Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a fantastic option if you have twins, or children who are very close in age. They’re smaller than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for maneuvering narrow spaces like entrances, on public transportation and on rocky terrain.
Some convert into travel systems to use two carrycots or car seats. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seat or making a single stroller a double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a spacious, gorgeous stroller that easily converts from a single model to double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). It’s costly and less maneuverable than other dual strollers due to the fact that the second seat is placed in front of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model with great seating versatility but lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other alternatives include Chicco OHlalà Twin Double Stroller – Black Review buggies with all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can hold two children. They are generally more expensive, however they’re designed to last longer on rough terrain, and may have more resale value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you’re looking for a double stroller that will accommodate children of different age groups, you’ll need one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to rest while the baby is sleeping in a bassinet and the reverse is true.
Think about the width of your stroller and consider the ease of you to get through doors and on public transportation. If your doorways are very narrow, you may want to consider a side by side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller however it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally a little longer than side-by-side models and therefore aren’t easy to manoeuvre around kerbs however, they can accommodate a bigger range of car seat/car seat combinations, so can be a good option for twins or siblings of different age groups. They are more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but they’re worth it if you intend to keep it for a few years. They’ll also keep a good amount of value if you decide to sell it when your children are old enough to use the buggie.
This feature allows you to place your child in a comfortable position for naps or to observe. This is especially important if you have a child younger than in the rear seat, who will prefer to lay back and sleep while the older child would prefer to sit and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands come with an exclusive seat design that allows the back seat to fully recline into an almost flat position which is perfect for babies. For example, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the included toddler seat as well as the optional RumbleSeat to multiple positions, so your kids can have the option of where they want they will sit, as well as providing an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that peek out.
Wider than twin buggies
You don’t need to have twins to benefit from a wider double buggy. They’re perfect for siblings of different ages and allow you to move around without having to worry about your children touching each other. They are usually a little bit longer, with one seat behind the other. The seats can be reclined completely for newborns or in an upright position for toddlers.
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which is the tiniest side-by-side model available and features a footprint similar to a single buggy. It features 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 used with a range of car seats and carrycots.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and is able to be utilized in a Hauck Roadster Duo SLX – Twin Chair for Twins – Ultimate Comfort and Convenience – This Web page – or mono mode. The frame’s clever design can be expanded widthwise to accommodate a second seat and can be used with up to two carrycots or car seats making it a great choice for older siblings who want to sit together and enjoy the view. It’s a little longer than other models, but it isn’t heavy and has a soft suspension for curbs.
There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that offer stability and swift steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. These can often be folded into a single buggy in case you have a small space at home or you need to transport it from your car to the bus stop.
It’s important to remember that a large double buggy will feel bulkier and heavier than a compact single buggy, so make sure it’s what you require before you buy. It will be used on trains, buses and subways often, so it should be easy to use and manage. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat while taking your child to school or to nursery.
Suitable from birth
You’ll need a pushchair for your entire family whether you’re expecting twins or you have a second child after having your first. Double buggies are generally slightly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers, but they can also be easier to manoeuvre 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 a time.
Tandem pushchairs seat one child in the front of the other, so they’re often a better choice for families with two children that are close enough in age to function well together. They’re not foolproof. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could punch or kick one another and children with different heights may fight over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this problem by elevating the seat to the rear, which will prevent your older child from sitting on the bottom and not getting the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to accommodate a newborn in a carrycot and an older child in the main seat. It has a clever frame that expands in width when you add a second seat and folds down to flattish 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 seats can be reclined independently, and the canopies are big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection as well as peekaboo windows.
The only downside of the iCandy is that it’s a little expensive, but a quality tandem will last a long time and retain its resale value, which means you’ll probably recoup some of the cost in the end. It doesn’t come with the same range of seating options as others of our top choices, but the iCandy is a good option for families who don’t want to shell out a lot of money.
