Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a fantastic option if you have twins, or children who are very close in age. They are a bit smaller than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for tight spaces like doors, public transport and rough terrain.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or car seats for children. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs and may feel less stable in bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible stroller that converts from single to double or to add another seat to an existing one, there's several options available. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a large, gorgeous stroller that easily converts from a single model to a double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). It's costly and less mobile than other double strollers because the 2nd seat is placed behind the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with great seating versatility but isn't equipped with storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can be used to carry two kids. They tend to be more expensive but they're designed to last longer on rough terrain and could have more resale value.
Independent seat recline
If you're looking for a double stroller that will accommodate children of various ages, you will need one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This will allow your older child to relax while the baby is in a bassinet and reverse.
You'll also need to consider the width of the pushchair as this will impact how easy it is to navigate through doors and on public transport. If your doorways are very narrow, you might be considering a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller, but can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are typically larger than side-by-side models, and therefore are more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of seats/carrycots/car seats and are an excellent choice for twins and siblings of different ages. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are a worthwhile purchase if you plan to keep it for years and will retain a decent amount of resale value in the event that you decide to sell it after your children have grown out of it.
This feature will allow you to put your child in a comfortable position for naps or observation. This is especially important if you have a younger child in the rear seat, who will prefer to lay back and sleep while the older child wants to sit up and look around their surroundings.
A few brands have a unique seat design which allows the back seat to completely recline into an almost flat position, which is ideal for infants. For instance, 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 your kids can have the option of deciding where they will sit, as well as offering an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins to benefit from a bigger double buggy. They're great for siblings of different age groups. They allow you to get around without having to worry about your children touching each other. They're usually a larger with one seat positioned behind the other. The seats can be reclined completely for babies or placed in an upright position for toddlers.
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It is the tiniest design of the two-in-ones on the market and a footprint similar to the footprint of a single stroller. double pram and pushchair comes with an adjustable handle, making it easy for parents of different heights to push and an adjustable handbrake, which is useful when tackling 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 a simple one-click to fold and can be used in mono or duo mode. The frame's clever design can be expanded widthwise to accommodate a second chair and can be used with up to 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, yet it's light to steer and has soft suspension that is able to handle the kerbs.
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. They can be folded into one buggy in case you have a small space at home, or need to carry it from the car to the bus station.
Be aware that a double wide buggy is more heavy and more bulkier than one compact buggy. Be sure to know what you want prior to making a buy. It will be used on buses, trains and subways frequently, so it must be easy to operate and use. You may need to juggle 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.
If you're expecting twins or you have a child following your first, you're likely to require an appropriate pushchair for the whole family. Double buggies tend to be heavier and bulkier as well as more expensive than single strollers. However, they are more maneuverable in tighter doors and around obstacles such as curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as an additional accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs place one child ahead of the other. They're a good option if your children are of similar ages and are good friends. They're not 100% secure. Siblings seated side-by-side may kick or punch each other and children of different heights can fight over who is sitting higher. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat in the rear. Your child's older one will not be seated on the lower part of the car, and won't have much of a look out.
The iCandy Wave is a great option for parents looking for an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can accommodate a newborn in a carrycot and an older child in the main seat. It features an innovative frame that expands in width when you add the second child seat. It also folds flat for compact storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps are simple to fasten and the buckles some of the most comfortable we've seen on any of our tests. The canopy is large in size and UPF 50+ protection, and a the window is peekaboo. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it is quite expensive. However, a good tandem will last for a long time and will have a high resale price, so in the end, you'll likely recoup a portion of the cost. It doesn't come with the same variety of seating configurations that others of our top picks however the iCandy is a great choice for families who don't wish to spend a fortune.