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 a bit smaller than side-byside buggies and are ideal for maneuvering tight spaces, such as entrances, on public transportation and on rough terrain.
Many also convert into travel systems to include two carrycots or car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs and may feel less stable in bumping up the kerbs.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seating or changing a single stroller into a double. The UPPAbaby V2 is a large, beautiful stroller. It is easily transformed from a single stroller to a double by adding the rumble seat. However, it's expensive and less mobile than other double strollers due to the fact that the second seat is located to the left of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model with a wide range of seating options, but isn't equipped with storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. They are generally more expensive but they're designed for long trips over rough terrain and could have more resale value.
Independent recline of the seat
If you're looking for a double stroller that can accommodate children of various age groups, you'll require one with an independent recliner for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to be able to relax while your baby is sleeping in a bassinet and the reverse is true.
It is also important to consider the width of the pushchair, as this will affect the ease of traverse doors and public transport. If extra resources are very narrow, you might be considering a side by side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller however it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are usually a little longer than side-by-side models and therefore aren't difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs, however they can be able to accommodate a wider variety of car/car/seat combinations, so can be a good option for twins or siblings of different age groups. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are a good investment if you intend to keep it for a long time and have a good amount of resale value should you decide to sell it off when your children have grown out of it.
Another important feature 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 to nap or observe. This is important if your child is in the back seat and wishes to nap while the child in the front prefers to sit up and observe the surrounding.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to fully recline to a position that is almost flat, perfect for babies. The iCandy Orange, for example, has stadium-style seating that can be reclined to various positions. It also offers UPF 50+ sun protection and peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin buggies
They are perfect for siblings with different age groups, and they allow you to move about without having to worry about your children touching. They're usually a larger, with one seat behind the other. The seats can be reclined fully for infants, or put in an upright position for toddlers.
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It is the slimmest design side-by-side on the market, and a footprint that is similar to the footprint of a single stroller. It has an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake, which is useful on steep hills. It is suitable for use from birth, and can be used with a range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in duo or mono mode with just one click. Its innovative frame can be expanded to allow for a second seat and can be used with two carrycots or car seats making it a great option for older siblings that want to sit together and enjoy the view. It's slightly longer than some other models, but it's light to steer and comes with soft suspension that is able to handle 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 they provide stability and quick steering. Most of them can be folded into the size of one buggy, which is helpful if you struggle with storage at home or have to carry it in and out of your car when using public transportation.
It's important to keep in mind that a large double buggy will feel bulkier and heavier than a single buggy that is smaller So make sure it's what you need before you purchase. It will be used on buses, trains and subways frequently, so it should be easy to manage and use. You might also have to juggle it on and off the car seat when you take your children to school or nursery so you'll need to ensure it's easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
From birth
You'll need a pushchair for your entire family whether you're expecting twins or you have another child after you've had your first. Double buggies are typically heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single strollers. However, they are easier to maneuver in tighter doorways, or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies are compatible with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This allows you to transport three children simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front of the other, and they're usually a better option when you have two children who are close enough in age to get along well. They're not completely safe. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could punch or kick each other, and children of different heights may fight over who is sitting higher. This problem can be solved by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat to the rear. Your older child will not be seated on the lowest part of the car and won't get much of an opportunity to see.
The iCandy Wave is a great option for parents looking for an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can fit both a newborn in a carrycot, and an older child in the main seat. It features a smart frame that can be expanded in width when you add a second seat and folds down to flattish storage. The cushioned buckles, straps and seats are all of the best quality we have encountered in any of our tests. The canopies are large in size and UPF 50+ protection, as well as a windows that peek out. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only downside of the iCandy is that it's expensive however, a good tandem will last a long time and retain its resale value, which means you'll probably get back some of the cost in the end. It doesn't have the same range of seating options as others of our top choices, but the iCandy is a good choice for families who don't wish to spend a lot.