Tandem/Twin recommendations please...

[GruffaloMama]

Hello. I have a (big) 2.8 year old (16kg) and a baby due on Saturday. Had planned on using my SIL's Jane Powertwin Dual Traveller. Just got it out to clean it down etc and the seat units are mildewed. Not sure they're salvageable... Hoods are find and chassis is good. I've asked Kiddicare for a quote to replace the seat units but suspect I'm not going to like the answer. There are no seat units on Ebay that I can see that wouldn't mean having to replace the hoods too.

So... does anyone have some recommendations for a twin or tandem? I'm not keen on Phil and Teds style tandems. We have an estate car and will tend to walk more than use public transport, so folded size isn't too much of a problem. We will be using around shops etc. Ideally I'd like to get something second-hand as DS probably won't want to be in the buggy for much longer - I've got a buggy board for him for shorter journeys, etc.

Am too big and pregnant to spend ages trawling round shops etc... So any help/advice would be very gratefully received!

have you checked out ebay for a complete powertwin instead of just the covers you may well pick up a bargain.

My girlfriend is a mum to twins, and lives in 2 different countries due to her husband's work. She swears by her Mountain Buggy Double...

Baby Jogger City Mini Double?

Buy a Mountain Buggy Duet! They are the same width as a tandem, but have two full size seats and are supposed to happily take a child up to the age of six. They are due in the UK any day now. Failing that your 16kg toddler is going to be an issue for most pushchairs. Very few get tested beyond 15kgs simply because manufacturers have to pay extra to do so and a 15kg test gets them on the UK market. The main manufacturers who test beyond 15kgs are Phil&Teds, Mountain Buggy, Out n About, and Mima. But in my experience it is leg length that as been more of an issue with my daughter. If you want a tandem the B-Dual is one of the best. If you don't mind a side by side there is more choice - the Baby Jogger City Mini or Elite, Easywalker Sky Duo and Mountain Buggy Duo (or Urban) would all be top of my list to find second hand.

Ooh thanks - just been online. Pramsgalore I did look but costs are comparable with replacing the seat units. Also, since my OP I've tried my DS in the Jane and actually his leg length is a bit of a problem. He looks a bit crammed in. He's only 2yrs and 8 mo so a bit worried that if he has another growth spurt he'll have his knees round his ears.

I really like the look of the Mountain Buggy Duo/Baby Jogger City mini - I also like the Out n About - a friend has one for her twins and they look happy in it. Generally fine with a twin rather than a tandem. Had only gone for the Jane as my SIL had offered it. Off for another look round the internet...

Is a Maclaren Techno Twin a really bad idea???

I wouldn't with a larger child....I would go for one of the bigger pushchairs TBH with nice big wheels and will be easier to push. Believe me two children are heavy especially when both are six months older!!

BTW have a look at Best Buggy. it's a work in progress but mainly doubles and tandems at present.

Thanks Guildfordnanny - just been looking at the Duet - it looks great. Might see if I can find some squirrelled away pennies... The Best Buggy website is excellent. Thanks for the tip offs.

The Duet is as near a perfect double as I think you can get at present - it's still not perfect but it's great. We have literally just heard that the first batch are being shipped out next week so if you want one, now is the time to phone round and reserve one. After that I think the next batch are due in September. They should have a good resale value later because of being new but also because it's a Mountain Buggy.

i own a mountain buggy double and it is so easy to push even with my 5 year old and his 2.5 year old sister in it, it just glides along. the new ones look fab