Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a fantastic option for twins or children who are close in age. They're narrower than side-by-side buggies, and ideal for maneuvering tight spaces, such as doorways, on public transport and on rocky terrain.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that use two carrycots or child car seats. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible stroller that converts from single to double or to add another seat to an existing one, there are a variety of options available. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a large, gorgeous stroller that easily converts from a single stroller to double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). However, it's pricey and less mobile than other double strollers because the 2nd seat goes in front of the front seat. relevant web site is a similar model with great seating versatility but does not have storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other options include twin buggies that have all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can hold two children. These tend to be more expensive, but they're made to last longer on rough terrain and can have greater resales value.
Independent seat recline
If you require a double buggy to carry children of different ages, you'll want one that has independent seat recline for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to sit back and relax while the baby sleeps in the bassinet, and vice versa.
Consider the width of your stroller to determine the ease of you to maneuver through doors and on public transport. If your doors are narrow, you may think about a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller however can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are usually smaller than side-byside models, and aren't as easy to manoeuvre through kerbs and up and down, however, they can accommodate a bigger range of car/car/seat combinations, so can be a good option for twins or siblings of different ages. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are worth the investment if you plan to keep it for years and will have a decent amount of resale value in the event that you sell it on after your children have grown out of it.
This feature allows you to put your child in an ideal position for naps or to observe. This is crucial if your child is in the back seat and would like to rest while the more mature child prefers to sit up and observe the surroundings.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to recline fully into a position that is nearly flat, which is ideal for babies. For example, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the toddler seat included as well as the optional RumbleSeat to 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.
Larger than twin buggies
They are perfect for siblings with different age groups, and they allow you to move about without worrying about your children touching. They're usually a bit larger, with one seat sitting behind the other, and typically providing a flat recline for infants (or a more upright position for toddlers).
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which features the slimmest side-by-side design available and has an identical footprint to a single buggy. It also has an adjustable handle, which makes it easy for parents of different heights to push, and a handbrake that is useful when tackling difficult terrains. It is suitable for use from birth, and can be paired with a range of car seats and carrycots.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has an easy one-click fold and is able to be utilized in a duo or mono mode. Its clever frame can be expanded widthwise to accommodate a second seat and it can be used with up to two carrycots or car seats which makes it an ideal option for older siblings who wish to sit together and share the view. It's a bit longer than other models, yet it's light to steer and has soft suspension that is able to handle the kerbs.
There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that provide stability and fast steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Often these can be folded into the size of one buggy which is useful when you have trouble storing it at home or need to transport it into and out of your car when using public transportation.
It's important to remember that a large double buggy will feel heavier and bulkier than a smaller single buggy So make sure you're getting what you need before you purchase. It is likely to be used on buses, trains, and subways frequently therefore it must be simple to manage and use. You may also have to juggle it on and off the car seat when you take your children to school or nursery so you'll need to be aware it can be easily manoeuvred in small spaces.
From birth, you are an ideal candidate
If you're expecting twins, or you have a child following your first, you're likely to need to find an appropriate pushchair for the whole family. Double buggies are typically slightly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers, however they are also more maneuverable through narrower doors or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies can be used with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This lets you transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs seat one child in front of the other, and they're usually a better option when you have two children who are close enough in age to function well together. But they're not completely safe: Siblings in side-by-side seats can kick or punch one another, and children who are different heights can argue over who should sit higher. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat in the rear. Your child's older will not be seated on the lowest part of the car and won't get much of a look out.
The iCandy Wave is a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to fit a newborn into a carrycot, and an older child in the main seat. It features a smart frame that expands widthways when you add the second seat and folds down flat for compact storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps are easy to secure and the buckles some of the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. Both seats can recline independently and the canopy is spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection and peekaboo windows.
The only downside of the iCandy is that it's a bit on the expensive side however, a good tandem will last a long time and will retain its resale value, so you'll probably recoup some of the cost in the end. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating configurations as our other top picks. However, it's an excellent choice for families that don't want spend lots of cash.