Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children close in age, a tandem double buggy is a fantastic option. double umbrella stroller are smaller than side by side buggies, and are great for tight spaces like doorways, public transport and rocky terrain.
Some transform into travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs and may not be as stable when in bumping up the kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add an additional seat to an existing one, there's a variety of options available. The UPPAbaby V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can be easily transformed from a single stroller to a dual by adding a seating area with a rumble. It's costly and less maneuverable than other dual strollers due to the fact that the second seat goes behind the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with great seating versatility but lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can hold two kids. They tend to be more expensive, but they're made for long-distance trips over rough terrain, and may have a higher resale value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you require a double buggy to transport children of various age groups, then you'll need a buggy that has an recline independent for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to rest while the baby is in the bassinet, and reverse.
Consider the width of your pushchair and consider how easy it is for you to get through doors and public transport. If you have very narrow doors, it may be worth considering a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy but can still accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally slightly longer than side-by-side models and so aren't as difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs, however, they can accommodate a wider range of car seat/car seat combinations, making them a good option for twins or siblings of different age groups. They are priced higher than single to double buggies, but they're worth it if you intend to keep it for a number of years. They will also retain some value when sold once your kids have outgrown the buggie.
Another important feature to look for is whether the seat backs are able to recline independently of each other because this allows you to put your child in the most optimal position for napping or observation. This is especially important if you have a child younger than in the rear seat who will be inclined to lie down and relax while the older child wants to sit and observe their surroundings.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to fully recline into a position that is almost flat, ideal for newborns. For instance, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline both the included toddler seat and the additional RumbleSeat into multiple positions so your kids can have 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 different age groups and let you go about your day without having to worry about your children touching each other. They're typically a bit larger too with one seat positioned behind the other and providing a flat recline for infants (or an upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It has the slimmest design side-by-side on the market, and a footprint that is similar to the footprint of a single stroller. It has an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake that can be useful on hills that are steep. It is suitable for use right from birth, and can be used with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in mono or duo mode in a single click. The frame's clever design expands to accommodate the second chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a great choice for older siblings that wish to sit together. It's slightly longer than other models, but it still feels light and has soft suspension for curbs.
There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems with inline wheels that offer stability and swift steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They can be folded into a single buggy if you have limited space at home or you need to transport it from the car to the bus station.
Be aware that a double wide buggy is more heavy and bulkier than one compact buggy. Make sure you know what you want prior to making a buy. It will be used on trains, buses and subways often, therefore it must be simple to use and manage. You may also have to juggle it on and off the car seat when taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to know 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 your entire family, regardless of whether you're expecting twins or you have a second child after having your first. Double buggies tend to be heavier and bulkier as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are much easier to maneuver in tighter doors or around obstacles such as curbs. They 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 the same time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in the front of the other, and they're generally a better option when you have two children who are similar in age to be able to live well together. 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 is able to solve this issue by elevating the seat to the rear, which will prevent your older child from being sat on the bottom and not having the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to accommodate a newborn in a carrycot and an older child in the main seat. It features a clever frame that can be expanded in width when you add a second seat. It folds to flattish storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps easy to secure and the buckles are among the best we've seen on any of our tests. Both seats can recline independently and the canopy is large and generous with UPF 50+ protection as well as windows that peek out.
The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's on the expensive side, but a quality tandem will last for a long time and retain its resale value, so you'll probably recoup some of the cost in the end. It doesn't have the same variety of seating configurations that some of our other top picks however, the iCandy is a great choice for families who don't wish to spend a lot.