Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very similar in age, a tandem double buggie is a great option. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies, and ideal for maneuvering tight spaces such as entrances, on public transportation and on rough terrain.
Many also transform into travel systems that take 2 carrycots or car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs and may feel less stable in bumping up the kerbs.
Convertible
There are a variety of options for adding a second seat or changing a single stroller into a double. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a big, beautiful stroller that can easily be converted from a single stroller to a double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable because the second seat is positioned in front of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow provides a similar choice but lacks storage under the seat when it is used as a double stroller.
Other options 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 made to last longer on rough terrain and have a higher resale price.
Independent recline of the seat
If you're looking for a double buggy that is able to carry children of different ages then you're going to want one that has recline that is independent for both seats. This will allow your child's older to rest in the back while the baby sleeps in the bassinet and reverse.
You'll also need to consider the width of the stroller as it will impact how easy it is to traverse doors and public transportation. If your doorways are very narrow, you might want to consider a side by side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller but it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are slightly longer than side-by-side models and therefore aren't easily maneuverable around kerbs but they can accommodate a wider variety of car seat/car seat combinations, so can be a good option for twins or siblings of various age. They are also more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are a good purchase if you plan to keep it for many years and will have a decent amount of resale value should you decide to sell it after your children have grown out of it.
Another important feature to look 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 if you have a child younger than in the rear seat, who will be inclined to lie down and sleep while the older child would prefer to sit up and look around their surroundings.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to recline into a position that's almost flat, perfect for babies. The iCandy Orange, for example, has stadium-style seating that can be reclined in various positions. It also comes with UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins in order to benefit from a larger double buggy. They're perfect for siblings of various age groups. They allow you to go about your day without worrying about your children touching each other. They're usually a bit longer with one seat positioned behind 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 is the slimmest design of the two-in-ones on the market, and a footprint comparable to one stroller. It also features an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of various heights to push as well as a handbrake that is useful when tackling difficult terrains. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, meaning it is a great travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in either mono or duo mode with just one click. Its clever frame expands in width to accommodate the second chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal choice for older siblings that want to sit together. It's a bit longer than other models, yet it's light to steer and has soft suspension that is able to handle kerbs.
There are also plenty of 3-wheeler inline tandems that are available Check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for instance they provide stability and quick steering. Often these can be folded down to the size of one buggie which is useful if you struggle with storage at home or have to transport it into and out of your car on public transportation.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy will be more heavy and bulkier than one that is compact. Make sure you know what you want before you buy. ready to grow double stroller 'll need to take it on and off subways, trains and buses often, so it should be simple to use and manage. You may also need to juggle it on and off the car seat when you take your children to school or nursery so you'll need to ensure it's easy to maneuver in small spaces.
The best time to start is when you are born.
There will be a need for a pushchair for the whole family, whether you're expecting twins or if you have a child after you've had your first. Double buggies are generally heavier and bulkier as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are much easier to maneuver in tighter doorways, or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies can be used with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs seat one child in the front of the other, so they're usually a better option when you have two children who are similar in age to function well together. They're not completely safe. Siblings sitting side-by-side can punch or kick each other, and children of different heights may fight over who is sitting higher. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat in the rear. Your child's older one isn't seated at the lower part of the car, and won't get much of an eye.
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 has a clever frame that can be expanded in width when you add the second seat, and folds flat to make it a compact storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps easy to fasten, and the buckles are among the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. The seats can be reclined independently and the canopies are big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection and windows that can be seen from a distance.
The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's a bit on the expensive side, but a quality tandem will last for a long time and maintain its resale value, which means you'll probably recoup some of the cost in the end. The iCandy doesn't have the same seating options as our other top selections. However, it's an excellent choice for families who don't wish to spend lots of cash.