Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great option when you have twins or children who are close in age. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies, and ideal for maneuvering narrow spaces like doorways, on public transport and rocky terrain.
Some are able to be converted into 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 bumping up the kerbs.
Convertible
There are a variety of options to add a second seat or changing a single stroller into a double. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a large, gorgeous stroller that easily converts from a single to double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is located in front of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model with great seating versatility but lacks under-seat storage 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. They tend to be more expensive but they're designed for long trips over rough terrain and could have a higher resale value.
Reclining seat recline independently
If you require a double buggy that can transport children of various age groups, then you'll require a model with an recline independent for both seats. This will allow your child's older to rest in the back while the baby is in the bassinet, and vice versa.
You'll also need to think about the size of the stroller as it will impact the ease of get through doors and on public transport. If you have extremely narrow doorways then it might be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint similar to a single buggy, but can still take 2 seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are smaller than side-byside models and therefore aren't easily maneuverable around kerbs but they can accommodate a bigger range of car seat/car seat combinations, so can be a good option for twins or siblings of different age. They are more expensive than single buggies to double, but they're worth it if you plan on keeping it for many years. They'll also keep some value if sold when your kids have outgrown it.
Another important feature to look for is if the backs of the seats can recline independently from one another as this will let you place your child in the most optimal position for naps or watching. This is especially important if you have a child younger than in the rear seat, who will want to lie back and sleep while the more mature child wants to sit and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to recline fully to a position that is nearly flat, which is ideal for babies. For instance the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the included toddler seat and the add-on RumbleSeat into multiple positions to give your kids a the option of where they want to sit, as well as providing an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that can be seen from afar.
Wider than twin buggies
There's no need to have twins in order to benefit from a larger double buggy . They're perfect for siblings of various ages and allow you to move around without worrying about your children touching. They're usually a bit longer, with one seat behind the other. The seats can be reclined completely for babies or placed in an upright position for toddlers.
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It is the tiniest design that is side-by-side and a footprint that is similar to one stroller. It comes with an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake that is helpful on steep hills. It is suitable for use from birth, and can be used with a range of car seats and carrycots.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and can be utilized in a duo or mono mode. Its clever frame can be expanded to accommodate the second chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic choice for older siblings that want to sit together. It's slightly larger than other models, but it isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for curbs.
There are also a variety of 3-wheeler inline tandems available such as Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example that offer stability and swift steering. They are often folded into a single buggy if you are limited in space at home or you need to transport it from your car to the bus.
It's worth bearing in mind that a large double buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a compact single buggy Make sure that it's what you require before purchasing. You'll need to take it off and on subways, trains and buses often, so it should be easy to operate and manage. You may also need to juggle it onto and off the car seat when taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to be aware it is able to be maneuvered within small spaces.
The best time to start is when you are born.
You'll need a pushchair for your entire family whether you're expecting twins or you have a second child after having your first. Double buggies are typically larger, heavier and more expensive than single strollers. However, they can also be easier to maneuver through narrower doors or around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via a separate accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at a time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front the other. They are a good option if your children are similar in age and get along well. But they're not completely safe Side-by-side chairs may punch or kick one another, and children with different heights may argue over who gets to sit higher. This problem can be solved by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat in the back. Your older child will not be sitting at the lower part of the car, and won't have much of an opportunity to see.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can fit both a newborn in a carrycot, and an older child in the main seat. It features an innovative frame that increases in size when you add a second child seat. It folds flat for compact storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps are simple to fasten and the buckles some of the most comfortable we've seen on any of our tests. You can recline both seats independently, and the canopies are spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection and peekaboo windows.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit expensive. But a high-quality tandem will last for a long time and will have a high resale price, so at the end of the day you'll likely recover some of the cost. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating configurations as our other top selections. It's nevertheless a good option for families who don't wish to spend a lot of money.