Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggie is a fantastic option. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies and ideal for navigating tight spaces such as doorways, on public transport and on rough terrain.
Some convert into travel systems that include two carrycots or car seats. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
If you're looking for convertible stroller that converts from single to double or to add an additional seat to an existing one, there's many options to choose from. The UPPAbaby V2 is large, beautiful stroller. It is easily transformed from a single stroller to a dual by adding the 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 provides a similar choice however, it doesn't have storage underneath the seat when it is used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies, as well as fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. They are more expensive, but they are designed to last longer on rough terrain, and come with higher resale prices.
Reclining the seat independently
If you require a double buggy to carry children of different ages, you'll want one that has recline 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 consider the width of the stroller as this will impact how easy it is to traverse doors and public transport. If you have extremely narrow doors, it may be worth considering a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy however it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are usually smaller than side-byside models, and aren't as easily maneuverable up and down kerbs, however, they can accommodate a wider range of car/car/seat combinations, making them a good option for twins or siblings of various age groups. They are priced higher than single buggies to double, but they're worth it if you plan to keep it for a few years. They also hold a good amount of value when sold once your kids have outgrown the buggie.
thule double stroller allows you to put your child in the most comfortable position for naps and observation. This is crucial if your child is in the back seat and wants to take a nap while the child in the front prefers to sit and observe the surroundings.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to fully recline to a position that is nearly flat, which is ideal for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example, has stadium-style seating that can be reclined into multiple positions. It also has UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings of different age groups, and you can get around without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a larger with one seat in front of the other. The seats can be reclined fully for infants, or put in an upright position for toddlers.
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It has the slimmest design of the two-in-ones on the market, and a footprint that is comparable to one stroller. It also comes with an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of various heights to push as well as an adjustable handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb steep hills. It is suitable for use from birth, and it can be combined with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has an easy one-click fold and can be utilized in a duo or mono mode. Its clever frame 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 wish to sit together. It's a bit longer than other models but still feels light to steer and has soft suspension that is able to handle the kerbs.
There are also plenty of 3-wheeler tandems inline available - check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies for instance - which offer stability and swift steering. Most of them can be folded down to size a single buggy, which is helpful when you have trouble storing it at home or have to transport it into and out of your car on public transport.
It's important to keep in mind that a large double buggy will feel bulkier and heavier than a single buggy that is smaller So make sure it's what you need before you buy. You'll have to get it off and on trains, buses and subways often, so it should be easy to operate and manage. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat in and out while taking your child to school or nursery.
The best time to start is when you are born.
You'll need a pushchair for your entire family whether you're expecting twins, or you have another child after having your first. Double buggies are generally slightly heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers. However, they can also be easier to manoeuvre in narrower entrances or around obstacles such as curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as an accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child ahead of the other. They're a great option for children who are close in age and are good friends. But they're not foolproof Side-by-side chairs could kick or punch each other, and children with different heights may argue over who should sit higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this issue by elevating the seat to the rear, preventing 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 as well as an older child in the main seat. It features an innovative frame that can be expanded in size when you add a 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 seen in our testing. The seats can be reclined independently, and the canopies are big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection and peekaboo windows.
The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's on the expensive side however, a good tandem will last a long time and retain its resale value, so you'll probably get back some of the cost in the long run. It doesn't have the same selection of seating configurations as others of our top choices however, the iCandy is a good option for families that don't want to spend a fortune.