Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great choice if you have twins, or children who are very close in age. They are smaller than side-by-side buggies and are great for tight spaces like doorways, public transport and rocky terrain.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or car seats for children. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs and may feel less stable bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible stroller that converts from single to double or to add a second seat to an existing one, there's several options available. The UPPAbaby V2 is spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can easily be converted from a single to a dual by adding the seating area with a rumble. It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is placed in front of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with great seating flexibility, however it lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies and fixed-wheel joggers that can accommodate two children. They are more expensive, however, they are designed to last longer on rough terrain and have higher resale prices.
Independent seat recline
If you want a double stroller which can accommodate children of different ages, you will need one with an independent recliner for both seats. This will allow your older child to rest while the baby is in a bassinet and the reverse is true.
You'll also have to consider the width of the pushchair as this will affect how easy it is to get through doors and on public transport. If you have very narrow doors, it could be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint similar to a single buggy however it can take 2 seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are usually a little longer than side-by-side models, and aren't as easily maneuverable around kerbs however they can be able to accommodate a wider range of car/car/seat combinations, making them a good option for twins or siblings of various ages. They can also be more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are a worthwhile investment if you intend to keep it for a long time and have a good amount of resale value in the event that you decide to sell it when your children have grown out of it.
This feature will allow you to place your child in an ideal position for naps and observation. This is important if your child is in the back seat and wishes to rest while the more mature child prefers to sit and observe the surroundings.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to recline fully to a position that is almost flat, ideal for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example, has stadium-style seating that can be reclined to multiple positions. It also offers UPF 50+ sun protection and peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin buggies
They are great for siblings of different age groups, and they allow you to move around without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a little larger, with one seat sitting behind the other and usually offering a fully-flat recline for infants (or an upright position for toddlers).
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design available and has an identical footprint to one buggy. It also features an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of different heights to push as well as an adjustable handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb difficult hills. It is suitable for use from birth, and can be used with a range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in duo or mono mode with just one click. The frame's clever design can be expanded to accommodate an additional chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic option for older siblings who would like to sit together. It's a bit longer than other models, yet it's easy to steer and has soft suspension to tackle kerbs.
There are also plenty of 3-wheeler tandems inline available - check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example that provide stability and swift steering. They are often folded into one buggy if you are limited in space at home or you need to carry it from the car to the bus station.
It's important to remember that a wide double buggy will feel bulkier and heavier than a single buggy that is smaller Make sure that it's what you need before purchasing. It is likely to be utilized on buses, trains and subways frequently, so it must be easy to use and manage. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat in and out while taking your child to school or to nursery.
From birth, you are a suitable candidate
You'll need a stroller for your entire family whether you're expecting twins or if you have a child after you've had your first. Double buggies tend to be heavier and bulkier as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are also more maneuverable in tighter doorways and around obstacles such as curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via an additional accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other, and they're generally a better option when you have two children who are close enough in age to get along well together. They're not foolproof. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could punch or kick one another, and children of different heights may fight over who sits higher. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low design that elevates the seat to the rear. Your child's older one isn't seated at the lowest part of the car and won't get much of an eye.
The iCandy Wave is a good choice for parents looking for a convertible double buggy that includes a carrycot that can accommodate both the newborn and the older child. It features an innovative frame that expands in width when you add the second child seat. It can also fold flat for storage that is compact. The padded buckles, straps and seats are all of the best quality we have seen in our testing. The seats can be reclined independently and the canopies are large and generous with UPF 50+ protection as well as peekaboo windows.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it is quite expensive. However, strollers double will last you for many years and have an attractive resale value so at the end of the day, you'll likely recoup some of the cost. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating options as our other top picks. It's nevertheless an excellent choice for families that don't want spend a lot of cash.