Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a great option if you have twins, or children who are close in age. They are a bit smaller than side by side buggies and are great for tight spaces like doors, public transport, and rocky terrain.
Some convert into travel systems to use two carrycots or car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs and may feel less stable bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
There are a variety of options to add a second seat or making a single stroller double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is spacious, gorgeous stroller that can easily be converted from a single model to a double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is located behind the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar option with a wide range of seating options, but does not have storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can accommodate two children. These are more expensive, however, they are designed for long trips on rough terrain and come with a higher resale price.
Independent seat recline
If you require a double buggy that can transport children of different ages then you're going to need a buggy that has an recline that is independent for both seats. This will allow your child's older to sit back and relax while the baby is in the bassinet, and reverse.
You'll also have to consider the width of the stroller as this will affect how easy it is to traverse doors and public transport. If you have very narrow doors, it could 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 can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are slightly longer than side-by-side models and so aren't as easy to manoeuvre through kerbs and up and down, however, they can accommodate a wider range of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations so can be a good option for twins or siblings of different ages. These buggies are also more expensive than single buggies to double however they're worth it if you plan to keep it for a number of years. strollers double strollers 'll also keep a good amount of value if sold when your children have outgrown it.
This feature allows you to place your child in a comfortable position for naps or observation. This is especially important if you have a young child in the rear seat who will be inclined to lie down and take a snooze while the older child would prefer to sit and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to fully recline to a position that is almost flat, perfect for babies. For example, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the toddler seat included and the additional RumbleSeat into multiple positions to give your kids a a choice of where to sit as well as offering an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
They are great for siblings with different age groups, and you can move around without worrying about your children touching. They're usually a bit larger too with one seat placed behind the other and with a fully-flat recline option for babies (or an upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It has the slimmest design side-by-side on the market and a footprint like a single stroller. It also has an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of different heights to push as well as an adjustable handbrake, which is useful when tackling steep hills. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots. This means it is a great travel system.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has a simple one-click to fold and is able to be used in mono or duo mode. The frame's clever design can be expanded to accommodate the second chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal option for older siblings who wish to be seated together. It's a little bigger than the other models, but it still feels light and has a comfortable suspension for curbs.
There are also plenty of 3-wheeler inline tandems that are available - check out Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example that offer stability and swift steering. These can often be folded into one buggy in case you have a small space at home or you need to transport it from the car to the bus.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy will be heavier and bulkier than one that is compact. Be sure you know what you want before you buy. You'll be taking it off and on subways, trains and buses often, so it should be easy to operate and manage. You may also need to move it on and off the car seat while taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to ensure it can be easily manoeuvred in small spaces.
From birth, you're an ideal candidate
If you're expecting twins or have a second child after your first, you're going need to find an appropriate pushchair for the entire family. Double buggies are typically slightly heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers. However, they are also more maneuverable in narrower entrances or around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as an accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs put one child ahead of the other. They're a great option for children who are similar in age and get along well. But they're not completely safe Side-by-side chairs could kick or punch each other, and kids on different heights can squabble over who gets to sit higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this problem by elevating the seat at the rear, which will prevent your older child from sitting on the bottom and not getting any view.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for an adjustable double buggy that can be converted into a carrycot that is able to accommodate both the newborn and the older child. It features an intelligent frame that increases in size when you add the second child seat. It can also fold flat for storage that is compact. The padded seats, straps and buckles are all of the highest quality we have encountered in our testing. The canopies are large in size and UPF 50+ protection, as well as a windows that peek out. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit expensive. But a high-quality tandem will last for many years and have the highest resale value, so in the end you'll probably recoup a portion of the cost. The iCandy does not have the same seating configurations as our other top selections. It's nevertheless an ideal choice for families who don't want to spend much money.