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 are a bit smaller than side by side buggies and are perfect for narrow spaces like doors, public transport, and rough terrain.
Some can be converted into travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats for children. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seat or converting a single stroller to a double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is large, gorgeous stroller that easily converts from a single stroller to a double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is positioned on top of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with a wide range of seating options, but lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other alternatives include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can be used to carry two kids. These tend to be more expensive, however they're designed for long trips over rough terrain and can have a higher resale value.
Independent recline of the seat
If you're looking for a double stroller which can accommodate children of different age groups, you'll require one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This will allow your child's older to sit back and relax while the baby sleeps in the bassinet and the reverse.
It is also important to think about the size of the pushchair as this will affect the ease of navigate through doors and on public transport. If you have extremely 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 that is similar to a single buggy, but can still take 2 seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally smaller than side-byside models, and aren't as easy to manoeuvre up and down kerbs, but they can accommodate a bigger range of car/car/seat combinations, so can be a good option for twins or siblings of different age groups. They are more expensive than single to double buggies but they're well worth it if you intend to keep it for a number of years. They'll also keep a good amount of value if sold when your children are old enough to use the buggie.
Another crucial thing to look for is whether the seat backs can recline independently from one another as this will let you put your child in the best position to nap or observe. This is important when your child is in the back seat and wants to nap while the child in the front prefers to sit and observe the surrounding.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back of their vehicles to recline into a position that's nearly flat, which is ideal for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example, has stadium-style seating that can be reclined into several positions. It also has UPF 50+ sun protection and peekaboo windows.
Larger than twin buggies
They are perfect for siblings with different ages, and you can get around without having to worry about your children touching. They're typically a little longer too with one seat placed behind the other and offering a fully-flat recline for infants (or an upright position for toddlers).
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design available and has the same footprint as a single buggy. It comes with an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake, which can be useful on hills that are steep. all terrain double stroller is suitable for use right 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 clever frame expands widthways to accommodate a second seat and can be used with up to two carrycots or car seats making it a great option for older siblings that want to sit together and share the view. It's a little bigger than the other models, but it feels light and has a comfortable suspension for curbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler tandems inline available such as Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies for instance they provide stability and swift steering. These can often be folded into one buggy if you are limited in space at home or need to carry it from the car to the bus stop.
Be aware that a double-wide buggy will be heavier and bulkier than one compact buggy. Be sure you know what you want prior to making a buy. It will be utilized on buses, trains and subways often, so it should be easy to use and manage. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat while taking your child to school or nursery.
From birth
Whether you're expecting twins or have another child after your first, you're going need to find an appropriate pushchair for the entire 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 via an additional accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at a time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front the other. They're a good choice if your children are close in age and are able to get along. They're not foolproof. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could kick or punch each other and children of different heights may fight over who is sitting higher. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat at the back. Your child's older isn't seated at the lowest part of the car and won't get much of an eye.
The iCandy Wave is a good choice for parents looking for a convertible double buggy that includes a carrycot that is able to accommodate both the newborn and the older child. It features an innovative frame that can be expanded in size when you add the second child seat. It can also fold flat for storage that is compact. The padded seats are comfortable, the straps are easy to secure and the buckles are among the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. The seats can be reclined independently and the canopies are big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection and windows that peek out.
The only downside of the iCandy is that it's on the expensive side however, a good tandem will last for years and maintain its resale value, so you'll probably recoup some of the cost in the end. The iCandy does not have the same seating options as our other top picks. It's nevertheless a good option for families who don't wish to spend much cash.