Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a great choice for twins or children who are close in age. They are a bit smaller than side by side buggies, and are perfect for tight spaces like doorways, public transport and terrain that is rocky.
Many convert into travel systems that take 2 carrycots or car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs and may not be as stable when as they bump up kerbs.
Convertible
Whether you're looking for a convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add an additional seat to an existing one, there are a variety of options available. The UPPAbaby V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller. It is easily converted from a single to a double by adding an Rumble seat. It is more expensive and less maneuverable due to the fact that the second seat is located in front of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model but lacks storage underneath the seat when used as a double stroller.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. These are more expensive, but they are made to last longer on rough terrain and have more expensive resales.
Reclining the seat independently
If you want a double stroller that can accommodate children of various age groups, you'll require one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to rest while the baby is sleeping in a bassinet, and reverse.
You'll also need to think about the size of the stroller as it will impact how easy it is to traverse doors and public transport. If your doorways are very narrow, you may want to consider a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller but can still accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally a little longer than side-by-side models and so aren't as easy to manoeuvre around kerbs but they can accommodate a wider variety of car seat/car seat combinations, and are a great option for twins or siblings of various age. These buggies are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies however they're worth it if you intend on keeping it for many years. They will also retain an impressive amount of value if you decide to sell it when your children are old enough to use the buggie.
This feature allows you to put your child in the most comfortable position for naps and observation. This is important for children who are in the back seat and would like to nap while the more mature child prefers to sit up to observe the surroundings.
Certain brands come with an exclusive seat design that allows the back seat to fully recline into an almost flat position which is perfect for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined to several positions. It also offers UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
Larger than twin buggies
There's no need to have twins in order to benefit from a larger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of various age groups. They allow you to get around without worrying about your children touching each other. They are usually a little bit longer 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 choice. It is the slimmest design of the two-in-ones on the market and a footprint that is like one stroller. twin pushchairs comes with an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake which is useful on steep hills. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots, meaning it's a great travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in duo or mono mode in a single click. The frame's clever design expands to accommodate an additional chair and can be used with 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 light to steer and has soft suspension to tackle kerbs.
There are also a variety of 3-wheeler tandems inline available Check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example - which provide stability and swift steering. These can often be folded into one buggy if you have limited space at home or need to transport it from the car to the bus stop.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy is more heavy and heavier than one that is compact. Be sure you know what you want before you purchase. You'll be taking it off and on subways, trains and buses frequently, so it must be easy to operate and manage. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat on and off when you take your child to school or to nursery.
From your birth, you are a good candidate
You'll need a stroller for the whole family, whether you're expecting twins, or you have a second child after having your first. Double buggies are generally slightly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers. However, they can also be more maneuverable through narrower doors or around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via an accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at a time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other, and they're often a better choice for families with two children that are close enough in age to be able to live well together. They're not 100% secure. Siblings sitting side-by-side can punch or kick one another and children of different heights could argue over who is sitting higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this problem by elevating the seat towards the rear, which will prevent your child's older one from being on the bottom and not having any view.
The iCandy Wave is a good option for parents who are looking for an adjustable double buggy that can be converted into a carrycot that can fit both the newborn and the older child. It has a clever frame which can be expanded in size when you add the second child seat. It can also fold flat for compact storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps easy to fasten, and the buckles are among the best we've seen on any of our tests. The canopies are large in size with UPF 50+ protection, as well as a peekaboo window. Both seats are reclined independently.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's a little on the expensive side however, a good tandem will last for years and will retain its resale value. So you'll probably get back some of the cost in the end. It doesn't come with the same variety of seating configurations as others of our top choices however the iCandy is a good option for families who don't want to spend a lot.