Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children similar in age, a tandem double buggie is a great choice. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies and ideal for navigating narrow spaces like doors, on public transport and rocky terrain.
Some convert into travel systems that take 2 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 a second seat to an existing one, there's many options to choose from. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a big, beautiful stroller that can easily be converted from a single stroller to a double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). It's costly and less maneuverable than other dual strollers because the 2nd seat is located in front of the front seat. double buggy with car seat is a similar model but lacks storage under the seat when used as a double stroller.
Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can accommodate two kids. They tend to be more expensive, but they're made for long-distance trips over rough terrain, and may have greater resales value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you are looking for a double stroller that can accommodate children of various age groups, you'll require one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This allows your older child to relax while the baby is in the bassinet, and reverse.
It is also important to think about the size of the pushchair as this will impact the ease of navigate through doors and on public transportation. If you have extremely narrow doorways then it might 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 tend to be larger than side-by-side models, and therefore are more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However they can also accommodate a wider range of combinations of seats/carrycots/car seats and are a great option for twins and siblings of different age groups. They can also be more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are a worthwhile investment if you intend to keep it for a long time and will have a decent amount of resale value in the event that you sell it on when your children are out of it.
This feature will allow you to put your child in the most comfortable position for naps or to observe. This is essential if your child is in the back seat and wants to nap while the child in the front prefers to sit and observe the surrounding.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to fully recline to a position that is almost flat, ideal for newborns. For instance, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the included toddler seat as well as the optional RumbleSeat into various positions so your kids can have the option of deciding where they will sit, as well as offering an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins to benefit from a wider double buggy. They're great for siblings of different ages and allow you to move around without having to worry about your children touching each other. They're typically a little larger too, with one seat sitting behind the other and usually providing a flat recline for newborns (or an upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It is the tiniest design that is side-by-side and a footprint like the footprint of a single stroller. It also comes with an adjustable handle, which makes it easy for parents of different heights to push and a handbrake that is useful when tackling steep hills. It is suitable to use from birth and can be paired with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has a simple one-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 can be used with up to two carrycots or car seats which makes it an ideal option for older siblings who want to sit together and share the view. It's a bit longer than other models but still feels easy to steer and has soft suspension that is able to handle the kerbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler inline tandems that are available - check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies for instance that provide stability and quick steering. tandem double stroller are often folded into one buggy if you have limited space at home or need to transport it from the car to the bus stop.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy will be heavier and more bulkier than a single compact buggy. Be sure to know what you want prior to making a buy. You'll need to take it on and off trains, buses and subways frequently, so it must be simple to use and manage. You might also have to juggle it on and off the car seat when taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to ensure it is able to be maneuvered in tight spaces.
From birth, you're a suitable candidate
If you're expecting twins, or have another child after your first, you're likely need to find a stroller that can accommodate the whole family. Double buggies are generally slightly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers, however they are also more maneuverable in narrower entrances or around obstacles such as curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as a separate accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front the other. They're a good choice if your children are similar in age and get along well. They're not foolproof. Siblings seated side-by-side may punch or kick each other and children of different heights may fight over who sits higher. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat in the back. Your child's older one will not be sitting at the lower part of the car, and won't have much of an eye.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for a convertible double buggy that includes a carrycot that can accommodate both infants and an older child. It has a clever frame that expands in width when you add a second seat and folds down flat to make it a compact storage. The padded seats are comfortable, the straps are easy to secure and the buckles are among the best we've seen on any of our tests. You can recline both seats independently and the canopies are spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection and windows that peek out.
The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's a little expensive but a high-quality tandem will last for a long time and will retain its resale value. So you'll probably get back some of the cost in the long run. The iCandy does not have the same seating options as our other top selections. However, it's an excellent choice for families who don't wish to spend much money.
