Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggie is a great option. They are smaller than side by side buggies and are perfect for tight spaces like doors, public transport, and terrain that is rocky.
Some can be converted to travel systems that take two carrycots or car seats for children. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
If you're looking for convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add an additional seat to an existing one, there are a variety of options available. The UPPAbaby V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can be easily converted from a single to a dual by adding an Rumble seat. It is more expensive and less maneuverable due to the fact that the second seat is positioned behind the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow provides a similar choice but lacks storage underneath the seat when it is used as a double stroller.
Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can accommodate two children. They tend to be more expensive, but they're made to last longer on rough terrain and could have greater resales value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you are looking for a double stroller which can accommodate children of various ages, you will need one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to relax while the baby is in the bassinet and the reverse is true.
You'll also have to consider the width of the stroller as this will affect how easy it is to get through doors and on public transport. If your doors are narrow, you might want to consider a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller however can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies tend to be longer than side by side models, which makes them more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However they can be able to accommodate more combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and can make the perfect choice for twins and siblings of different age. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are worth the investment if you plan to keep it for a long time and will have a decent amount of resale value should you sell it on after your children have grown out of it.
double strollers to look out 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 napping or observation. This is especially important when you have a younger child in the rear seat who may be inclined to lie down and relax while the more mature child wants to sit and observe their surroundings.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to fully recline to a position that is almost flat, ideal for babies. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined in several positions. It also offers UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings of different age groups, and they allow you to get around without having to worry about your children touching. They're typically a bit longer with one seat in front of the other. The seats can be reclined completely for babies or placed in an upright position for toddlers.
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which is the tiniest side-by-side model available and has the same footprint as a single 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. This means it's a great travel system.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has a simple one-click to fold and is able to be used in duo or mono mode. Its innovative frame expands widthways to allow for a second seat and can be used with two carrycots or car seats making it a great option for older siblings who wish to sit together and share the view. It's a little longer than other models, but it still isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for curbs.
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 or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Most of them can be folded down to size one buggy which is useful for those who struggle with storage at home or have to transport it into and out of your car when using public transport.
It's important to keep in mind that a large double buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a smaller single buggy Make sure that it's what you require before you buy. You'll have to get it off and on subways, buses, and trains often, so it should be easy to operate and manage. You may need to juggle the car seat on and off when taking your child to school or nursery.
From your birth, you are an ideal candidate
You'll need a pushchair for your entire family whether you're expecting twins, or you have another child after having your first. Double buggies are generally heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are also easier to maneuver in tighter doors or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies are compatible with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in the front of the other, so they're generally a better option when you have two children who are similar in age to get along well together. They're not 100% secure. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could kick or punch each other and children with different heights could argue over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model could solve this problem by elevating the seat towards the rear, preventing your child's older one from being on the bottom and not having the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a good option for parents who are looking for an adjustable double buggy that can be converted into a carrycot that is able to accommodate both infants and an older child. It has an innovative frame that can be expanded in size when you add a second child seat. It folds flat for compact storage. The cushioned seats, straps and buckles are all of the best quality we have encountered in our tests. The canopy is large in size and UPF 50+ protection, and the window is peekaboo. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit costly. However, a quality tandem will last for many years and have the highest resale value, which means that in the end, you'll likely recoup some of the cost. It doesn't come with the same range of seating configurations as others of our top picks however the iCandy is a good option for families who don't wish to spend a fortune.