Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a fantastic option when you have twins or children who are close in age. They are smaller than side by side buggies, and are great for small spaces such as doors, public transport and terrain that is rocky.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or car seats for children. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and might feel less stable when in bumping up the kerbs.
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 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). However, it's pricey and less maneuverable than other dual strollers because the 2nd seat is located to the left of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with a wide range of seating options, but lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other options include twin buggies that have all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can accommodate two children. They are generally more expensive, but they're made for long trips over rough terrain and can have a higher resale value.
Reclining seat recline independently
If you need a double buggy that can transport children of various ages then you're going to want one that has recline that is independent for both seats. This will allow your older child to rest in the back while the baby sleeps in the bassinet, and the reverse.
Take into consideration the width of your stroller to determine the ease of you to get through doors and public transport. If you have very narrow doorways then it might be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair, such as 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 usually smaller than side-byside models, and aren't as easily maneuverable up and down kerbs, but they can accommodate a bigger range of car seat/car seat combinations, making them a good option for twins or siblings of various ages. They are also more expensive than single to double buggies but they're well worth it if you plan on keeping it for many years. They also hold a good amount of value when sold once your children are old enough to use the buggie.
Another crucial thing to look out for is if the seat backs can recline independently of each other as this will let you put your child in the best position to nap or observe. This is especially important when you have a child younger than in the rear seat who will prefer to lay back and relax while the more mature child wants to sit and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to recline to a position that is nearly flat, which is ideal for babies. For instance the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline both the toddler seat that comes with it as well as the optional RumbleSeat to multiple positions, so that your children have a the option of deciding where to sit, as well as providing an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that can be seen from afar.
More spacious than twin buggies
You don't need to have twins to benefit from a larger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of different age groups and let you get around without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a more spacious, with one seat behind the other. The seats can be reclined completely for newborns or in an upright position for toddlers.
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which features the slimmest side-by-side design available and features an identical footprint to one buggy. It also features an adjustable handle, which makes it easy for parents of different heights to push, and a handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb steep hills. It is suitable for use from birth, and can be used with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has an easy one-click fold and is able to be utilized in a duo or mono mode. The clever frame expands in width to accommodate an additional chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal option for older siblings who would like to be seated together. It's slightly longer than other models, but it feels light and has soft suspension for the kerbs.
There are many 3-wheeler tandems with inline tires 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 one buggy if you have limited space at home or you need to carry it from the car to the bus station.
It's important to remember that a double-buggy with a wider width will feel heavier and bulkier than a smaller single buggy Make sure that it's what you need before purchasing. It will be utilized on buses, trains and subways frequently, so it should be easy to manage and use. You may need to juggle the car seat in and out while taking your child to school or the 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 if you have a child after you've had your first. Double buggies tend to be heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However they are also more maneuverable in narrower doorways or around obstacles such as curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via an additional accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs seat one child in the front of the other, so they're generally a better option if you have two kids who are close enough in age to be able to live well together. However, they're not 100% secure: Siblings in side-by-side seats can kick or punch one another, and children who are different heights can argue over who should sit higher. lightweight double stroller can be resolved by a tandem high-low model that raises the seat at the rear. Your older child will not be sitting at the lowest part of the car and won't be able to get a look out.
The iCandy Wave is a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can fit a newborn into a carrycot, and an older child in the main seat. It features an innovative frame that expands in width when you add the second child seat. It also folds flat for compact storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps are simple to fasten, and the buckles some of the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. The seats can be reclined independently and the canopy is large and generous with UPF 50+ protection and windows that can be seen from a distance.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit expensive. However, a quality tandem will last for a long time and will have an attractive resale value so at the end of the day you'll probably recoup a portion of the cost. The iCandy does not have the same seating options as our other top picks. It's nevertheless a good option for families who don't wish to spend lots of money.