Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a great option for twins or children who are very close in age. They are a bit smaller than side by side buggies and are great for narrow spaces like doors, public transport, and rocky terrain.
Many transform into travel systems that include two carrycots or car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and might feel less stable when in bumping up the kerbs.
Convertible
There are a variety of options for adding a second seat or changing a single stroller into a double. double pram and pushchair is a spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can be easily changed from a single to a dual by adding an Rumble seat. However, it's pricey and less mobile than other double strollers because the 2nd seat is located behind the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option however, it doesn't have 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 made for long trips on rough terrain and have higher resale prices.
Independent recline of the seat
If you want a double stroller which can accommodate children of various age groups, you'll require one with an independent recliner for both seats. This will allow your older child to rest while the baby is in the bassinet and reverse.
You'll also need to consider the width of the stroller as it will impact the ease of traverse doors and public transport. If your doors are narrow, you may be considering a side by side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller, but can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are usually slightly longer than side-by-side models and therefore aren't difficult to maneuver around kerbs however they can be able to accommodate a wider range of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations making them a good option for twins or siblings of different age. They are more expensive than single buggies to double but they're well worth the cost if you plan to keep it for a few years. They will also retain some value if sold when your children are old enough to use it.
This feature allows you to place your child in an ideal position for naps or to observe. This is essential when your child is in the back seat and wishes to nap while the older child prefers to sit and observe the surrounding.
Certain brands come with an exclusive seat design that allows the back seat to completely recline into a nearly flat position, which is ideal for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined in multiple positions. It also comes with UPF 50+ sun protection and windows that peek out.
More spacious than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings of different age groups, and you can move about without having to worry about your children touching. They're usually a bit longer too with one seat positioned behind the other, and typically offering a fully-flat recline for babies (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 one stroller. It also features an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of various heights to push and an adjustable handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb difficult terrains. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots, which means it makes an excellent travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in either mono or duo mode with just a single click. Its innovative frame expands widthways to accommodate a second seat and can be used with two carrycots or car seats making it a great choice for older siblings who wish to sit together and share the view. It's a little larger than other models, but it feels light and has soft suspension for kerbs.
There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems with inline tires that provide stability and fast steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They are often folded into one buggy if you are limited in space at home, or need to transport it from your car to the bus.
It's important to remember that a wide double buggy will feel bulkier and heavier than a single buggy that is smaller So make sure it's what you need before you purchase. It is likely to be used on buses, trains and subways often, so it should be easy to operate and use. You may also need to juggle it on and off the car seat when taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to be aware it is able to be maneuvered within small spaces.
From birth, you are a suitable candidate
You'll need a pushchair for the whole family, whether you're expecting twins, or you have another child after having your first. Double buggies tend to be a bit heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers, however they can also be easier to manoeuvre in narrower doorways or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This allows you to carry three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs put one child ahead of the other. They are a good choice if your children are similar in age and are able to get along. They're not foolproof. Siblings seated side-by-side may punch or kick one another, and children of different heights may fight over who sits taller. This problem can be solved 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 an adjustable double buggy that can be converted into a carrycot that is able to accommodate both the newborn and the older child. It has a clever frame that expands in width when you add the second seat, and folds flat to make it a compact storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps are simple to fasten and the buckles are among the best we've seen on any of our tests. The canopy is large in size, UPF 50+ protection, and a windows that peek out. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only downside of the iCandy is that it's a little expensive, but a quality tandem will last for years and maintain its resale value. So you'll probably get back some of the cost in the end. The iCandy does not have the same seating arrangements as our other top picks. It's nevertheless a good option for families that don't want spend a lot of cash.