Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great choice when you have twins or children who are close in age. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for maneuvering tight spaces such as doorways, on public transport and on rough terrain.
Some can be converted into travel systems that can take two carrycots or car seats for children. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are a variety of options for adding a second seating or converting a single stroller to a double. The UPPAbaby V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can be easily changed from a single to a double by adding an seating area with a rumble. It is more expensive and less maneuverable because the second seat is placed behind the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option however, it doesn't have storage under the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other options include twin buggies that have all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can be used to carry two kids. They are generally more expensive, but they're made to last longer on rough terrain and could have greater resales value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you're looking for a double stroller that can accommodate children of different ages, you will need one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This will allow your older child to rest while the baby is in the bassinet, and the reverse is true.
Think about the width of your stroller to determine the ease of you to get through doors and public transport. If you have extremely narrow doors, it could be worth considering 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 is able to accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally slightly longer than side-by-side models, and aren't as easily maneuverable around kerbs however, they can accommodate a wider range of car/car/seat combinations, so can be a good option for twins or siblings of different age. These buggies are also more expensive than single to double buggies but they're well worth it if you plan on keeping it for many years. They will also retain some value when sold once your children are old enough to use it.
Another thing to look for is if the seat backs are able to recline independently from one another as this will let you place your child in the ideal position for naps or watching. This is important for children who are in the back seat and wishes to nap while the child in the front prefers to sit and observe the surrounding.
Certain brands come with a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to completely recline into an almost flat position, which is ideal for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined in multiple positions. It also has UPF 50+ sun protection and peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin buggies
They are perfect for siblings with different ages, and you can move about without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a bit larger too, with one seat sitting behind the other, and typically offering a fully-flat recline for newborns (or an upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It is the slimmest design that is side-by-side and a footprint like 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 can be used from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots, meaning it makes an excellent travel system.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has an easy one-click fold and can be utilized in a duo or mono mode. The frame's clever design expands widthways to accommodate a second chair and it can be used with two car seats or carrycots making it a great choice for older siblings who want to sit in a group and share the view. It's a little longer than other models, but it feels light and has soft suspension for the kerbs.
There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that offer stability and swift steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Often these can be folded down to the size of a single buggy which is useful for those who struggle with storage at home or frequently need to lug it in and out of the boot on public transport.
It's important to keep in mind that a double-buggy with a wider width will be heavier and bulkier than a single buggy that is smaller So make sure it's what you require before you purchase. It is likely to be utilized on buses, trains and subways often, therefore it must be simple to operate and use. You may need to juggle the car seat on and off when you take your child to school or nursery.
From your birth, you are a good candidate
If you're expecting twins, or you have a child following your first, you're likely to need to find an appropriate pushchair for the whole family. Double buggies are typically larger, heavier and more expensive than single strollers, but they can also be easier to manoeuvre through narrower doors or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies are compatible with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). double buggy travel system lets you transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other. They are a good choice if your children are of similar ages and are good friends. They're not completely safe. Siblings sitting side-by-side can punch or kick one another and children of different heights may fight over who sits taller. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this problem by elevating the seat towards the rear, which will prevent your older child from sitting on the bottom and not having the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for an adjustable double buggy that can be converted into a carrycot that can accommodate both a newborn and an older child. It has a clever frame that expands widthways when you add a second seat, and folds flat for compact storage. The padded seats are comfortable, the straps are easy to secure 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 large and generous with UPF 50+ protection and peekaboo windows.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit costly. But a high-quality tandem will last you for a long time and will have an attractive resale value which means that in the end you'll probably recoup some of the cost. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating arrangements as our other top selections. However, it's an ideal choice for families that don't want spend lots of money.