Could Tandem Double Buggy Be The Answer For 2023's Challenges?
Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a great option for twins or children who are very close in age. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for maneuvering tight spaces, such as doorways, on public transport and rocky terrain.
Some can be converted to travel systems that can take two carrycots or car seats for children. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may feel less stable as they bump up kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add a second seat to an existing one, there's several options available. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a large, gorgeous stroller that converts easily from a single model to double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is located on top of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model with great seating flexibility, however it does not have storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies, as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can accommodate two children. They are more expensive but they are made to last longer on rough terrain and come with higher resale prices.
Independent seat recline
If you want a double stroller that can 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 relax in the back while the baby sleeps in the bassinet, and reverse.
You'll also need to think about the size of the stroller as this will impact how easy it is to get through doors and on public transport. If your doors are narrow, you may 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 however it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies tend to be longer than side by side models, which makes them more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However they can be able to accommodate more combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and are an excellent choice for twins and siblings of various age groups. They are more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but they're worth it if you plan on keeping it for many years. They also hold an impressive amount of value if sold when your children have outgrown it.
This feature allows you to place your child in a comfortable position for naps or observation. This is especially important if you have a young child in the rear seat who may prefer to lay back and relax while the more mature child wants 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 ideal for babies. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined in multiple positions. It also offers UPF 50+ sun protection and peekaboo windows.
Wider than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings with different age groups, and they allow you to move around without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a more spacious with one seat positioned behind the other. The seats can be reclined fully for babies or placed in an upright position for toddlers.
double buggy travel system is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design available and has a footprint similar to one buggy. 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 to 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 mono or duo mode with just a single click. Its clever frame expands in width to accommodate an additional chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic option for older siblings who would like to sit together. It's a little longer than other models but still feels easy to steer and has soft suspension that is able to handle the kerbs.
There are many 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that provide stability and fast steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They can be folded into a single buggy if you are limited in space at home, or need to carry it from the car to the bus.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy is heavier and bulkier than a single compact buggy. Be sure to know what you want before you buy. You'll have to get it on and off trains, buses and subways often, so it should be easy to use and manage. You may also have to move it on and off the car seat when you take your children to nursery or school so you'll need to know it's easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Suitable from birth
If you're expecting twins, or you have a child following your first, you're going to require a pushchair that fits the whole family. Double buggies tend to be 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 can be used with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This lets you transport three children simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs put one child ahead of the other. They're a good option for children who are close in age and are able to get along. They're not foolproof. Siblings seated side-by-side may kick or punch each other and children with different heights could argue over who is sitting higher. A tandem high-low model could solve this problem by elevating the seat at the rear, which prevents your child's older one from being on the bottom and not having any view.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can accommodate a newborn in a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It features a clever frame which expands in width when you add a second child seat. It folds flat for compact storage. The padded seats, straps and buckles are all of the highest quality we have seen in our testing. Both seats can recline independently and the canopy is spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection and windows that can be seen from a distance.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit costly. But a high-quality tandem will last for a long time and will have an attractive resale value so at the end of the day you'll probably recoup some of the cost. It doesn't come with the same variety of seating configurations that the other top choices however, the iCandy is a great choice for families who don't wish to spend a fortune.