Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggy is a great choice. They are a bit smaller than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for small spaces such as doorways, public transport and rocky terrain.
Some are able to 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 a convertible stroller that can be converted from a single to a double or to add an additional seat to an existing one, there are many options to choose from. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is large, gorgeous stroller that easily converts from a single to a double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). It's costly and less mobile than other double strollers since the second seat is located to the left of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model, but it lacks storage under the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels and joggers with fixed wheels that can hold two children. They are more expensive however, they are designed for long trips on rough terrain and come with higher resale prices.
Reclining the seat independently
If you require a double buggy that is able to carry children of different ages, you'll require a model with an recline that is independent for both seats. twin pushchair from birth Push Chairs And Prams will allow your child's older to sit back and relax while the baby is in the bassinet, and reverse.
Consider the size of your pushchair to determine how easy it is for you to navigate through doors and public transport. If your doorways are very narrow, you might want to consider a side-by-side pushchair such as 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 a little longer than side-by-side models and so aren't as easily maneuverable up and down kerbs, however, they can accommodate a wider variety of car/car/seat combinations, so can be a good option for twins or siblings of different age. These buggies are priced higher than single buggies to double however they're worth it if you plan to keep it for a number of years. They'll also keep an impressive amount of value if you decide to sell it when your children are old enough to use the buggie.
This feature will allow you to put your child in an ideal position for naps or to observe. This is particularly important if you have a child younger than in the rear seat, who will be inclined to lie down and sleep while the more mature child wants to sit up and look around their surroundings.
A few brands have an exclusive seat design that allows the back seat to fully recline to an almost flat position which is perfect for newborns. For instance the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the toddler seat included and the add-on RumbleSeat to multiple positions, to give your kids a the option of deciding where to sit as well as offering an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin buggies
There's no need to have twins to benefit from a bigger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of different age groups. They allow you to get around without having to worry about your children touching each other. They're typically a little longer too with one seat placed behind the other and providing a flat recline for infants (or a more upright position for toddlers).
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which is the tiniest side-by-side model available and features the same footprint as one buggy. It comes with an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake which can be useful on hills that are steep. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots. This means it is a great travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in mono or duo mode with just one click. Its clever frame can be expanded widthwise to accommodate a second seat and can be used with up to two carrycots or car seats making it a great option for older siblings who want to sit together and share the view. It's a bit longer than other models, but it still feels light and has soft suspension for curbs.
There are many 3-wheeler tandems with inline tires that provide stability and fast steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Most of them can be folded into the size of a single buggy which is useful for those who struggle with storage at home or frequently need to carry it in and out of the car when you travel on public transportation.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy will be heavier and bulkier than one compact buggy. Be sure you know what you want prior to making a buy. 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 nursery.
The best time to start is when you are born.
You'll need a stroller for your entire family whether you're expecting twins, or you have another child after you've had your first. Double buggies are typically slightly heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers, however they are also more maneuverable through narrower doors or around obstacles like curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via an additional accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at a time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front of the other, so they're usually a better option when you have two children that are close enough in age to function well together. However, they're not 100% secure Siblings in a side-by-side seat could kick or punch each other, and kids with different heights may argue over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model could solve this problem by elevating the seat at the rear, which will prevent your older child from being sat on the bottom and not getting much of a view.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that can fit both infants and an older child. It features a clever frame that can be expanded in width when you add the second seat. It folds flat to make it a compact storage. The padded buckles, straps and seats are all of the highest quality we have encountered in our testing. Both seats can recline independently, and the canopies are spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection as well as windows that can be seen from a distance.
The only downside of the iCandy is that it's a bit expensive however, a good tandem will last for years and maintain its resale value, so you'll probably get back some of the cost in the long run. It doesn't have the same range of seating configurations that others of our top picks however the iCandy is a good choice for families who don't wish to shell out a lot of money.