Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a great choice for twins or children who are close in age. They are a bit smaller than side-by-side buggies and are perfect for small spaces such as doors, public transport, and rocky terrain.
Some can be converted into travel systems that use two carrycots or child car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs and may feel less stable bumping up the kerbs.
Convertible
There are a variety of options for adding a second seat or converting a single stroller to double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is large, gorgeous stroller that can easily be converted from a single model to double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). However, it's pricey and less maneuverable than other dual strollers double strollers because the 2nd seat goes to the left of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model however, it doesn't have storage under the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other options include lightweight twin stroller buggies with all-terrain wheels and joggers with fixed wheels that can accommodate two children. They tend to be more expensive, however they're designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain and can have a higher resale value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you're looking for a double stroller which can accommodate children of different ages, you will need one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This will allow your older child to rest in the back while the baby is in the bassinet, and the reverse.
Take into consideration the width of your pushchair to determine the ease of you to navigate through doors and on public transportation. If your doors are narrow, you might think about a side by Side double Pushchairs-by-side pushchair like 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 slightly longer than side-by-side models, and aren't as easy to manoeuvre through kerbs and up and down, however, they can accommodate a wider variety of car seat/car seat combinations, making them a good option for twins or siblings of various ages. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but they're worth the cost if you plan on keeping it for many years. They'll also keep a good amount of value if you decide to sell it when your children have outgrown the buggie.
Another thing to look for is if the seat backs are able to recline independently from one another since this will allow you to place your child in the best position for naps or watching. This is particularly important if you have a young child in the rear seat who will prefer to lay back and relax while the older child would prefer to sit up and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to fully recline to a position that is almost flat, ideal for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example, has stadium-style seating that can be reclined in multiple positions. It also offers UPF 50+ sun protection and windows that peek out.
More spacious than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins in order to benefit from a larger double buggy with car seat buggy. They're perfect for siblings of various age groups and let you get around without having to worry about your children touching. They're usually a bit longer, with one seat behind the other. The seats can be reclined fully for newborns or in an upright position for toddlers.
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design available and features a footprint similar to a single buggy. It comes with an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake that is useful on steep hills. It is suitable to use from birth and it can be combined with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in duo or mono mode with just one click. The clever frame can be expanded to accommodate an additional chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal choice for older siblings that want to sit together. It's slightly longer than other models, but it still feels light and has a comfortable suspension for kerbs.
There are also a variety 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 swift steering. These can often be folded into a single buggy if you have limited space at home, or need to transport it from the car to the bus.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy is heavier and more bulkier than a single compact buggy. Be sure to know what you want prior to making a buy. It will be used on buses, trains and subways often, therefore it must be simple to manage and use. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat while taking your child to school or nursery.
Suitable from birth
If you're expecting twins or you have a child following your first, you're likely to need to find a stroller that can accommodate the whole family. double pushchairs buggies are generally a bit heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers, but they are also easier to maneuver through narrower doors or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies can be used with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to carry three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs seat one child in the front of the other, and they're usually a better option if you have two kids who are similar in age to be able to live well. But they're not foolproof: Siblings in side-by-side seats could kick or punch each other, and children who are different heights can argue over who gets to sit higher. This problem can be solved by a tandem high-low design that elevates the seat at the rear. Your child's older isn't seated at the bottom of the car and won't be able to get an opportunity to see.
The iCandy Wave is a good option for parents who are looking for a convertible double buggy that includes a carrycot that can fit both the newborn and the older child. It has a clever frame that expands widthways when you add the second seat. It folds flat for compact storage. The cushioned seats, straps and buckles are all of the best quality we have seen in our testing. You can recline both seats independently and the canopies are big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection as well as windows that can be seen from a distance.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit expensive. But a high-quality tandem will last you for years and retain the highest resale value, so in the end you'll likely recover a portion of the cost. It also doesn't offer the same selection of seating configurations as some of our other top picks however, the iCandy is a great choice for families who don't want to shell out a lot of money.