Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a fantastic option for twins or children who are close in age. They are a bit smaller than side-by-side buggies and are perfect for small spaces such as doors, public transport, and terrain that is rocky.
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
If you're looking for convertible stroller that converts from single to double or to add an additional seat to an existing one, there's several options available. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a large, gorgeous stroller that can easily be converted from a single stroller to double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). However, it's pricey and less mobile than other double stroller s since the second seat is located to the left of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar option with great seating versatility but isn't equipped with 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 hold two kids. They are more expensive however, they are designed to last longer on rough terrain and come with more expensive resales.
Independent seat recline
If you require a double buggy that can transport children of different ages then you're going to require a model with an recline that is independent for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to rest in the back while the baby is in the bassinet, and the reverse.
Think about the width of your pushchair and consider the ease of you to maneuver through doors and public transport. If you have narrow doors, it may be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint that is similar to a single buggy, however, it is able to accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies tend to be 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 an excellent choice for twins and siblings of different age. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are a worthwhile purchase if you plan to keep it for a long time and will have a decent amount of resale value in the event that you decide to sell it off when your children are out of it.
This feature allows you to place your child in a comfortable position for naps and observation. This is important if your child is in the back seat and wants to nap while the child in the front prefers to sit up and observe the surrounding.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to fully recline to a position that is almost flat, ideal for babies. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined to various positions. It also has UPF 50+ sun protection and peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin buggies
They are perfect for siblings with different age groups, and they allow you to move around without having to worry about your children touching. They're typically a little larger, with one seat sitting behind the other and usually providing a flat recline for babies (or an upright position for toddlers).
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design on the market and has the same footprint as a single buggy. It has an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake, which can be useful on hills that are steep. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots, meaning it's a great travel system.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and can be utilized in a duo or mono mode. The clever frame expands to accommodate a second chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a great choice for older siblings that want to be seated together. It's slightly longer than some other models, yet it's easy to steer and has soft suspension that can handle the kerbs.
There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that offer stability and swift steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They are often folded into a single buggy if you are limited in space at home, or need to carry it from the car to the bus.
Be aware that a double-wide buggy is heavier and bulkier than one that is compact. Be sure to know what you want before you purchase. You'll be taking it on and off trains, buses and subways regularly so it needs to be simple to use and manage. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat when you take your child to school or the nursery.
Suitable from birth
You'll need a stroller 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, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However double pushchair are also more maneuverable in narrower doors or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in the 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. They're not 100% secure. Siblings sitting side-by-side can kick or punch each other and children of different heights could argue over who sits taller. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat to the rear. Your child's older one isn't seated at the lower part of the car, and won't have 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 accommodate a newborn in a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It has an intelligent frame that can be expanded in size when you add a second child seat. It also folds flat for compact storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps easy to secure and the buckles are among the best we've seen on any of our tests. You can recline both seats independently and the canopies are spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection and peekaboo windows.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit costly. But a high-quality tandem will last you for many years and have an attractive resale value so at the end of the day you'll likely recover a portion of the cost. The iCandy doesn't have the same seating configurations as our other top picks. However, it's an excellent choice for families who don't want to spend lots of cash.