Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a great choice when you have twins or children who are close in age. They're narrower than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for maneuvering tight spaces, such as doorways, on public transport and on rocky terrain.
Some can be converted to travel systems that can take two carrycots or child car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may feel less stable as they bump up the kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add a second seat to an existing one, there are a variety of options available. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a large, gorgeous stroller that can easily be converted from a single model to a double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). However, it's pricey and less mobile than other double strollers because the 2nd seat is placed in front of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model but lacks storage under the seat when it's used as a double stroller .
Other options include twin buggies that have all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can accommodate two kids. They tend to be more expensive but they're designed to last longer on rough terrain, and may have a higher resale value.
Reclining seat recline independently
If you're looking for a double buggy that can transport children of different age groups, then you'll need a buggy that has an recline that is independent for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to rest while the baby is in the bassinet and reverse.
You'll also have to consider the width of the stroller as this will impact the ease of traverse doors and public transportation. 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 benefit of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy however, it is able to accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally smaller than side-byside models, and aren't as easily maneuverable through kerbs and up and down, however they can be able to accommodate a wider variety of car/car/seat combinations, making them a good option for twins or siblings of various age. These buggies are priced higher than single to double buggies, but they're worth the cost if you plan on keeping it for many years. They also hold an impressive amount of value if sold when your kids have outgrown it.
Another crucial thing to look out for is if the seat backs can recline independently of each other as this will let you place your child in the most optimal position for napping or observation. This is especially important when you have a younger child in the rear seat, who will want to lie back and sleep while the more mature child wants to sit up and look around their surroundings.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to fully recline to a position that is nearly flat, which is ideal for infants. For instance the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the included toddler seat and the additional RumbleSeat into multiple positions so that your children have a the option of where they want to sit as well as offering an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that can be seen from afar.
Larger than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins in order to benefit from a wider double buggy. They're great for siblings of various ages and allow you to go about your day without worrying about your children touching each other. They're usually a bit larger too with one seat positioned behind the other and usually offering a fully-flat recline for infants (or an upright position for toddlers).
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which features the slimmest side-by-side design available and has the same footprint as one buggy. It also comes with an adjustable handle, which makes it easy for parents of different heights to push and a handbrake, which is useful when tackling difficult hills. It is suitable for use right from birth, and can be used with a range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in mono or duo mode with just one click. Its clever frame expands to accommodate a second chair and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal choice for older siblings that wish to be seated together. It's a bit longer than other models, yet it's light to steer and comes with soft suspension that can handle kerbs.
There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems with inline tires that offer stability and swift steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. These can often be folded into one buggy in case you have a small space at home, or need to transport it from the car to the bus.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy will be heavier and more bulkier than one compact buggy. Be sure to know what you want prior to making a buy. It will be used on trains, buses and subways often, therefore it must be simple to manage and use. You may also have to juggle it on and off the car seat while taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to ensure it's easy to maneuver within small spaces.
The best time to start is when you are born.
There will be a need for a pushchair for your entire family, regardless of whether you're expecting twins or you have another child after having your first. Double buggies are typically a bit heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers, however they can also be easier to manoeuvre 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 once.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other, and they're usually a better option when you have two children that are close enough in age to be able to live well together. But they're not foolproof: Siblings in side-by-side seats may punch or kick each other, and children on different heights can squabble over who gets to sit higher. A tandem high-low model could solve this problem by elevating the seat towards the rear, preventing your child's height from being sat 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 and folds down flat to make it a compact storage. this link are cushioned and comfortable, the straps easy to fasten, and the buckles some of the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. You can recline both seats independently, and the canopies are big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection and windows that peek out.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's on the expensive side, 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. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating options as our other top selections. However, it's an ideal choice for families who don't wish to spend lots of money.