Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy from birth buggy (79bo.com) could be a fantastic option when you have twins or children who are close in age. They are smaller than side by side buggies, and are great for small spaces such as doors, public transport, and rocky terrain.
Some can be converted into travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats for children. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs and might feel less stable when in bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
There are a variety of options to add a second seat or changing a single stroller into a double seat stroller. The UPPAbaby V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can easily be transformed from a single stroller to a double by adding a rumble seat. However, it's expensive and less maneuverable than other dual strollers since the second seat is placed in front of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option, but it lacks storage under the seat when used as a double pushchair from birth stroller.
Other options include twin stroller buggies that have all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can be used to carry two children. They tend to be more expensive, however they're designed for long trips over rough terrain, and may have more resale value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you're looking for a double buggy to carry children of different age groups, then you'll want one that has recline independent for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to relax while the baby is in a bassinet, and reverse.
You'll also have to think about the size of the pushchair as this will affect how easy it is to get through doors and on public transport. If your doors are narrow, you might be considering a side by side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller but it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally longer than side by side models, and therefore are more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However they can also accommodate a wider range of combinations of seats/carrycots/car seats and can make an excellent choice for twins and siblings of various age groups. They are also more expensive than single to double buggy converts to single buggies however they're worth the cost if you plan to keep it for a few years. They will also retain an impressive amount of value if you decide to sell it when your children are old enough to use it.
Another thing to look out for is if the backs of the seats can recline independently of each other since this will allow you to put your child in the ideal position to nap or observe. This is crucial if your child is in the back seat and wishes to take a nap while the child in the front prefers to sit and observe the surroundings.
A few brands have a unique seat design which allows the back seat to fully recline into an almost flat position which is perfect for infants. For example, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline both the toddler seat that comes with it as well as the optional RumbleSeat into multiple positions so your kids can have the option of deciding where to sit as well as offering 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 to benefit from a wider double buggy. They're perfect for siblings of various age groups and let you go about your day without having to worry about your children touching. They're usually a bit larger with one seat positioned behind the other, and typically providing a flat recline 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. It also has an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of various heights to push and an adjustable handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb difficult terrains. It is suitable for use from birth, and can be used with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in mono or duo mode in a single click. The clever frame can be expanded to accommodate the second chair and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic choice for older siblings that would like to sit together. It's a bit larger than other models, but it feels light and has a comfortable suspension for kerbs.
There are many 3-wheeler tandems with inline tires that offer stability and quick steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They are often folded into the size of a single buggy which is useful for those who struggle with storage at home or have to transport it into and out of the car on public transportation.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy is heavier and more bulkier than one compact buggy. Be sure you know what you want before you purchase. You'll need to take it off and on subways, buses, and trains regularly so it needs to be easy to operate and manage. You might need to manage the car seat when you take your child to school or nursery.
The best time to start is when you are born.
Whether you're expecting twins or have another child after your first, you're likely to need to find a pushchair that fits the whole family. Double buggies are generally heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However they are also more maneuverable in tighter doors, or around obstacles like curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or through an accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front of the other. They're a good option for children who are similar in age and are good friends. But they're not completely safe Siblings in a side-by-side seat can kick or punch each other, and kids with different heights may argue over who sits higher. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low design that elevates the seat at the back. Your child's older isn't seated at the lower part of the car, and won't have much of an opportunity to see.
The iCandy Wave is a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to accommodate a newborn in a carrycot and an older child in the main seat. It features an intelligent frame that can be expanded in size when you add the second child seat. It also folds flat for storage that is compact. The padded seats are comfortable, the straps are simple to fasten and the buckles are among the best we've seen on any of our tests. You can recline both seats 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 tandem is that it's a bit costly. However, a quality tandem will last you for years and retain a high resale price, which means that in the end you'll probably recoup some of the cost. It also doesn't offer the same selection of seating options as some of our other top picks however the iCandy is a good choice for families who don't wish to spend a fortune.