Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a great option when you have twins or children who are very close in age. They're a bit smaller than side-byside buggies, and ideal for maneuvering narrow spaces like doors, on public transport and on rough terrain.
Some can be converted to travel systems that can take two carrycots or child car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and might feel less stable when in bumping up the kerbs.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seat or changing a single stroller into a double. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a big, beautiful stroller that can easily be converted from a single model to a double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable because the second seat is located behind the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option however, it doesn't have storage under 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 for long trips over rough terrain and could have greater resales value.
Reclining seat recline independently
If you want a double stroller that will accommodate children of different age groups, you'll require one with an independent recliner for both seats. This allows your older child to rest while the baby is sleeping in a bassinet and the reverse is true.
You'll also have to consider the width of the pushchair, as this will impact how easy it is to traverse doors and public transport. If you have very narrow doorways then it might be worth considering a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint similar to a single buggy, however, it is able to use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally longer than side by side models, which makes them more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and can make the perfect choice for twins and siblings of different age groups. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are a worthwhile investment if you intend to keep it for years and will have a decent amount of resale value should you sell it on after your children have grown out of it.
This feature allows you to put your child in an ideal position for naps and observation. This is important for children who are in the back seat and wishes to take a nap while the older child prefers to sit up and observe the surroundings.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back of their vehicles to fully recline to a position that is almost flat, perfect for babies. For instance the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the toddler seat that comes with it and the additional RumbleSeat into various positions so that your children have a a choice of where they will sit, as well as offering an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
There's no need to have twins in order to benefit from a wider double buggy. They're perfect for siblings of different age groups. They allow you to move around without worrying about your children touching each other. They are usually a little 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.
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It is the slimmest design that is side-by-side and a footprint that is comparable to one stroller. It also features an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of various heights to push and a handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb difficult terrains. It is suitable for use right from birth, and can be used with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and can be used in mono or duo mode. strollers double strollers expands in width to accommodate the second chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a great choice for older siblings that would like to be seated together. It's slightly larger than other models, but it still feels light and has a comfortable suspension for curbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler inline tandems available Check out Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies for instance - which provide stability and quick steering. Most of them can be folded down to the size of a single buggy, which is helpful if you struggle with storage at home or have to transport it into and out of your car when using public transportation.
It's worth bearing in mind that a wide double buggy will feel heavier and bulkier than a compact single buggy So make sure it's what you require before you purchase. It will be used on trains, buses and subways often, therefore it must be simple to operate and use. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat on and off when you take your child to school or the nursery.
From birth, you're a good candidate
You'll need a stroller for your entire family, regardless of 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 more maneuverable in tighter doorways, or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies are compatible with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This allows you to carry three children simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs put one child ahead of the other. They are a good choice if your children are similar in age and are good friends. However, they're not 100% secure Side-by-side chairs may punch or kick each other, and children who are different heights can argue over who gets to sit higher. This problem can be solved by a tandem high-low design that elevates the seat to the rear. Your older child will not be seated on the lower part of the car, and won't be able to get an eye.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to fit a newborn into a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It has an intelligent frame that can be expanded in size when you add a second child seat. It folds flat for storage that is compact. The cushioned buckles, straps and seats are all of the best quality we have encountered in our testing. You can recline both seats independently and the canopy is large and generous with UPF 50+ protection as well as windows that peek out.
The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's a little expensive but a high-quality tandem will last for years and maintain its resale value, so you'll likely recoup some of the cost over the long term. The iCandy doesn't have the same seating arrangements as our other top choices. It's nevertheless an excellent choice for families that don't want spend a lot of cash.