Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a fantastic option for twins or children who are close in age. They're narrower than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for maneuvering narrow spaces like entrances, on public transportation and rocky terrain.
Some can be converted into travel systems that can take two carrycots or car seats for children. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
If you're looking for convertible stroller that can be converted from a single to a double or to add a second seat to an existing one, there are many options to choose from. The UPPAbaby V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can be easily transformed from a single stroller to a dual by adding the seating area with a rumble. It is more expensive and less maneuverable because the second seat is placed in front of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow provides a similar choice, but it lacks storage underneath the seat when it is used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can hold two children. They are generally more expensive, but they're made to last longer on rough terrain and can have greater resales value.
Independent seat recline
If you're looking for a double buggy to transport children of various ages then you're going to need a buggy that has an recline independent for both seats. This will allow your older child to rest while the baby is in a bassinet, and the reverse is true.
You'll also need to consider the width of the stroller as it will impact how easy it is to traverse doors and public transport. If your doorways are very narrow, you may want to consider a side by side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller however can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are a little longer than side-by-side models and so aren't as easily maneuverable through kerbs and up and down, but they can accommodate a bigger range of car/car/seat combinations, making them a good option for twins or siblings of different age groups. They are priced higher 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 are old enough to use it.
This feature allows you to place your child in an ideal position for naps and observation. This is particularly important if you have a child younger than in the rear seat who may be inclined to lie down and relax while the more mature child wants to sit up and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to recline fully to a position that is almost flat, perfect for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example, has stadium-style seating that can be reclined into several positions. It also has UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
They are great for siblings of different ages, and you can move about without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a larger with one seat in front of the other. The seats can be reclined fully for newborns or in an upright position for toddlers.
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It has the slimmest design that is side-by-side, and a footprint like one stroller. It also comes with an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of various heights to push as well as a handbrake, which is useful when tackling steep hills. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots, which means it makes an excellent travel system.
Another alternative 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 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 option for older siblings who want to sit together. sit and stand double stroller 's a bit longer than other models, but it still feels light and has a comfortable suspension for the kerbs.
There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems with inline tires that offer stability and swift steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They are often folded into a single buggy if you are limited in space at home or need to carry it from the car to the bus stop.
It's worth bearing in mind that a wide double buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a smaller single buggy, so make sure you're getting what you need before you buy. You'll need to take it off and on trains, buses and subways often, so it should be easy to operate and manage. You may also need to move it on and off the car seat when you take your children to nursery or school so you'll need to ensure it's easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
From birth, you're an ideal candidate
If you're expecting twins, or have another child after your first, you're going to require a stroller that can accommodate the whole family. Double buggies are typically larger, heavier and more expensive than single strollers, however they can also be more maneuverable in narrower entrances or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies can be used with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in the front of the other, so they're generally a better option for families with two children that are close enough in age to function well together. But they're not foolproof Side-by-side chairs can kick or punch each other, and children on different heights can squabble over who gets to sit higher. A tandem high-low model can solve this issue by elevating the seat to the rear, which prevents your child's height from being sat on the bottom and not having the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a good option for parents who are looking for an adjustable double buggy that can be converted into a carrycot that can accommodate both infants and an older child. It has an innovative frame that expands in width when you add the second child seat. It also folds flat for compact storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps are simple to fasten and the buckles are among the most comfortable we've seen on any of our tests. The canopies are large in size and UPF 50+ protection, and a peekaboo window. Both seats are reclined independently.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit expensive. However, a good tandem will last you for years and retain the highest resale value, which means that in the end you'll likely recover some of the cost. It doesn't come with the same range of seating options as the other top choices however, the iCandy is a good choice for families that don't want to spend a lot.