Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a fantastic option when you have twins or children who are close in age. They are narrower than side by side buggies, and are great for narrow spaces like doorways, public transport and terrain that is rocky.
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 Vista V2 is a big, beautiful stroller that converts easily from a single model to double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable due to the fact that the second seat is placed in front of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option, but it lacks storage underneath the seat when used as a double stroller.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. They tend to be more expensive but they're designed for long trips over rough terrain, and may have more resale value.
Independent recline of the seat
If you need a double buggy that can carry children of different ages, you'll want one that has independent seat recline for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to rest in the back while the baby is in the bassinet, and the reverse.
You'll also need to consider the width of the stroller as this will affect the ease of navigate through doors and on public transportation. If you have very narrow doorways then it might be worth considering a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy, however it can use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are usually smaller than side-byside models, and aren't as easy to manoeuvre up and down kerbs, however, they can accommodate a wider variety of car seat/car seat combinations, and are a great option for twins or siblings of different age groups. sit and stand double stroller are priced higher than single to double buggies but they're well worth it if you plan to keep it for a few years. They also hold a good amount of value when sold once your kids have outgrown it.
This feature will allow you to place your child in an ideal position for naps and observation. This is especially important if you have a child younger than in the rear seat who may prefer to lay back and relax while the more mature child wants to sit and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back of their vehicles to fully recline to a position that is almost flat, perfect for infants. For instance, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline 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 they will sit, as well as providing an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that can be seen from afar.
Wider than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings with different age groups, and you can get around without having to worry about your children touching. They're typically a little longer too, with one seat sitting behind the other, and typically offering a fully-flat recline for newborns (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 one buggy. It also has an adjustable handle, which makes it easy for parents of different heights to push and a handbrake, which is helpful when climbing difficult terrains. It is suitable for use right from birth, and it can be combined with a range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in mono or duo mode with just one click. Its clever frame expands to accommodate a second chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal option for older siblings who want to sit together. It's a little longer than other models, but it feels light and has a comfortable suspension for 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 they provide stability and swift steering. Most of them can be folded down to size one buggie, which is helpful for those who struggle with storage at home or frequently need to carry it in and out of the car when using public transport.
It's important to remember that a large double buggy will feel heavier and bulkier than a compact single buggy, so make sure it's what you require before you buy. You'll be taking it off and on subways, trains and buses often, so it should be easy to use and manage. You might need to manage the car seat on and off when you take your child to school or nursery.
From birth
You'll need a stroller for your entire family whether you're expecting twins or if you have a child after having your first. Double buggies are generally heavier and bulkier as well as more expensive than single strollers. However, they are more maneuverable in tighter doors, or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other, so they're often a better choice for families with two children who are similar in age to function well. However, they're not 100% secure Side-by-side chairs can kick or punch one another, and children with different heights may argue over who should 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 being sat on the bottom and not getting the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a good choice for parents looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that can accommodate both the newborn and the older child. It has a clever frame which increases in size when you add the second child seat. It also folds flat to make it a compact storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps are simple to secure and the buckles are among the best we've seen on any of our tests. Both seats can recline independently and the canopy is big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection as well as windows that peek out.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit costly. However, a good tandem will last for years and retain the highest resale value, which means that in the end you'll probably recoup a portion of the cost. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating configurations as our other top picks. However, it's an ideal choice for families who don't wish to spend lots of money.