Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a great option when you have twins or children who are close in age. They're a bit smaller than side-byside buggies and ideal for navigating tight spaces, such as doors, on public transport and rocky terrain.
Many convert into travel systems to use two carrycots or car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may not be as stable when bumping up the kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible stroller that can be converted from a single to a double or to add a second seat to an existing one, there's several options available. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is large, gorgeous stroller that can easily be converted from a single model to a double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). However, it's pricey and less mobile than other double strollers because the 2nd seat is placed to the left of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model, but it lacks storage underneath the seat when used as a double stroller.
Other options include twin buggies that have all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can accommodate two children. They tend to be more expensive, however they're designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain, and may have greater resales value.
Independent seat recline
If you require a double buggy that can transport children of different ages then you're going to want one that has independent seat recline for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to relax while the baby is sleeping in a bassinet, and the reverse is true.
It is also important to think about the size of the pushchair as this will affect the ease of navigate through doors and on public transportation. If your doors are narrow, you may be considering 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 larger than side-by-side models, and therefore are more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and can make an excellent choice for twins and siblings of different age. They are more expensive than single buggies to double, but they're worth the cost if you plan on keeping it for many years. They will also retain an impressive amount of value if you decide to sell it when your children have outgrown the buggie.
This feature will allow you to put your child in a comfortable position for naps or observation. This is important if your child is in the back seat and wishes to nap while the older child prefers to sit up and observe the surroundings.
A few brands have a unique seat design which allows the back seat to fully recline into an almost flat position which is perfect for infants. For example, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline both the toddler seat that comes with it and the additional RumbleSeat into various positions so that your children have a the option of deciding where to sit, as well as offering an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out.
Wider than twin buggies
They are great for siblings with different age groups, and you can move about without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a more spacious with one seat in front of the other. The seats can be reclined completely for newborns or in an upright position for toddlers.
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which features the slimmest side-by-side design available and has a footprint similar to one buggy. It has an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake which is helpful on steep hills. It is suitable for use from birth, and it can be combined with a range of car seats and carrycots.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has an easy one-click fold and is able to be used in mono or duo mode. Its clever frame can be expanded to accommodate an additional chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic option for older siblings who want to be seated together. It's a bit longer than other models but still feels light to steer and comes with soft suspension that can handle kerbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler tandems inline available Check out Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for instance - which provide stability and quick steering. Most of them can be folded down to the size of a single buggy which is useful for those who struggle with storage at home or need to carry it in and out of the car on public transportation.
It's important to keep in mind that a wide double buggy will feel bulkier and heavier than a smaller single buggy, so make sure it's what you require before you purchase. You'll have to get it off and on subways, trains and buses often, so it should be simple to use and manage. You may also have to juggle it onto and off the car seat when taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to ensure it can be easily manoeuvred in small spaces.
The best time to start is when you are born.
There will be a need for a pushchair for the whole family, whether you're expecting twins or you have a second child after you've had your first. Double buggies tend to be heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are also easier to maneuver in tighter doorways or around obstacles such as curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as a separate accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at a time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child ahead of the other. They are a good choice if your children are close in age and get along well. But they're not completely safe: Siblings in side-by-side seats may punch or kick each other, and kids with different heights may argue over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model can solve this problem by elevating the seat towards the rear, which will prevent your older child from sitting on the bottom and not having the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a great option for parents looking for an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to fit a newborn into a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It has a clever frame which expands in width when you add the second child seat. It also folds flat for storage that is compact. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps easy to fasten, and the buckles some of the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. double pram stroller can recline independently, and the canopies are large and generous with UPF 50+ protection and windows that peek out.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit costly. But a high-quality tandem will last for a long time and will have the highest resale value, so at the end of the day, you'll likely recoup some of the cost. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating options as our other top selections. It's nevertheless a good option for families who don't wish to spend lots of cash.