatible with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This allows you to transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs seat one child in the front of the other, and they're generally a better option when you have two children that are close enough in age to be able to live well together. They're not foolproof. Siblings seated side-by-side may kick or punch each other, and children of different heights may fight over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model could solve this issue by elevating the seat to the rear, which prevents your child's older one from sitting on the bottom and not having much of a view.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that is able to accommodate both infants and an older child. It features an intelligent frame that increases in size when you add the second child seat. It folds flat to make it a compact 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. The canopy is large in size and UPF 50+ protection, and the window is peekaboo. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only downside of the iCandy is that it's a bit on the expensive side however, a good tandem will last for a long time and maintain its resale value, so you'll likely recoup some of the cost over the long term. It also doesn't offer the same variety of seating options as some of our other top picks however, the iCandy is a good option for families who don't wish to spend a lot.