Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a fantastic option for twins or children who are close in age. They are narrower than side-by-side buggies and are great for small spaces such as doors, public transport, and rocky terrain.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that can take two carrycots or child car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs and may not be as stable when in bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible stroller that can be converted from a single to a double or to add another seat to an existing one, there's several options available. The UPPAbaby V2 is spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can easily be converted from a single to a double by adding a Rumble seat. It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is located in front of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar option with a wide range of seating options, but lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can accommodate two kids. These tend to be more expensive but they're designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain, and may have greater resales value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you're looking for a double buggy that is able to transport children of various ages then you're going to want one that has recline independent for both seats. This will allow your child's older to relax in the back while the baby sleeps in the bassinet and vice versa.
Take into consideration the width of your pushchair to determine how easy it is for you to maneuver through doors and on public transportation. If your doors are narrow, you may be considering 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.
compact twin stroller are typically larger than side-by-side models, making them more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However they can be able to accommodate more combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and are the perfect choice for twins and siblings of different age groups. They are also more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are worth the investment if you plan to keep it for many years and will have a decent amount of resale value if you decide to sell it off after your children have grown out of it.
Another crucial thing to look out for is if the seat backs can recline independently from one another as this will let you place your child in the best position to nap or observe. This is especially important if you have a younger child in the rear seat who will be inclined to lie down and sleep 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 fully recline to a position that is almost flat, perfect for newborns. For instance, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline both the included toddler seat and the add-on RumbleSeat into multiple positions so that your children have a a choice of where to sit as well as providing an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out.
More spacious than twin buggies
You don't need to have twins to benefit from a wider double buggy. They're great for siblings of various ages and allow you to go about your day without worrying about your children touching each other. They're usually a bit larger too with one seat positioned behind the other, and typically providing a flat recline for newborns (or a more upright position for toddlers).
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which is the tiniest side-by-side model on the market and has a footprint similar to one buggy. It also comes with an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of different heights to push and an adjustable handbrake, which is useful when tackling difficult terrains. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots, meaning it is a great travel system.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and can be utilized in a duo or mono mode. Its innovative 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 wish to sit together and enjoy the view. It's a bit larger than other models, but it feels light and has a comfortable 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 example - which offer stability and swift steering. They are often folded down to size one buggy which is useful for those who struggle with storage at home or need to carry it in and out of the boot when you travel on public transport.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy is more heavy and more bulkier than one that is compact. Be sure you know what you want before you purchase. It is likely to be utilized on buses, trains and subways frequently, so it must be easy to operate and use. You might need to manage the car seat on and off when taking your child to school or nursery.
From birth, you are an ideal candidate
You'll need a pushchair for the whole family, regardless of whether you're expecting twins or you have another child after you've had your first. Double buggies are generally larger, heavier and cost more than single strollers, but they can also be easier to maneuver in narrower doorways or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in the front of the other, so they're generally a better option when you have two children who are similar in age to be able to live well. They're not completely safe. Siblings sitting side-by-side can punch or kick each other and children with different heights may fight over who sits taller. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low design that elevates the seat at the back. Your child's older will not be sitting at the lower part of the car, and won't be able to get an opportunity to see.
The iCandy Wave is a good choice for parents looking for a convertible double buggy that includes a carrycot that can accommodate both infants and an older child. It has a clever frame that can be expanded in width when you add a second seat, and folds to flattish storage. The cushioned buckles, straps and seats are all of the best quality we have encountered in our testing. The canopies have a generous size, UPF 50+ protection, and the window is peekaboo. Both seats are reclined independently.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it is quite expensive. However, a quality tandem will last for a long time and will have an attractive resale value which means that in the end you'll likely recover a portion of the cost. It doesn't come with the same range of seating configurations that others of our top picks however the iCandy is a good option for families that don't want to spend a lot.