The One Tandem Double Buggy Mistake That Every Newbie Makes

· 5 min read
The One Tandem Double Buggy Mistake That Every Newbie Makes

Buying a Tandem Double Buggy

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

Some are able to be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or car seats for children. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.

Convertible

If you're looking for convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add a second seat to an existing one, there are many options to choose from. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is large, gorgeous stroller that easily converts from a single model to double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). It's costly and less maneuverable than other dual strollers because the 2nd seat goes in front of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option but 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. They are more expensive, but they are made for long-distance trips over rough terrain, and come with a higher resale price.

Independent seat recline

If you need a double buggy to transport children of various ages then you're going to want one that has independent seat recline for both seats. This will allow your child's older to relax in the back while the baby is in the bassinet and vice versa.

Consider the width of your pushchair and consider how easy it is for you to navigate through doors and public transport. If your doorways are very narrow, you might think about a side-by-side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller, but can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.

Tandem buggies tend to be larger than side-by-side models, and therefore are more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However they can also accommodate a wider range of combinations of seats/carrycots/car seats and are the perfect choice for twins and siblings of different ages. They also tend to be 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 important feature to look for is whether the backs of the seats can recline independently of each other as this will let you put your child in the best position to nap or observe. This is important for children who are in the back seat and would like to rest while the older child prefers to sit and observe the surrounding.

A few brands have a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to fully recline into an almost flat position that is perfect for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined in various positions. It also offers UPF 50+ sun protection and windows that peek out.

Wider than twin buggies

There's no need to have twins to benefit from a bigger double buggy. They're perfect for siblings of different age groups and let you get around without having to worry about your children touching each other. They're typically a more spacious with one seat positioned behind the other. The seats can be reclined completely for infants, or put in an upright position for toddlers.

A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design available and features an identical footprint to a single buggy. It also features an adjustable handle, which makes it easy for parents of different heights to push and a handbrake that is useful when tackling difficult hills. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, meaning it makes an excellent travel system.

The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in duo or mono mode with just one click. Its clever frame expands widthways to accommodate a second seat and can be used with two car seats or carrycots making it a great option for older siblings that wish to sit together and share the view. It's a little larger than other models, but it isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for kerbs.

There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems with inline wheels that offer stability and quick steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Often these can be folded down to size a single buggy, which is helpful when you have trouble storing it at home or need to transport it into and out of the boot when you travel on public transportation.

Be  double pram pushchair  that a two-wheeled buggy is more heavy and bulkier than one compact buggy. Make sure you know what you want before you buy.  double pushchair 'll be taking it off and on trains, buses and subways regularly so it needs to be easy to operate and manage. You may also have to juggle it onto and off the car seat while taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to ensure it's easy to maneuver in small spaces.

Suitable from birth

You'll need a stroller for your entire family whether you're expecting twins or you have a second child after you've had your first. Double buggies are typically slightly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers. However, they are also easier to manoeuvre through narrower doors or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies are compatible with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This allows you to carry three children at once.

Tandem pushchairs put one child in front the other. They are a good option if your children are of similar ages and are good friends. They're not 100% secure. Siblings sitting side-by-side can kick or punch each other and children with different heights can fight over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this issue by elevating the seat at the rear, which prevents your child's older one from being on the bottom and not having 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 accommodate both a newborn and an older child. It features a clever frame that expands in width when you add the second seat. It folds to flattish storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps are easy to fasten and the buckles are among the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. Both seats can recline independently and the canopy is large and generous with UPF 50+ protection as well as windows that can be seen from a distance.



The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's a little on the expensive side, but a quality tandem will last a long time and retain its resale value, which means you'll probably get back some of the cost in the end. The iCandy does not have the same seating configurations as our other top choices. However, it's an excellent choice for families who don't wish to spend much money.