Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great option if you have twins, or children who are very close in age. They're a bit smaller than side-byside buggies and are ideal for maneuvering narrow spaces like doorways, on public transport and on rough terrain.
Some convert into travel systems that take 2 carrycots or car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs and may feel less stable bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
There are many options to add a second seat or converting a single stroller to a double. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller that converts easily from a single model to a double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable due to the fact that the second seat is located behind the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with great seating flexibility, however it does not have storage under the seat 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 kids. They are more expensive, but they are made to last longer on rough terrain and come with a higher resale price.
Independent seat recline
If you're looking for a double buggy that can carry children of different age groups, then you'll want one that has independent seat recline for both seats. This will allow your older child to be able to relax while your baby is in the bassinet and vice versa.
Consider the width of your stroller and consider the ease of you to maneuver through doors and on 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 however it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are smaller than side-byside models and so aren't as difficult to maneuver around kerbs but they can accommodate a bigger range of car seat/car seat combinations, making them a good option for twins or siblings of various age groups. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are worth the investment if you intend to keep it for years and have a good amount of resale value if you sell it on when your children are out of it.
Another important feature to look for is if the seat backs are able to recline independently from one another as this will let you place your child in the best position for napping or observation. This is essential when your child is in the back seat and would like to take a nap while the child in the front prefers to sit and observe the surrounding.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back of their vehicles to fully recline to a position that is almost flat, ideal for newborns. For example, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline both the toddler seat that comes with it as well as the optional RumbleSeat into multiple positions to give your kids a the option of where they want to sit as well as providing an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that can be seen from afar.
More spacious than twin buggies
There's no need to have twins to benefit from a larger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of various ages and allow you to get around without having to worry about your children touching each other. They are usually a little larger, with one seat behind the other. The seats can be reclined completely for newborns or in an upright position for toddlers.
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which is the tiniest side-by-side model on the market and has an identical footprint to one buggy. It has an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake that is helpful on steep hills. It is suitable for use right from birth, and can be paired with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and is able to be utilized in a duo or mono mode. Its clever frame can be expanded to accommodate a second chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal choice for older siblings that want to sit together. It's a little bigger than the other models, but it isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for the kerbs.
There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems with inline wheels that offer stability and swift steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Most of them can be folded down to size one buggy, which is helpful for those who struggle with storage at home or have to carry it in and out of the car on public transportation.
Be aware that a double wide buggy is heavier and heavier than one compact buggy. Be sure to know what you want before you buy. It will be used on buses, trains, and subways frequently so it should be easy to manage and use. You may need to juggle the car seat while taking your child to school or nursery.
From birth, you are an ideal candidate
There will be a need for a pushchair for the whole family, regardless of whether you're expecting twins or if you have a child after having your first. Double buggies are generally heavier and bulkier as well as more expensive than single strollers. However, they are more maneuverable in narrower doors and around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This lets you transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front the other. They're a great option if your children are close in age and are good friends. But they're not foolproof Siblings in a side-by-side seat could kick or punch one another, and children with different heights may argue over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model could solve this problem by elevating the seat at the rear, which prevents your child's height from being sat on the bottom and not getting the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a good choice for parents looking for a convertible double buggy that includes a carrycot that is able to accommodate both a newborn and an older child. It features a smart frame that expands widthways when you add the second seat. It folds flat to make it a compact storage. all terrain double buggy , straps and seats are all of the best quality we have encountered in our tests. The canopy is large in size and UPF 50+ protection, and a windows that peek out. Both seats are reclined independently.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's a little on the expensive side, but a quality tandem will last for years and maintain its resale value. So you'll likely recoup some of the cost in the long run. The iCandy does not have the same seating arrangements as our other top choices. It's nevertheless an excellent choice for families who don't wish to spend much money.