Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggy newborn [
navigate to this site] buggy is a fantastic option. They are smaller than side by side buggies, and are perfect for small spaces such as doors, public transport and rocky terrain.
Some can be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or child car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs and may not be as stable when in bumping up the kerbs.
Convertible
There are a variety of options for adding a second seating or converting a single stroller to double. The UPPAbaby V2 is spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can easily be transformed from a single stroller to a dual by adding an rumble seat. However, it's expensive and less maneuverable than other dual strollers because the 2nd seat goes behind the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option however, it doesn't have storage underneath the seat when it's used as a
double pushchair with car seat stroller.
Other alternatives include all-terrain
twin pushchair from birth buggies, as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. They are more expensive but they are made to last longer on rough terrain, and come with higher resale prices.
Independent seat recline
If you want a double stroller that will accommodate children of different age groups, you'll need one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This will allow your child's older to relax in the back while the baby sleeps in the bassinet and the reverse.
Take into consideration the size of your pushchair, as this will determine how easy it is for you to maneuver through doors and on public transportation. If you have very narrow doors, it may be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy, but can still use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally slightly longer than side-by-side models and so aren't as difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs, however they can be able to accommodate a bigger range of car seat/car seat combinations, and are a great option for twins or siblings of various ages. These buggies are more expensive than single buggies to
double pushchair, but they're worth it if you plan on keeping it for many years. They will also retain a good amount of value if sold when your children have outgrown it.
Another important feature to look for is if the seat backs can recline independently of each other since this will allow you to put your child in the most optimal position for naps or watching. This is important if your child is in the back seat and wants to take a nap while the more mature child prefers to sit up and observe the surroundings.
Some brands feature a unique seat design which allows the back seat to completely recline into an almost flat position, which is ideal for newborns. For example the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the toddler seat that comes with it and the add-on RumbleSeat to multiple positions, so your kids can have a choice of where to sit, as well as providing an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out.
Wider than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins in order to benefit from a bigger double buggy. They're great for siblings of various ages and allow you to go about your day without worrying about your children touching. 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 has the slimmest side-byside design available and features a footprint similar to one 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 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 an easy one-click fold and can be used in mono or duo mode. The frame's clever design expands to accommodate the second chair and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic option for older siblings who would like to be seated together. It's a little longer than other models, but it still feels light and has soft suspension for kerbs.
There are also a variety of 3-wheeler tandems inline available such as Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example they provide stability and quick steering. They are often folded into a single buggy in case you have a small space at home or need to carry it from the car to the bus station.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy is heavier and heavier than one compact buggy. Be sure to know what you want before you buy. You'll have to get it on and off subways, buses, and trains regularly so it needs to 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 in small spaces.
The best time to start is when you are born.
You'll need a stroller for your entire family regardless of whether you're expecting twins or you have a second child after you've had your first. Double buggies tend to be slightly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single
strollers double. However, they are also more maneuverable through narrower doors or around obstacles like curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via an accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at a time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other. They are a good option for children who are close in age and are able to get along. But they're not foolproof: Siblings in side-by-side seats can kick or punch each other, and children with different heights may argue over who gets to sit higher. A tandem high-low model can solve this issue by elevating the seat to the rear, which will prevent your older child from being on the bottom and not having much of a view.
The iCandy Wave is a good option for parents who are looking for a convertible double buggy that includes a carrycot that can accommodate both the newborn and the older child. It features a clever frame that can be expanded in width when you add the second seat, and folds flat for compact storage. The padded seats, straps and buckles are all of the highest quality we have encountered in our tests. The seats can be reclined independently and the canopy is large and generous with UPF 50+ protection and windows that peek out.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit expensive. However, a good tandem will last for years and retain a high resale price, so in the end you'll probably recoup some of the cost. It doesn't come with the same variety of seating configurations that some of our other top picks however, the iCandy is a great choice for families who don't want to spend a lot.