Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggy is a great option. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies and ideal for navigating tight spaces such as doorways, on public transport and on rocky terrain.
Some can be converted to 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 for adding a second seat or making a single stroller a double. The UPPAbaby V2 is large, beautiful stroller. double car seat stroller can easily be changed from a single to a double by adding the Rumble seat. However, it's expensive and less mobile than other double strollers because the 2nd seat is placed to the left of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model with great seating versatility but lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other alternatives include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels and joggers with fixed wheels that can hold two kids. They are more expensive, but they are made for long trips on rough terrain, and come with a higher resale price.
Reclining the seat independently
If you require a double buggy that can transport children of different age groups, then you'll need a buggy that has an recline independent for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to rest while the baby is sleeping in a bassinet, and vice versa.
Think about the width of your pushchair, as this will determine how easy it is for you to maneuver through doors and public transportation. If you have 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 similar to a single buggy, however, it is able to accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are typically longer than side by side models, which makes them more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However they can also accommodate a wider range of combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and can make the perfect choice for twins and siblings of different age. These buggies are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies but they're well worth it if you intend to keep it for a number of years. They'll also keep an impressive amount of value when sold once your children have outgrown it.
This feature will allow you to put your child in a comfortable position for naps and observation. This is especially important if you have a young child 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 observe their surroundings.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to recline into a position that's almost flat, ideal for infants. For example, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the toddler seat that comes with it as well as the optional RumbleSeat into multiple positions so your kids can have a choice of where to sit as well as offering an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that peek out.
More spacious than twin buggies
They are great for siblings with different age groups, and they allow you to get around without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a larger, with one seat behind the other. best double strollers can be reclined fully for infants, or put in an upright position for toddlers.
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which features the slimmest side-by-side design available and has an identical footprint to one buggy. It also features an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of various heights to push, and an adjustable handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb 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.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has an easy one-click fold and can be utilized in a duo or mono mode. The clever frame can be expanded to accommodate the second chair and can be used to accommodate 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, but it's easy to steer and has soft suspension that is able to handle kerbs.
There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems with inline wheels that provide stability and fast steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. These can often be folded into a single 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 more heavy and more bulkier than one that is compact. Make sure you know what you want before you purchase. You'll be taking it on and off subways, buses, and trains regularly so it needs to be easy to operate and manage. You might also have to juggle it on and off the car seat when you take your children to school or nursery so you'll need to know it's easy to maneuver within small spaces.
From birth, you are an ideal candidate
There will be a need for a pushchair 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 are generally larger, heavier and more expensive than single strollers. However, they are also more maneuverable in narrower doorways or around obstacles like 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 put one child in front of the other, so they're generally a better option when you have two children that are close enough in age to function well. But they're not foolproof Side-by-side chairs can kick or punch each other, and children who are different heights can argue over who gets to sit higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this issue by elevating the seat towards the rear, which will prevent your child's height from being on the bottom and not getting the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a great option for parents looking for an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can fit both a newborn in a carrycot and an older child in the main seat. It has a clever frame which can be expanded in size when you add a second child seat. It also folds flat for storage that is compact. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps are easy to fasten, and the buckles some of the most comfortable we've seen on any of our tests. The canopies have a generous size with UPF 50+ protection, and a windows that peek out. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's expensive but a high-quality tandem will last for a long time and retain its resale value, so you'll likely recoup some of the cost in the long run. It doesn't have the same range of seating configurations that others of our top picks however the iCandy is a good option for families who don't want to spend a lot.