Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a fantastic option when you have twins or children who are close in age. They're narrower than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for maneuvering tight spaces, such as doors, on public transport and on rough terrain.
Some convert into travel systems to take 2 carrycots or car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs and may not be as stable when in bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for convertible single-to- double stroller or want to add another seat to an existing one, there's several options available. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a big, beautiful stroller that can easily be converted from a single stroller to double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). However, it's pricey and less mobile than other double strollers because the 2nd seat is located in front of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option, but it lacks storage under the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies, as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can accommodate two children. They tend to be more expensive, however they're designed to last longer on rough terrain and can have more resale value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you are looking for a double stroller that will accommodate children of various age groups, you'll need one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to be able to relax while your baby is in a bassinet, and the reverse is true.
Take into consideration the width of your pushchair, as this will determine the ease of you to maneuver through doors and on public transportation. If your doors are narrow, you might think about a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet. double pushchair has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller, but can still accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are typically larger than side-by-side models, which makes them more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of car seats/car seats/seats and can make the perfect choice for twins and siblings of different age. They are priced higher than single buggies to double, but they're worth the cost if you plan to keep it for a number of years. They'll also keep an impressive amount of value if sold when your children have outgrown it.
Another crucial thing to look for is if the backs of the seats can recline independently of one another as this will let you place your child in the best position to nap or observe. This is crucial if your child is in the back seat and wishes to take a nap while the older child prefers to sit up to observe the surroundings.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to fully recline into a position that's almost flat, ideal for infants. For example, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the toddler seat that comes with it and the additional RumbleSeat to multiple positions, so that your children have a the option of where they want to sit and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that can be seen from afar.
Wider than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins in order to benefit from a larger double buggy. They're great for siblings of different ages and allow you to move around without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a bit longer too with one seat placed behind the other, and typically providing a flat recline for newborns (or an upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It has the slimmest design of the two-in-ones on the market, and a footprint that is similar to one stroller. It also comes with an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of different heights to push as well as an adjustable handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb steep hills. It is suitable for use from birth, and it can be combined with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in either mono or duo mode with just a single click. Its innovative frame can be expanded widthwise to accommodate a second chair and can be used with two car seats or carrycots making it a great option for older siblings who want to sit in a group and share the view. It's slightly bigger than the other models, but it still isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for kerbs.
There are many 3-wheeler tandems with inline tires that provide stability and fast steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They can be folded into a single buggy in case you have a small space at home or need to carry it from the car to the bus station.
It's important to remember that a large double buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a compact single buggy, so make sure you're getting what you need before purchasing. You'll be taking it off and on subways, trains and buses regularly so it needs to be easy to use and manage. You might need to manage the car seat in and out when taking your child to school or to nursery.
The best time to start is when you are born.
You'll need a pushchair for the whole family, regardless of whether you're expecting twins or if you have a child after having your first. Double buggies tend to be larger, heavier and cost more than single strollers. However, they are also easier to manoeuvre in narrower doorways or around obstacles such as curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via an accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at a time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in the front of the other, so they're often a better choice if you have two kids who are similar in age to be able to live well together. But they're not completely safe: Siblings in side-by-side seats can kick or punch one another, and children on different heights can squabble over who gets to sit higher. This problem can be solved by a tandem high-low model that raises the seat in the rear. Your older child isn't seated at the lowest part of the car and won't be able to get an opportunity to see.
The iCandy Wave is a great option for parents looking for an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can fit both a newborn in a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It features an intelligent frame that expands in width when you add the second child seat. It folds flat to make it a compact storage. The padded straps, buckles, and seats are all of the highest quality we have encountered in our testing. You can recline both seats independently, and the canopies are large and generous with UPF 50+ protection and windows that peek out.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it's quite expensive. However, a good tandem will last you for years and retain an attractive resale value which means that in the end, you'll likely recoup some of the cost. The iCandy does not have the same seating arrangements as our other top picks. It's nevertheless a good option for families who don't wish to spend much cash.