Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very similar in age, a tandem double buggy is a great choice. They are smaller than side by side buggies and are great for tight spaces like doorways, public transport and terrain that is rocky.
Many convert into travel systems to use two carrycots or car seats. They can be heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are a variety of options to add a second seat or changing a single stroller into double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a large, gorgeous stroller that easily converts from a single stroller to double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). However, it's pricey and less mobile than other double strollers because the 2nd seat is placed in front of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar option with great seating versatility but does not have storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. They are generally more expensive but they're designed to last longer on rough terrain and can have a higher resale value.
Independent recline of the seat
If you're looking for a double buggy that can transport children of different ages then you're going to want one that has independent seat recline for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to relax while the baby is in a bassinet, and the reverse is true.
Consider the size of your pushchair and consider the ease of you to navigate through doors and public transport. If your doorways are very narrow, you might want to consider a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller, but can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally longer than side by side models, which makes them more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However they can be able to accommodate more combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and are a great option for twins and siblings of various age. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are a worthwhile investment if you intend to keep it for years and have a good amount of resale value if you sell it on after your children have grown out of it.
Another crucial thing to look for is whether the seat backs are able to recline independently from one another because this allows you to put your child in the best position for naps or watching. This is especially important when you have a child younger than in the rear seat, who will be inclined to lie down and take a snooze while the older child would prefer to sit up and look around their surroundings.
Certain brands come with a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to fully recline to an almost flat position that is perfect for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined in several positions. It also offers UPF 50+ sun protection and peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin buggies
You don't need to have twins in order to benefit from a bigger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of different age groups and let you go about your day without having to worry about your children touching each other. They're typically a bit larger too, with one seat sitting behind the other and usually with a fully-flat recline option for babies (or a more upright position for toddlers).
linked website is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which is the tiniest side-by-side model available and features a footprint similar to a single buggy. It features an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake which is helpful on steep hills. It is suitable for use right from birth, and it can be combined with a range of car seats and carrycots.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has an easy one-click fold and is able to be utilized in a duo or mono mode. The clever frame expands to accommodate an additional chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal choice for older siblings that want to be seated together. It's a little longer than other models, but it feels light and has a comfortable suspension for curbs.
There are also plenty of 3-wheeler tandems inline available - check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies for instance they provide stability and swift steering. These can often be folded into one buggy in case you have a small space at home or need to transport it from your car to the bus.
It's important to keep in mind that a wide double buggy will feel bulkier and heavier than a smaller single buggy So make sure it's what you need before purchasing. It will be utilized on buses, trains and subways often, therefore it must be simple to manage and use. You might also have to move it on and off the car seat while taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to know it is able to be maneuvered within small spaces.
From birth
You'll need a stroller for your entire family, whether you're expecting twins, or you have a second child after you've had your first. Double buggies are typically heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are much easier to maneuver in tighter doorways 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 once.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other. They are a good option for children who are similar in age and get along well. But they're not foolproof Siblings in a side-by-side seat could kick or punch one another, and children who are different heights can argue over who gets to sit higher. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low design that elevates the seat at the rear. Your child's older one will not be seated on the lower part of the car, and won't have much of an eye.
The iCandy Wave is a good option for parents who are looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that can fit both infants and an older child. It has an innovative frame that can be expanded in size when you add a second child seat. It folds flat for compact storage. The cushioned seats, straps and buckles are all of the highest quality we have seen in our testing. The canopies are large in size, UPF 50+ protection, as well as a windows that peek out. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it is quite expensive. But a high-quality tandem will last you for many years and have the highest resale value, which means that in the end, you'll likely recoup some of the cost. It doesn't come with the same variety of seating configurations that the other top picks however, the iCandy is a good option for families that don't want to shell out a lot of money.