Which Double Tandem Pushchair is Best For Your Family?
When you're preparing for twins or a second child, there are plenty of products that can help make life with kids moving around easier. One of them is the double tandem pushchair.
From Phil & Teds to Baby Jogger, most brands offer a double stroller as part of their product line. They can be side-by-side or inline convertible models.
Stability
If you have twins or children close in age, having a double tandem pushchair can make travelling with two of them much more enjoyable and comfortable. However, there are so many designs and configurations available it is difficult to know which one is the best for your family. Some are better for jogging than others, or be a third-seater when you add on buggy boards. Which ones are the most stable, though?
Side-by-side pushchairs (like the CYBEX Gazelle S) are perfect for transporting children of the same age. They aren't easy to navigate through narrow doors or shopping aisles. In this case, you may be better off with an arena model, such as the Bugaboo Donkey, or Mountain Buggy Duet. These models let your children face either you or eachother according to their configuration.
Tandem models, which place one behind the other, are more manageable but still not as stable as single strollers or car seats for children. They can be difficult to navigate around curbs and may have less storage capacity than a side-byside pushchair.
To get a good feel for the stability of doubles, you have to test it out with both seats on, as this is how you will use it the most frequently. Test the ease with which it is for you to maneuver and steer the vehicle, especially in tight corners or using the front wheels that swivel. It is recommended to test the brakes as well, as they can be difficult to operate if both child seats are attached.
The Phil and Teds Sports Double is a great double stroller for people who are looking for a high-quality stroller at a reasonable price that can perform all. This stylish and compact pushchair converts from a single model to tandem in few steps. The seat and the carrycot both recline and can be used either facing the parent or facing one another and the air-filled tyres and all-wheel suspension make it suitable for tackling a range of terrains. It has a handy underseat storage basket but access to it is restricted when the second seat is placed.
Comfort
There's a double stroller that is suitable for any family, regardless of whether you have twins or a toddler newborn. They can be used to transport two kids side-by-side, but many can be converted to a single pushchair (though this will usually require the removal of one seat). They are generally larger than a single stroller but they offer great value and flexibility.
In our latest double review of pushchairs, we asked testers to score each model on a variety of factors, including ride comfort, ease of handling and how it folded. They also assessed the ease of putting in and taking out the car seat, and whether it could be used with the baby carrier.
The Stroller & Co City Tour 2 Double is a great example of a comfortable, flexible and lightweight double stroller. The reviewers who reviewed it praised its large UPF 50+ canopy, which offers real shade with the ability to peek at. Both seats can be reclined into multiple positions by pressing a button. One seat can be set to lay flat so the baby can rest in the carrycot on top of it.
Other fantastic features of this model include the padded handlebar that comes with a cup holder and pouch, the easy-to-use braking system and the reversible seating liner with naturally anti-bacterial bamboo on one side and soft jersey on the other. The fact that it can be folded with just one hand is an excellent feature, particularly when you have to watch two children.
Side-by-side models are generally more expensive than tandem buggies, but they can provide ultimate flexibility as they are usually designed to fit into narrow aisles and doors. They can be difficult to push and can be difficult to manoeuvre up kerbs, however, most have an front-loaded weight which helps keep the load in balance.
Flexibility
A double tandem pushchair is a great addition to any family, regardless of whether you have twins or a toddler and a newborn. This will keep your children content by preventing them from arguing or waking one other up. This kind of buggy is ideal when you plan to use it on public transportation because it will be easier to fit into the space available.
Some models provide the ultimate flexibility, and can be converted back to single mode when your youngest is ready for strollers without having to purchase a new one. The UPPAbaby Double can fit two infant car seats in the back and a riding board making it suitable for three kids. It can be used alongside the stroller and a roll-away case for the parents. This allows you to travel light while having everything your family needs.
The Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite is an entirely different type of double stroller than the competition, but it comes with the same features that you'll find in our top-rated choices. It's easy to fold and fits through the majority of doors. The basket under the carriage is also taller, making it easier to load groceries. The rear seat is protected to keep your kid warm during winter.
A tandem is more narrow than a side-byside, making it difficult to navigate narrow aisles in stores or busy walking routes. However, it is more maneuverable on rocky terrain than a standard pushchair. Some of these pushchairs could be difficult to steer during tight turns, especially when your child is heavier in the front seat.
An inline double pushchair however is the best option for the majority of families. It is typically used as a tandem pram when your children are younger however, it can also be converted to a tandem when they're older. Certain models, such as the iCandy Peach 3+ can accept two iSize car seats. This gives you maximum flexibility and value.
Storage
The most significant disadvantage of a double-buggy can be that it takes up more room on public transport, and is difficult to maneuver through narrow doorways or lifts. They are also more expensive, especially side-by-side models with a second passenger in the front.
Some models, such as the Joolz Geo or the Uppababy Vista V2 can be converted into tandem pushchairs. This can be a good option in the event that you're planning to have another child in the near future, and it extends the lifespan of your buggy. However, it can be difficult to convert back to a single once your older child outgrows it.
Stadium Duo is the perfect dual stroller for urban adventures. It's lightweight and compact. It has a one-click fold, an automatic storage lock and is compatible with two SnugEssentials infant car seats or SnugRide SnugSize infant car seats* to make a smooth transition. The raised seating style gives the kids a stunning view of the world. Additionally, you can easily connect your infant car seat to the rear or front of the stroller in just one click. There's a large shopping basket and tray for parents which means you can carry everything you need for your day out. The suspension and swivel wheel provide a smooth ride and ensure greater maneuverability. The 5-point safety belts on both seats improve the safety of your child.