Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a fantastic option when you have twins or children who are very close in age. They are a bit smaller than side by side buggies, and are perfect for tight spaces like doors, public transport and rough terrain.
Some can be converted to travel systems that take two carrycots or car seats for children. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may feel less stable in bumping up the kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add a second seat to an existing one, there are a variety of options available. The UPPAbaby V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller. It is easily transformed from a single stroller to a double by adding a rumble seat. However, it's expensive and less mobile than other double strollers because the 2nd seat goes behind the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option however, it doesn't have storage under the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other options include twin buggies that have all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can accommodate two children. These tend to be more expensive, however they're designed to last longer on rough terrain and could have greater resales value.
Independent recline of the seat
If you require a double buggy to carry children of different ages, you'll require a model with an recline independent for both seats. This will allow your child's older to sit back and relax while the baby is in the bassinet, and the reverse.
Consider the size of your pushchair to determine the ease of you to navigate through doors and on public transport. If your doors are narrow, you might want to consider a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. cheap double pushchair has a footprint similar to a single stroller however it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are typically larger 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/car seats/seats and can make a great option for twins and siblings of different age groups. They can also be more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are a good investment if you plan to keep it for many years and have a good amount of resale value if you decide to sell it when your children have grown out of it.
This feature allows you to put your child in the most comfortable position for naps and observation. This is particularly important if you have a young child in the rear seat who will prefer to lay back and take a snooze while the older child would prefer to sit up and observe their surroundings.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to fully recline into a position that is almost flat, ideal for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example, has stadium-style seating that can be reclined to several positions. It also comes with a UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings of different ages, and you can move about without having to worry about your children touching. They're typically a bit larger with one seat positioned behind the other and usually with a fully-flat recline option for infants (or an upright position for toddlers).
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design available and has an identical footprint to one buggy. It also has an adjustable handle, which makes it easy for parents of different heights to push and an adjustable handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb difficult hills. It is suitable for use from birth, and it can be combined with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has a simple one-click to fold and is able to be utilized in a duo or mono mode. The frame's clever design can be expanded to accommodate an additional chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a great choice for older siblings that would like to sit together. It's slightly longer than some other models, but it's light to steer and comes with soft suspension to tackle the kerbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler tandems inline available - check out Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example - which provide stability and swift steering. Often these can be folded into the size of one buggy, which is helpful when you have trouble storing it at home or frequently need to lug it in and out of the boot when using public transport.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy will be more heavy and more bulkier than a single compact buggy. Make sure you know what you want prior to making a buy. You'll be taking it off and on subways, trains and buses frequently, so it must be easy to use and manage. You may need to juggle the car seat in and out while taking your child to school or the nursery.
From birth, you're an ideal candidate
If you're expecting twins, or have another child after your first, you're going need to find a stroller that can accommodate the whole family. Double buggies are typically heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However they are also more maneuverable in tighter doorways and around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via a separate accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front of the other. They are a good option for children who are close in age and are good friends. They're not completely safe. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could kick or punch each other and children with different heights can fight over who sits taller. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low model that raises the seat at the rear. Your older child will not be seated on the lower part of the car, and won't get much of a look out.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for a convertible double buggy that includes a carrycot that is able to accommodate both infants and an older child. It features a clever frame that expands in width when you add a second seat and folds down flat for compact storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps easy to secure and the buckles are among the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. Both seats can recline independently and the canopy is spacious and large 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 quite expensive. But a high-quality tandem will last you for a long time and will have an attractive resale value so in the end you'll probably recoup a portion of the cost. The iCandy does not have the same seating configurations as our other top choices. It's nevertheless an excellent choice for families that don't want spend a lot of cash.