Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children close in age, a tandem double buggy is a fantastic option. They're narrower than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for maneuvering narrow spaces like doors, on public transport and on rocky terrain.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or child car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may not be as stable when bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
Whether you're looking for a convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add a second seat to an existing one, there's several options available. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a big, beautiful stroller that easily converts from a single stroller to a double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). However, it's pricey and less maneuverable than other dual strollers because the 2nd seat goes in front of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model 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 as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can be used to carry two children. These are more expensive, but they are made for long trips on rough terrain and have a higher resale price.
Independent seat recline
If you need a double buggy that can transport children of different ages, you'll require a model with an recline that is independent for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to rest while the baby is in the bassinet and the reverse is true.
Consider the width of your pushchair, as this will determine how easy it is for you to maneuver through doors and on public transport. If you have extremely narrow doors, it could be worth considering a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint similar to a single buggy however, it is able to use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are typically larger than side-by-side models, which makes 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 ages. They can also be more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are worth the investment if you plan to keep it for a long time and will retain a decent amount of resale value if you decide to sell it when your children have grown out of it.
This feature allows you to put your child in an ideal position for naps and observation. This is crucial for children who are in the back seat and wishes to rest while the child in the front prefers to sit up and observe the surroundings.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to recline into a position that is almost flat, ideal for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example, has stadium-style seating that can be reclined into several positions. It also comes with UPF 50+ sun protection and windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins in order to benefit from a wider double buggy. They're great for siblings of different ages and allow you to go about your day without having to worry about your children touching each other. They are usually a little larger with one seat positioned behind the other. The seats can be reclined fully for babies or placed in an upright position for toddlers.
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It has the slimmest design that is side-by-side, and a footprint similar to one stroller. It features an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake which is helpful on steep hills. It is suitable to use from birth and can be paired with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in duo or mono mode with just one click. Its clever frame expands widthways to accommodate a second seat and can be used with two carrycots or car seats making it a great option for older siblings who want to sit in a group and enjoy the view. It's slightly longer than some other models, but it's light to steer and comes with soft suspension to tackle the kerbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler inline tandems available such as Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for instance - which offer stability and swift steering. These can often be folded into one buggy if you are limited in space at home, or need to transport it from your car to the bus stop.
It's worth bearing in mind that a double-buggy with a wider width will be heavier and bulkier than a single buggy that is smaller, so make sure you're getting what you need before purchasing. You'll be taking it off and on subways, trains and buses often, so it should be easy to use and manage. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat while taking your child to school or to nursery.
The best time to start is when you are born.
There will be a need for a pushchair for the whole family, whether you're expecting twins, or you have a second child after having your first. Double buggies are typically a bit heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers, but they are also easier to manoeuvre in narrower 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 carry three children simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs seat one child in front of the other, and they're often a better choice when you have two children who are close enough in age to get along well. But they're not completely safe: Siblings in side-by-side seats could kick or punch one another, and children who are different heights can argue over who gets to sit higher. A tandem high-low model can solve this problem by elevating the seat to the rear, which prevents your child's height from being on the bottom and not having any view.
compact double stroller is a great option for parents looking for an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can fit both a newborn in a carrycot and an older child in the main seat. It has a clever frame that can be expanded in width when you add the second seat and folds down flat for compact storage. The padded seats are comfortable, the straps easy to secure and the buckles are among the best we've seen on any of our tests. The canopy is large in size and UPF 50+ protection, and a peekaboo window. Both seats can recline independently.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it is quite expensive. However, a quality tandem will last for many years and have the highest resale value, so at the end of the day you'll probably recoup a portion of the cost. It doesn't come with the same selection of seating configurations that others of our top choices however, the iCandy is a great choice for families that don't want to spend a fortune.