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 are a bit smaller than side-by-side buggies and are perfect for small spaces such as doorways, public transport and rough terrain.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that can take two carrycots or child car seats. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options to add a second seat or changing a single stroller into a double. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller that easily converts from a single stroller to double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable due to the fact that the second seat is positioned on top of the first 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 all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. They tend to be more expensive but they're designed to last longer on rough terrain and can have more resale value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you require a double buggy that can transport children of various age groups, then you'll want one that has recline independent for both seats. This allows your older child to be able to relax while your baby is sleeping in a bassinet and reverse.
You'll also need to consider the width of the stroller as this will impact the ease of get through doors and on public transport. If your doors are narrow, you might think about a side by side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller however can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally larger than side-by-side models, and therefore are more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and are the perfect choice for twins and siblings of different age groups. These buggies are more expensive than single to double buggies however they're worth the cost if you plan to keep it for a number of years. They'll also keep some value if you decide to sell it when your children are old enough to use it.
Another thing to look out for is if the seat backs are able to recline independently of each other as this will let you put your child in the ideal position for naps or watching. This is important when your child is in the back seat and would like to rest while the more mature child prefers to sit up and observe the surrounding.
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 babies. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined in several positions. It also has UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
Wider than twin buggies
You don't need to have twins to benefit from a wider double buggy . They're great for siblings of different age groups and let you get around without having to worry about your children touching each other. They're usually a bit larger, with one seat sitting behind the other and providing a flat recline for infants (or an upright position for toddlers).
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which is the tiniest side-by-side model on the market and has the same footprint as a single buggy. It comes with an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake, which is useful on steep hills. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots, which means it makes an excellent travel system.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has a simple one-click to fold and can be used in mono or duo mode. Its clever frame can be expanded widthwise to accommodate a second seat and can be used with two carrycots or car seats so it's an excellent choice for older siblings who want to sit together and enjoy the view. It's a little longer than other models, yet it's light to steer and comes with soft suspension that can handle kerbs.
There are many 3-wheeler tandems with inline tires that offer stability and swift steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They are often folded into the size of one buggie, which is helpful when you have trouble storing it at home or frequently need to lug it in and out of your car when using public transportation.
Be aware that a double wide buggy will be heavier and bulkier than one that is compact. Make sure you know what you want before you buy. It is likely to be used on trains, buses, and subways frequently so it should be easy to use and manage. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat on and off while taking your child to school or to nursery.
From birth
You'll need a stroller for your entire family, whether you're expecting twins, or if you have a child after having your first. Double buggies are generally a bit heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers. However, they are also more maneuverable in narrower entrances or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front of the other, so they're often a better choice if you have two kids who are similar in age to get along well. They're not foolproof. Siblings seated side-by-side may kick or punch each other and children with different heights could argue over who is sitting higher. This problem can be solved by a tandem high-low design that elevates the seat at the back. Your older child will not be sitting at the lower part of the car, and won't have much of an eye.
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 has an intelligent frame that expands in width when you add a second child seat. It folds flat to make it a compact storage. The cushioned straps, buckles, and seats are all of the best quality we have encountered in any of our tests. The seats can be reclined independently and the canopy is big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection as well as peekaboo windows.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit expensive. But a high-quality tandem will last you for a long time and will have the highest resale value, so in the end you'll likely recover some of the cost. It doesn't come with the same variety of seating options as others of our top choices however the iCandy is a good choice for families that don't want to spend a fortune.