Could Tandem Double Buggy Be The Answer For 2023's Challenges?

Buying a Tandem Double Buggy

If you have twins or children very similar in age, a tandem double buggy is a great choice. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for maneuvering tight spaces, such as doorways, on public transport and on rough terrain.

Many also convert into travel systems to use two carrycots or car seats. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.

Convertible

Whether you're looking for a convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add another seat to an existing one, there's several options available. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller that easily converts from a single stroller to double buggy converts to single by adding the rumble seat (available separately). However, it's expensive and less mobile than other double strollers because the 2nd seat goes to the left of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar option with great seating versatility but does not have storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.

Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can accommodate two kids. They are more expensive but they are designed to last longer on rough terrain and have more expensive resales.

Reclining the seat independently

If you're looking for a double stroller that can accommodate children of different age groups, you'll require one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This allows your older child to be able to relax while your baby is in the bassinet and the reverse is true.

Think about the size of your pushchair, as this will determine how easy it is for you to navigate through doors and on public transport. If you have extremely narrow doors, it could be worth considering a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy, however, it is able to take 2 seats and car seat adaptors.

Tandem buggies are typically longer than side by side models, and therefore are more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However they can also accommodate a wider range of combinations of seats/carrycots/car seats and can make an excellent choice for twins and siblings of different age. They are also more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are a good investment if you plan to keep it for years and will have a decent amount of resale value should you decide to sell it off when your children are out of it.

Another important feature to look out for is if the seat backs are able to recline independently of one another because this allows you to place your child in the ideal position to nap or observe. This is important if your child is in the back seat and would like to nap while the child in the front prefers to sit up to observe the surrounding.

A few brands have a unique seat design which allows the back seat to fully recline into an almost flat position that is perfect for babies. For instance the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the included toddler seat and the add-on RumbleSeat into multiple positions so that your children have a the option of where they want they will sit, and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out.

Larger 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 longer with one seat positioned behind the other. The seats can be reclined completely for newborns or in an upright position for toddlers.

Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It is the slimmest design that is side-by-side, and a footprint comparable to one stroller. It also has an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of various heights to push, and a handbrake that is helpful when climbing steep hills. It is suitable to use from birth and it can be combined with a variety of car seats and carrycots.

Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has an easy one-click fold and can be used in duo or mono mode. Its clever frame can be expanded to accommodate a second chair and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a great option for older siblings who wish to be seated together. It's a little longer than other models but still feels easy to steer and has soft suspension that is able to 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 instance - which provide stability and swift steering. They can be folded into a single buggy if you have limited space at home or you need to transport it from your car to the bus.

Be aware that a double wide buggy is more heavy and bulkier than one compact buggy. Make sure you know what you want prior to making a buy. It will be utilized on buses, trains, and subways frequently so it must be easy to operate and use. You might also have to juggle it on and off the car seat when you take your children to nursery or school so you'll need to ensure it's easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

From birth, you're a good candidate

If you're expecting twins or have another child after your first, you're going to require a pushchair that fits the whole family. Double buggies are generally a bit heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers, but they are also more maneuverable through narrower doors or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This allows you to carry three children at the same time.

Tandem Pushchairs And Prams put one child in front of the other. They are a good option for children who are close in age and are good friends. They're not 100% secure. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could punch or kick each other and children of different heights may fight over who is sitting higher. This problem can be solved by a tandem high-low model that raises the seat to the back. Your older child will not be sitting at the bottom of the car and won't be able to get an eye.

The iCandy Wave is a good option for parents who are looking for an adjustable double buggy that can be converted into a carrycot that can fit both the newborn and the older child. It features a smart frame that expands in width when you add a second seat, and folds flat for compact storage. The cushioned buckles, straps and seats are all of the best quality we have encountered in our tests. You can recline both seats independently and the canopy is spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection as well as peekaboo windows.

The only downside of the iCandy is that it's a bit expensive, but a quality tandem will last for years and will retain its resale value, so you'll likely recoup some of the cost over the long term. It doesn't have the same range of seating options as some of our other top choices, but the iCandy is a good option for families that don't want to spend a fortune.