Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a fantastic option for twins or children who are very close in age. They are smaller than side by side buggies and are great for tight spaces like doorways, public transport and terrain that is rocky.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats for children. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs and may feel less stable as they bump up the kerbs.
Convertible
There are many options to add a second seat or making a single stroller a double. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a big, beautiful stroller that can easily be converted from a single to a double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). It's costly and less mobile than other double strollers because the 2nd seat goes behind the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with great seating flexibility, however it 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, however they're designed for long trips over rough terrain and can have greater resales value.
Independent recline of the seat
If you're looking for a double buggy that is able to transport children of different ages, you'll want one that has recline that is independent for both seats. This allows your older child to be able to relax while your baby is in the bassinet and reverse.
Think about https://jsfiddle.net/polishsnail3/mzy418th/ of your pushchair to determine the ease of you to navigate through doors and public transportation. If you have narrow doorways then it might be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint similar to a single buggy however, it is able to take 2 seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are usually smaller than side-byside models, and aren't as easy to manoeuvre up and down kerbs, but they can accommodate a wider range of car/car/seat combinations, so can be a good option for twins or siblings of different age. These buggies are more expensive than single to double buggies but they're well worth the cost if you plan to keep it for a few years. They'll also keep some value when sold once your children have outgrown the buggie.
Another thing to look for is whether the backs of the seats can recline independently of each other since this will allow you to place your child in the ideal position for napping or observation. This is crucial for children who are in the back seat and wants to rest while the older child prefers to sit up and observe the surroundings.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to recline fully into a position that's almost flat, perfect for babies. For example, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the included toddler seat as well as the optional RumbleSeat to multiple positions, to give your kids a the option of where they want they will sit, and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has peekaboo windows.
Larger than twin buggies
They are great for siblings with different age groups, and they allow you to get around without worrying about your children touching. They are usually a little bit longer, 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 on the market and has a footprint similar to a single buggy. It also features an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of different heights to push and an adjustable handbrake, which is useful when tackling difficult hills. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots, which means it is a great travel system.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and is able to be utilized in a duo or mono mode. Its innovative frame can be expanded to accommodate a second chair and it can be used with two car seats or carrycots so it's an excellent option for older siblings who want to sit together and enjoy the view. It's slightly longer than some other models, yet it's light to steer and comes with soft suspension that is able to handle kerbs.
There are also plenty of 3-wheeler tandems inline available such as Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example - which offer stability and swift steering. They are often folded into one buggy if you have limited space at home or you need to transport it from the car to the bus.
It's worth bearing in mind that a double-buggy with a wider width will feel heavier and bulkier than a compact single buggy So make sure you're getting what you need before you purchase. It is likely to be utilized on buses, trains and subways frequently, therefore it must be simple to use and manage. You might also have to juggle it onto and off the car seat when taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to be aware it can be easily manoeuvred within small spaces.
From birth, you are a suitable candidate
There will be a need for a pushchair for your entire family whether you're expecting twins or you have a second child after you've had your first. Double buggies tend to be larger, heavier and more expensive than single strollers. However, they are also more maneuverable in narrower doorways or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This lets you transport three children simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other, and they're often a better choice if you have two kids who are close enough in age to get along well. However, they're not 100% secure Siblings in a side-by-side seat can kick or punch each other, and children on different heights can squabble over who should sit higher. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low design that elevates the seat at the back. Your child's older one isn't seated at the bottom of the car and won't get much of a look out.
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, and an older child in the main seat. It features a clever frame which can be expanded in size when you add the second child seat. It also folds flat to make it a compact storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps easy to fasten and the buckles some of the most comfortable we've seen on any of our tests. You can recline both seats independently and the canopy is spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection and peekaboo windows.
The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's a bit expensive however, a good tandem will last for years and maintain its resale value. So you'll likely recoup some of the cost over the long term. The iCandy does not have the same seating options as our other top choices. However, it's an ideal choice for families who don't want to spend a lot of money.