Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children similar in age, a tandem double buggy is a fantastic option. They are smaller than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for narrow spaces like doors, public transport, and terrain that is rocky.
Some can be converted to travel systems that can take two carrycots or child car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may feel less stable as they bump up the kerbs.
Convertible
There are a variety of options for adding a second seating or making a single stroller a double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a big, beautiful stroller that can easily be converted from a single stroller to a double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). However, it's pricey and less maneuverable than other dual strollers since the second seat is placed to the left of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model 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 which can be used to accommodate two children. They are more expensive but they are designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain and come with more expensive resales.
Independent recline of the seat
If you require a double buggy that can 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 be able to relax while your baby is in the bassinet, and reverse.
You'll also have to think about the size of the pushchair as it will impact the ease of get through doors and on public transportation. If you have very narrow doors, it could be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint similar to a single buggy, however, it is able to accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies tend to be longer than side by side models, and therefore are more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and are the perfect choice for twins and siblings of various ages. They are more expensive than single-to-double buggies but they're well worth it if you intend on keeping it for many years. They also hold an impressive amount of value when sold once your children are old enough to use it.
Another important feature to look for is whether the seat backs are able to recline independently of each other as this will let you put your child in the best position for napping or observation. This is crucial when your child is in the back seat and wishes to take a nap while the more mature child prefers to sit and observe the surroundings.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to fully recline into a position that is almost flat, ideal for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example, has stadium-style seating that can be reclined to multiple positions. It also has UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin buggies
You don't need to have twins to benefit from a wider double buggy. They're perfect for siblings of different ages and allow you to move around without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a bit larger too with one seat placed behind the other and usually with a fully-flat recline option for newborns (or an upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It is the tiniest design side-by-side on the market, and a footprint similar to a single stroller. It also has an adjustable handle, which makes it easy for parents of different heights to push, and a handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb difficult terrains. It is suitable for use right from birth, and can be paired with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and is able to be utilized in a duo or mono mode. Its clever frame expands in width to accommodate a second chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a great choice for older siblings that would like to sit together. It's a little bigger than the other models, but it still feels light and has soft suspension for the kerbs.
There are also plenty of 3-wheeler inline tandems available such as Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for instance - which offer stability and swift steering. They are often folded into one buggy if you have limited space at home or need to transport it from the car to the bus stop.
Be aware that a double-wide buggy is more heavy and bulkier than one compact buggy. Make sure you know what you want prior to making a buy. You'll be taking it on and off trains, buses and subways often, so it should be easy to use and manage. You might need to manage the car seat in and out while taking your child to school or to nursery.
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. twin buggy are generally heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However, they are more maneuverable in narrower doors, or around obstacles like curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as an accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front of the other, and they're usually a better option for families with two children that are close enough in age to get along well together. But they're not foolproof Siblings in a side-by-side seat can kick or punch one another, and children with different heights may argue over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model can solve this issue by elevating the seat towards the rear, which prevents your older child from being on the bottom and not having the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a good choice for parents looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that is able to accommodate both a newborn and an older child. It features a clever frame which can be expanded in size when you add the second child seat. It can also fold flat for compact storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps are easy to fasten, and the buckles are among the most comfortable we've seen on any of our tests. You can recline both seats independently and the canopies are large and generous with UPF 50+ protection as well as windows that can be seen from a distance.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it is quite expensive. But a high-quality tandem will last you for years and retain the highest resale value, which means that in the end you'll probably recoup a portion of the cost. The iCandy does not have the same seating configurations as our other top choices. cheap double stroller 's nevertheless an ideal choice for families that don't want spend a lot of cash.