Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a great choice for twins or children who are close in age. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for maneuvering narrow spaces like entrances, on public transportation and on rocky terrain.
Some can be converted to travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats for children. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs and might feel less stable when bumping up the kerbs.
Convertible
Whether you're looking for a convertible stroller that converts from single to double or to add an additional seat to an existing one, there's several options available. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a spacious, gorgeous stroller that converts easily from a single stroller to double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable because the second seat is positioned behind the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow provides a similar choice but lacks 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 accommodate two children. They tend to be more expensive, but they're made to last longer on rough terrain and could have greater resales value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you need a double buggy that can transport children of different age groups, then you'll need a buggy that has an independent seat recline for both seats. This will allow your older child to rest while the baby is sleeping in a bassinet, and reverse.
You'll also have to consider the width of the stroller as it will impact how easy it is to get through doors and on public transportation. If your doorways are very narrow, you might think about 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 tend to be larger 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 are a great option for twins and siblings of various age groups. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are a worthwhile investment if you intend to keep it for years and will retain a decent amount of resale value if you sell it on after your children have grown out of it.
Another thing to look for is if the seat backs can recline independently of each other as this will let you place your child in the best position to nap or observe. This is especially important if you have a young child in the rear seat who will want to lie back and take a snooze while the older child wants to sit up and look around their surroundings.
A few brands have a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to fully recline into an almost flat position which is perfect for infants. For Pushchairs And Prams , the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the toddler seat that comes with it and the additional RumbleSeat into various positions so your kids can have the option of where they want they will sit, as well as providing an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows.
Larger than twin buggies
They are great for siblings with different ages, and you can move about without worrying about your children touching. They're usually a larger with one seat positioned behind the other. The seats can be reclined completely for babies or placed in 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 has an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake that can be useful on hills that are steep. It is suitable for use right from birth, and can be paired with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in duo or mono mode in a single 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 a great option for older siblings who wish to be seated together. It's a bit bigger than the other models, but it feels light and has soft suspension for the kerbs.
There are also plenty of 3-wheeler inline tandems that are available such as Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for instance that provide stability and quick steering. They are often folded down to size one buggy which is useful when you have trouble storing it at home or frequently need to transport it into and out of your car when using public transportation.
Be aware that a double-wide buggy is more heavy and heavier than one compact buggy. Make sure you know what you want before you purchase. You'll have to get it on and off subways, trains and buses often, so it should be easy to use and manage. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat when you take your child to school or to nursery.
From birth, you're a suitable candidate
If you're expecting twins, or you have a child following your first, you're going need to find an appropriate pushchair for the whole family. Double buggies are typically heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However, they are more maneuverable in tighter doorways or around obstacles such as curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as an additional accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs place 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 function well together. They're not 100% secure. Siblings seated side-by-side may punch or kick one another and children of different heights can fight over who sits taller. A tandem high-low model could solve this issue by elevating the seat at the rear, which will prevent your child's height from being sat on the bottom and not having much of a view.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative 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 that expands widthways when you add a second seat and folds down to flattish storage. The padded seats are comfortable, the straps are easy to secure and the buckles are among the most comfortable we've seen on any of our tests. The canopies have a generous size and UPF 50+ protection, and windows that peek out. Both seats can recline independently.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit expensive. But a high-quality tandem will last for many years and have the highest resale value, which means that in the end you'll likely recover some of the cost. The iCandy does not have the same seating options as our other top selections. However, it's a good option for families who don't wish to spend lots of cash.