Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great choice when you have twins or children who are very close in age. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for maneuvering narrow spaces like doors, on public transport and on rough terrain.
Some can be converted into travel systems that use two carrycots or child car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may not be as stable when bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible stroller that can be converted from a single to a double or to add another seat to an existing one, there are many options to choose from. double pram and pushchair from UPPAbaby is big, beautiful stroller that easily converts from a single model to double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). However, it's expensive and less mobile than other double strollers since the second seat goes behind the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow provides a similar choice however, it doesn't have storage underneath the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies and fixed-wheel joggers that can accommodate two children. They are more expensive, but they are made for long-distance trips over rough terrain, and come with higher resale prices.
Independent seat recline
If you need a double buggy that is able to transport children of various ages then you're going to require a model with an recline 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 vice versa.
You'll also have to think about the size of the stroller as this will affect how easy it is to get through doors and on public transportation. If you have very narrow doors, it could be a good idea to consider a side-byside pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy, but can still take 2 seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally larger than side-by-side models, which makes them more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and are a great option for twins and siblings of different ages. They are more expensive than single buggies to double, but they're worth it if you plan to keep it for a number of years. They'll also keep an impressive amount of value if you decide to sell it when your children are old enough to use it.
Another important feature to look for is if the backs of the seats can recline independently of each other since this will allow you to place your child in the most optimal position to nap or observe. This is crucial when your child is in the back seat and would like to nap while the more mature child prefers to sit up and observe the surrounding.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to recline fully into a position that is nearly flat, which is ideal for babies. The iCandy Orange, for example, has stadium-style seating that can be reclined into multiple positions. It also comes with a UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
Wider 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 age groups and let you move around without having to worry about your children touching. They're usually a bit larger too with one seat placed behind the other and usually with a fully-flat recline option for babies (or a more upright position for toddlers).
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which features the slimmest side-by-side design available and features a footprint similar to a single buggy. It comes with 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 variety of car seats and carrycots, meaning it makes an excellent travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in either mono or duo mode with just one click. The frame's clever design expands widthways to accommodate a second chair and it can be used with up to two carrycots or car seats which makes it an ideal choice for older siblings who wish to sit together and share the view. It's a bit larger than other models, but it isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for kerbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler inline tandems that are available Check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies for instance that provide stability and quick steering. They are often folded down to size a single buggy, which is helpful for those who struggle with storage at home or frequently need to transport it into and out of the car when you travel on public transport.
Be aware that a double wide buggy is heavier and more bulkier than one compact buggy. Be sure you know what you want before you purchase. It is likely to be used on trains, buses and subways frequently, so it should be easy to use and manage. You may also have to move it on and off the car seat when you take your children to nursery or school so you'll need to know it's easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
From birth, you're an ideal candidate
If you're expecting twins or have another child after your first, you're likely to require a stroller that can accommodate the whole family. Double buggies are typically heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are much more maneuverable in narrower doors and around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies can be used with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This allows you to transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other. They are a good option if your children are of similar ages and are able to get along. But they're not completely safe Siblings in a side-by-side seat can kick or punch each other, and kids with different heights may argue over who gets to sit higher. A tandem high-low model can solve this problem by elevating the seat towards the rear, which will prevent your older child from being sat on the bottom and not getting any view.
The iCandy Wave is a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to fit both a newborn in a carrycot and an older child in the main seat. It has a clever frame that expands in width when you add a second seat, and folds flat to make it a compact storage. double pram pushchair , buckles, and seats are all of the highest quality we have encountered in our testing. The canopy is large in size with UPF 50+ protection, as well as a the window is peekaboo. Both seats are reclined independently.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit costly. However, a quality tandem will last you for years and retain the highest resale value, which means that in the end you'll likely recover some of the cost. The iCandy does not have the same seating arrangements as our other top choices. It's nevertheless an ideal choice for families that don't want spend lots of cash.