Could Tandem Double Buggy Be The Key To Dealing With 2023?
Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggy is a great option. They're narrower than side-by-side buggies and ideal for navigating tight spaces, such as doorways, on public transport and on rough terrain.
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Many also transform into travel systems that take 2 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 seating or converting a single stroller to a double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is spacious, gorgeous stroller that converts easily from a single model to double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable due to the fact that the second seat is positioned on top of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar option with great seating versatility but isn't equipped with storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children.
lightweight twin buggy are generally more expensive but they're designed for long trips over rough terrain and can have greater resales value.
Independent recline of the seat
If you are looking for a double stroller that can accommodate children of different ages, you will need one with an independent recliner for both seats. This allows your older child to rest while the baby is in the bassinet, and reverse.
Think about the size of your pushchair, as this will determine how easy it is for you to navigate through doors and public transportation. If your doorways are very narrow, you may want to consider a side-by-side pushchair like 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 are generally slightly longer than side-by-side models and therefore aren't difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs, however, they can accommodate a wider range of car seat/car seat combinations, so can be a good option for twins or siblings of different ages. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but they're worth it if you plan to keep it for a few years. They also hold an impressive amount of value if sold when your children are old enough to use the buggie.
Another important feature to look for is if the seat backs are able to recline independently from one another since this will allow you to put your child in the most optimal position for naps or watching. This is crucial if your child is in the back seat and would like to nap while the child in the front 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, which is ideal for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined in various positions. It also comes with UPF 50+ sun protection and windows that peek out.
Wider than twin buggies
They are great for siblings of 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 behind the other. The seats can be reclined fully for infants, or put in an upright position for toddlers.
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which features the slimmest side-by-side design available and has an identical footprint to one buggy. It has an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake that is useful on steep hills. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, which means it makes an excellent travel system.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has an easy one-click fold and is able to be used in mono or duo mode. Its clever frame expands to accommodate an additional chair and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic choice for older siblings that want to sit together. It's a bit longer than other models but still feels light to steer and has soft suspension to tackle the kerbs.
There are also a variety of 3-wheeler tandems inline available Check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for instance they provide stability and swift steering. These can often be folded into one buggy if you are limited in space at home or you need to transport it from your car to the bus stop.
It's worth bearing in mind that a double-buggy with a wider width will feel heavier and bulkier than a compact single buggy So make sure you're getting what you need before purchasing. It is likely to be used on trains, buses, and subways frequently therefore it must be simple to manage and use. You may need to juggle the car seat in and out while taking your child to school or to nursery.
From birth, you're a suitable candidate
You'll need a pushchair for the whole family, whether you're expecting twins or you have a second child after you've had your first. Double buggies are generally heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However they are also easier to maneuver in tighter doors, or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies can be used with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other, so they're often a better choice when you have two children who are similar in age to be able to live well. They're not foolproof. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could kick or punch each other and children of different heights may fight over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model could solve this issue by elevating the seat at the rear, preventing your child's older one 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 features a smart frame that can be expanded in width when you add the second seat. It folds to flattish storage. The padded seats are comfortable, the straps are simple to fasten and the buckles some of the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. Both seats can recline independently and the canopies are big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection and peekaboo windows.
The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's a bit expensive, but a quality tandem will last for a long time and will retain its resale value, so you'll likely recoup some of the cost in the end. It also doesn't offer the same range of seating options as others of our top choices however, the iCandy is a good choice for families who don't wish to spend a lot.