Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very similar in age, a tandem double buggie is a great choice. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies and ideal for navigating tight spaces such as doorways, on public transport and rocky terrain.
Some transform into travel systems that take 2 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 converting a single stroller to double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a big, beautiful stroller that can easily be converted from a single model to a double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). double pram and pushchair is more expensive and less maneuverable due to the fact that the second seat is placed behind the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model however, it doesn't have storage underneath the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can accommodate two children. They are more expensive, but they are made for long trips on rough terrain, and come with a higher resale price.
Reclining the seat independently
If you require a double buggy that is able to transport children of different ages then you're going to need a buggy that has an recline independent for both seats. This will allow your older child to relax while the baby is in a bassinet, and reverse.
You'll also need to consider the width of the pushchair as it will impact the ease of traverse doors and public transport. If you have narrow doorways then it might be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint similar to a single buggy but can still use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally larger than side-by-side models, making them more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and can make the perfect choice for twins and siblings of various age groups. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are a good investment if you intend to keep it for many years and have a good amount of resale value should you decide to sell it off after your children have grown out of it.
Another crucial thing to look for is if the seat backs are able to recline independently from one another since this will allow you to put your child in the most optimal position for napping or observation. This is crucial for children who are in the back seat and wishes to nap while the older child prefers to sit up to observe the surroundings.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to recline fully into a position that is almost flat, perfect for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined into various positions. It also has UPF 50+ sun protection and windows that peek out.
More spacious than twin buggies
There's no need to have twins to benefit from a bigger double buggy. They're perfect for siblings of different age groups. They allow you to go about your day without having to worry about your children touching. They're usually a larger, with one seat behind the other. The seats can be reclined completely for babies or placed in an upright position for toddlers.
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design available and has the same footprint as a single buggy. It also has an adjustable handle, making it easy for parents of different heights to push as well as a handbrake, which is useful when tackling difficult terrains. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots. This means it is a great travel system.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has an easy one-click fold and can be utilized in a duo or mono mode. Its clever frame expands in width to accommodate a second chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal option for older siblings who wish to be seated together. It's a bit longer than other models, yet it's light to steer and comes with soft suspension that is able to handle the kerbs.
There are also a variety of 3-wheeler inline tandems that are available Check out Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for instance that provide stability and swift steering. Often Get the facts can be folded into the size of one buggy, which is helpful when you have trouble storing it at home or frequently need to carry it in and out of your car on public transportation.
It's worth bearing in mind that a large double buggy will feel bulkier and heavier than a single buggy that is smaller So make sure you're getting what you need before you purchase. It is likely to be used on buses, trains, and subways frequently so it should be easy to operate and use. You may also need to move it on and off the car seat while taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to be aware it can be easily manoeuvred within small spaces.
The best time to start is when you are born.
There will be a need for a pushchair for your entire family whether you're expecting twins, or if you have a child after having your first. Double buggies tend to be heavier and bulkier as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are much more maneuverable in tighter doors and around obstacles such as curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as a separate accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at a time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front the other. They're a great option if your children are of similar ages and get along well. They're not foolproof. Siblings sitting side-by-side can punch or kick one another and children with different heights could 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 child's older one from sitting on the bottom and not having the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to fit both a newborn in a carrycot and an older child in the main seat. It features an innovative frame that expands in width when you add a second child seat. It also folds flat to make it a compact storage. The padded buckles, straps and seats are all of the best quality we have seen in our tests. The canopy is large in size with UPF 50+ protection, and a peekaboo window. Both seats are reclined independently.
The only downside of the iCandy is that it's a bit expensive however, a good tandem will last for a long time and retain its resale value, so you'll likely recoup some of the cost in the end. The iCandy doesn't have the same seating configurations as our other top choices. It's nevertheless an excellent choice for families who don't wish to spend a lot of money.