Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggie is a fantastic option. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies and ideal for navigating narrow spaces like doorways, on public transport and on rough terrain.
Some can be converted to travel systems that can take two carrycots or child car seats. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
Whether you're looking for a convertible stroller that can be converted from a single to a double or to add a second seat to an existing one, there are a variety of options available. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is big, beautiful stroller that can easily be converted from a single stroller to double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It's costly and less maneuverable than other dual strollers due to the fact that the second seat is located behind the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow provides a similar choice however, it doesn't have storage underneath the seat when it is used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies, as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. They tend to be more expensive but they're designed to last longer on rough terrain, and may have more resale value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you are 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 older child to sit back and relax while the baby is in the bassinet, and vice versa.
Think about the width of your stroller and consider the ease of you to maneuver through doors and public transportation. If your doors are narrow, you might want to consider a side by side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller, but can still accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally smaller than side-byside models, and aren't as easy to manoeuvre through kerbs and up and down, however, they can accommodate a bigger range of car seat/car seat combinations, making them a good option for twins or siblings of various ages. They are priced higher than single buggies to double however they're worth it if you intend to keep it for a number of years. They also hold some value if you decide to sell it when your kids have outgrown the buggie.
This feature will allow you to put your child in an ideal position for naps and observation. This is important if your child is in the back seat and wants to take a nap while the older child prefers to sit up and observe the surrounding.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to fully recline into a position that is nearly flat, which is ideal for infants. For instance the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline both the toddler seat that comes with it and the add-on RumbleSeat to multiple positions, to give your kids a the option of where they want to sit and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins to benefit from a wider double buggy. They're great for siblings of different age groups and let you go about your day without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a bit larger too with one seat positioned behind the other, and typically providing a flat recline for infants (or an upright position for toddlers).
pushchair twin is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which features the slimmest side-by-side design available and has the same footprint as a single buggy. It also comes with an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of various heights to push and an adjustable handbrake, which is useful when tackling difficult terrains. It is suitable for use from birth, and can be used with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in mono or duo mode with just a single click. The frame's clever design expands widthways to accommodate a second seat and can be used with two carrycots or car seats which makes it an ideal option for older siblings who want to sit together and share the view. It's slightly bigger than the other models, but it still feels light and has soft suspension for 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 quick steering. They are often folded into a single buggy in case you have a small space at home or need to transport it from the car to the bus stop.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy will be more heavy and more bulkier than one that is compact. Be sure to know what you want prior to making a buy. It is likely to be utilized on buses, trains and subways often, so it must be easy to operate and use. You may also need to juggle it onto and off the car seat when taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to be aware it's easy to maneuver in small spaces.
Suitable from birth
You'll need a stroller for your entire family, whether you're expecting twins or you have a second child after having your first. Double buggies are generally heavier and bulkier as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are also more maneuverable in narrower doors or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies are compatible with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This lets you transport three children simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other. They are a good choice if your children are of similar ages and get along well. But they're not foolproof Siblings in a side-by-side seat can kick or punch each other, and kids on different heights can squabble over who sits higher. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat in the back. Your older child 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 great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can accommodate a newborn in a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It features an intelligent frame that can be expanded in size when you add a second child seat. It folds flat for storage that is compact. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps are simple to fasten and the buckles are among the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. Both seats can recline 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 a bit on the expensive side however, a good tandem will last for years and retain its resale value. So you'll probably get back some of the cost in the end. It doesn't come with the same range of seating configurations as some of our other top picks however, the iCandy is a good choice for families who don't wish to shell out a lot of money.