Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a fantastic option when you have twins or children who are very close in age. They are narrower than side-by-side buggies and are great for narrow spaces like doorways, public transport and terrain that is rocky.
Some can be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or child car seats. They can be heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
Whether you’re looking for a convertible stroller that converts from single to double or to add another seat to an existing one, there are many options to choose from. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a spacious, 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 in front of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model, but it lacks storage under the seat when used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can accommodate two children. These tend to be more expensive, but they’re made for long-distance trips over rough terrain and can have greater resales value.
Independent seat recline
If you need a double buggy that can transport children of different ages then you’re going to require a model with an recline that is independent for both seats. This will allow your older child to rest while the baby is in a bassinet, and the reverse is true.
It is also important to consider the width of the stroller as it will impact the ease of navigate through doors and on public transport. If your doorways are very narrow, you may think about a side by side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller but it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are usually a little longer than side-by-side models and tandem double buggy therefore aren’t difficult to maneuver around kerbs but they can accommodate a bigger range of car/car/seat combinations, making them a good option for twins or siblings of various ages. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are worth the investment if you intend to keep it for years and will retain a decent amount of resale value if you sell it on after your children have grown out of it.
Another thing to look out for is if the backs of the seats can recline independently of each other since this will allow you to place your child in the best position for napping or observation. This is crucial if your child is in the back seat and wishes to take a nap while the older child prefers to sit up and observe the surroundings.
Certain brands come with an exclusive seat design that allows the back seat to completely recline into an almost flat position, which is ideal for newborns. For example the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the toddler seat that comes with it as well as the optional RumbleSeat to multiple positions, to give your kids a the option of deciding where to sit as well as providing an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows.
Larger than twin buggies
There’s no need to have twins to benefit from a bigger double buggy. They’re great for siblings of various ages and allow you to go about your day without worrying about your children touching each other. They’re typically a more spacious with one seat in front of the other. The seats can be reclined completely for newborns or in an upright position for toddlers.
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It has the slimmest design that is side-by-side, and a footprint similar to one stroller. It has an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake, which can be useful on hills that are steep. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots, Tandem Double Buggy meaning it is a great travel system.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and can be used in mono or duo mode. The frame’s clever design expands to accommodate the second chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic option for older siblings who want to be seated together. It’s a little longer than other models but still feels easy to steer and has soft suspension that can handle kerbs.
There are also plenty of 3-wheeler tandems inline available Check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy’s Peach and Pear buggies, for example that provide stability and quick steering. They are often folded into the size of one buggy, which is helpful if you struggle with storage at home or frequently need to carry it in and out of the boot when using public transport.
It’s important to remember that a double-buggy with a wider width will feel heavier and bulkier than a smaller single buggy, so make sure it’s what you need before you buy. It is likely to be used on buses, trains and subways frequently, therefore it must be simple to manage and use. You might need to manage the car seat on and off when you take your child to school or to nursery.
From birth, you are a suitable candidate
You’ll need a pushchair double for your entire family whether you’re expecting twins, or if you have a child after having your first. Double buggies tend to be heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However they are much easier to maneuver in tighter doorways 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 a time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child ahead of the other. They’re a good option for children who are close in age and are good friends. They’re not completely safe. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could kick or punch each other and children of different heights could argue over who sits taller. A tandem high-low model can solve this problem by elevating the seat at the rear, which will prevent your child’s height from being on the bottom and not getting the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a good option for parents who are looking for a convertible double buggy that includes a carrycot that can fit both a newborn and an older child. It has a clever frame that expands in width when you add a second seat. It folds to flattish storage. The padded seats are comfortable, the straps are simple to fasten, and the buckles some of the best we’ve seen on any of our tests. The canopies are large in size with UPF 50+ protection, as well as a windows that peek out. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it’s a bit expensive. However, a good tandem will last for many years and have a high resale price, which means that in the end you’ll likely recover 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 good option for families who don’t wish to shell out a lot of money.