Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a great option when you have twins or children who are very close in age. They are narrower than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for tight spaces like doors, public transport, and terrain that is rocky.
Many convert into travel systems to include two carrycots or car seats. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seating or making a single stroller a double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a big, beautiful stroller that converts easily from a single model to a double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable due to the fact that the second seat is placed on top of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with a wide range of seating options, but does not have storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other alternatives include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can accommodate two kids. These are more expensive, however, they are designed for long trips on rough terrain and come with more expensive resales.
Independent recline of the seat
If you're looking for a double buggy to carry children of different ages then you're going to need a buggy that has an recline that is independent for both seats. This will allow your older child to relax in the back while the baby is in the bassinet, and the reverse.
Consider the width of your stroller to determine how easy it is for you to get through doors and on 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 that is similar to a single stroller however can still 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 can make an excellent choice for twins and siblings of different age. These buggies are priced higher than single-to-double buggies however they're worth it if you intend on keeping it for many years. They will also retain an impressive amount of value if you decide to sell it when your children are old enough to use it.
This feature allows you to put your child in an ideal position for naps or observation. This is especially important when you have a younger child in the rear seat, who will prefer to lay back and relax while the older child would prefer to sit and observe their surroundings.
A few brands have a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to fully recline into an almost flat position that is perfect for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined to multiple positions. It also has UPF 50+ sun protection and peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins in order to benefit from a larger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of various age groups. They allow you to move around without worrying about your children touching each other. They're typically a bit longer with one seat positioned 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 of the two-in-ones on the market and a footprint that is like one stroller. It also comes with an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of different heights to push and a handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb difficult hills. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots. This means it is a great travel system.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and can be used in duo or mono mode. Its clever frame expands widthways to accommodate a second seat and can be used with up to two carrycots or car seats so it's an excellent option for older siblings that wish to sit together and enjoy the view. It's slightly longer than some other models but still feels light to steer and has soft suspension that is able to handle the kerbs.
There are also plenty of 3-wheeler inline tandems available Check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies for instance that provide stability and quick steering. They are often folded into one buggy if you have limited space at home or you need to transport it from your car to the bus stop.
It's important to keep in mind that a wide double buggy will feel bulkier and heavier than a single buggy that is smaller Make sure that it's what you need before you purchase. It is likely to be used on trains, buses and subways frequently, so it must be easy to manage and use. You may also have to juggle it on and off the car seat while taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to be aware it can be easily manoeuvred in small spaces.
Suitable from birth
There will be a need for a pushchair for your entire family whether you're expecting twins, or if you have a child after you've had your first. Double buggies tend to be heavier, bulkier, and 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 accessory). This allows you to transport three children simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other. They're a good option if your children are close in age and get along well. They're not 100% secure. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could punch or kick one another and children of different heights could argue over who sits higher. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low design that elevates the seat at the rear. Your child's older one will not be sitting at the lowest part of the car and won't get much of an opportunity to see.
The iCandy Wave is a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to accommodate a newborn in a carrycot and an older child in the main seat. It features an intelligent frame that increases in size when you add a second child seat. It also folds flat for compact storage. The cushioned buckles, straps and seats are all of the best quality we have encountered in our testing. The seats can be reclined independently and the canopy is large and generous with UPF 50+ protection and windows that can be seen from a distance.
The only downside of the iCandy is that it's a little expensive however, a good tandem will last for a long time and maintain its resale value. So you'll probably get back some of the cost over the long term. It doesn't have the same range of seating options as some of our other top picks, but the iCandy is a great choice for families that don't want to spend a lot.