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 are ideal for maneuvering tight spaces, such as entrances, on public transportation and on rocky terrain.
Many convert into travel systems to include two carrycots or car seats. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options to add a second seat or changing a single stroller into double. The UPPAbaby V2 is spacious, gorgeous stroller. It is easily changed from a single to a double by adding the rumble seat. However, it's expensive and less mobile than other double strollers because the 2nd seat is placed in front of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option but lacks storage under the seat when it is used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels and joggers with fixed wheels that can be used to carry two kids. They are more expensive however, they are designed to last longer on rough terrain and come with a higher resale price.
Reclining the seat independently
If you require a double buggy that is able to transport children of various age groups, then you'll want one that has recline that is independent for both seats. This allows your older child to rest while the baby is in a bassinet, and vice versa.
You'll also have to think about the size of the pushchair, as it will impact the ease of traverse doors and public transport. If you have narrow doors, it may be a good idea to consider a side-byside pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy, however it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are typically longer than side by side models, which makes them more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However they can also accommodate a wider range of combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and can make a great option for twins and siblings of various age groups. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are worth the investment if you plan to keep it for years and have a good amount of resale value should you sell it on when your children are out of it.
Another crucial thing to look out for is if the seat backs can recline independently of one another as this will let you put your child in the best position to nap or observe. This is crucial when your child is in the back seat and would like to take a nap while the older child prefers to sit up to observe the surrounding.
Certain brands come with a unique seat design which allows the back seat to fully recline into a nearly flat position which is perfect for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined into various positions. It also has UPF 50+ sun protection and peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins to benefit from a wider double buggy. They're perfect for siblings of various age groups. They allow you to go about your day without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a bit larger too with one seat placed behind the other, and typically with a fully-flat recline option for newborns (or an upright position for toddlers).
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design available and has the same footprint as a single buggy. double pushchair features an adjustable handle, making it easy for parents of different heights to push as well as an adjustable handbrake, which is useful when tackling difficult terrains. It is suitable to use from birth and it can be combined with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in either mono or duo mode in a single click. Its clever frame can be expanded to accommodate a 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 sit together. It's a bit longer than other models, but it still isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for curbs.
There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems with inline wheels that offer stability and quick steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They can be folded into one buggy if you have limited space at home or need to transport it from your car to the bus.
It's important to keep in mind that a large double buggy will feel bulkier and heavier than a single buggy that is smaller, so make sure it's what you require before purchasing. You'll need to take it off and on subways, buses, and trains often, so it should be simple to use and manage. You might also have to juggle it onto and off the car seat while taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to know it can be easily manoeuvred in tight spaces.
The best time to start is when you are born.
Whether you're expecting twins or have a second child after your first, you're likely need to find a stroller that can accommodate the entire family. Double buggies are typically heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However, they are more maneuverable in narrower doors, 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 transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child ahead of the other. They're a great option if your children are similar in age and are able to get along. But they're not completely safe Siblings in a side-by-side seat may punch or kick each other, and kids who are different heights can argue over who gets to sit higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this problem by elevating the seat at the rear, which will prevent your child's older one from sitting on the bottom and not getting any view.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that can accommodate both a newborn and an older child. It features a clever frame which can be expanded in size when you add a second child seat. double pushchair folds flat to make it a compact storage. The cushioned seats, straps and buckles are all of the best quality we have encountered in any of our tests. The seats can be reclined independently, and the canopies are spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection as well as windows that peek out.
The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's a little on the expensive side but a high-quality tandem will last for a long time and will retain its resale value. So you'll likely recoup some of the cost over the long term. The iCandy does not have the same seating configurations as our other top choices. It's nevertheless an ideal choice for families who don't wish to spend lots of money.