The Next Big Trend In The Tandem Double Buggy Industry
Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a great choice for twins or children who are close in age. They are smaller than side by side buggies, and are perfect for small spaces such as doors, public transport and rough terrain.
Some transform into travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs and might feel less stable when in bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
Whether you're looking for a convertible stroller that converts from single to double or to add an additional seat to an existing one, there are many options to choose from. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a large, gorgeous stroller that converts easily from a single stroller to double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is placed on top of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow provides a similar choice however, it doesn't have storage underneath the seat when it's used as a double prams with UV protection canopy stroller.
Other options include twin buggies that have all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can hold two children. They tend to be more expensive but they're designed for long trips over rough terrain, and may have a higher resale value.
Reclining seat recline independently
If you're looking for a double stroller that can accommodate children of various age groups, you'll require one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to rest while the baby is in a bassinet, and reverse.
Take into consideration the width of your stroller and consider how easy it is for you to maneuver through doors and on public transportation. If you have extremely narrow doors, it may be worth considering a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint that is similar to a single buggy however it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally slightly longer than side-by-side models and therefore aren't difficult to maneuver around kerbs but they can accommodate a wider range of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations so can be a good option for twins or siblings of various ages. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to-double stroller with bassinet buggies but are worth the investment if you plan to keep it for years and will retain a decent amount of resale value in the event that you decide to sell it after your children have grown out of it.
This feature will allow you to put your child in the most comfortable position for naps and observation. This is crucial for children who are in the back seat and would like to nap while the child in the front prefers to sit and observe the surrounding.
A few brands have an exclusive seat design that allows the back seat to fully recline to an almost flat position that is perfect for babies. For instance the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline both the included toddler seat and the additional RumbleSeat to multiple positions, so that your children have a a choice of where they will sit, and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins in order to benefit from a bigger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of various ages and allow you to go about your day without worrying about your children touching each other. They're usually a bit longer too with one seat placed behind the other and usually providing a flat recline for newborns (or an upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It is the slimmest design of the two-in-ones on the market, and a footprint comparable to one stroller. It also comes with an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of different heights to push as well as a handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb difficult hills. It is suitable 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 can be folded in duo or mono mode in a single click. Its clever frame expands to accommodate the second chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a great choice for older siblings that want to sit together. It's slightly bigger than the other models, but it feels light and has soft suspension for kerbs.
There are plenty of 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. Often these can be folded down to the size of one buggie which is useful for those who struggle with storage at home or need to transport it into and out of the boot when you travel on public transportation.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy will be heavier and more bulkier than one that is compact. Be sure you know what you want before you purchase. It will be used on trains, buses and subways often, so it must be easy to manage and use. You might need to manage the car seat on and off when taking your child to school or the nursery.
From birth, you are a suitable candidate
Whether you're expecting twins or have a second child after your first, you're going to need to find a stroller that can accommodate the entire family. Double buggies tend to be a bit heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers, however they can also be easier to maneuver in narrower entrances or around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as an accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs seat one child in the front of the other, and they're usually a better option when you have two children who are close enough in age to function well together. But they're not completely safe Siblings in a side-by-side seat could kick or punch one another, and children who are different heights can argue over who gets to sit higher. This problem can be solved by a tandem high-low model that raises the seat in the rear. Your child's older one isn't seated at the bottom of the car and won't be able to get an opportunity to see.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that is able to accommodate both a newborn and an older child. It features an intelligent frame that expands in width when you add a second child seat. It also folds flat for storage that is compact. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps are easy to fasten, and the buckles are among the best we've seen on any of our tests. The canopy is large in size and UPF 50+ protection, and peekaboo window. Both seats are reclined independently.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's on the expensive side however, a good tandem will last for a long time and maintain its resale value, which means you'll probably get back some of the cost in the long run. It doesn't have the same variety of seating configurations as some of our other top picks, but the iCandy is a good choice for families who don't wish to shell out a lot of money.