Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children close in age, a tandem double buggie 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.
Some can be converted into travel systems that use two carrycots or child car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may feel less stable as they bump up kerbs.
Convertible
Whether you're looking for a convertible stroller that converts from single to double or to add another seat to an existing one, there are several options available. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a spacious, gorgeous stroller that converts easily from a single to a double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable due to the fact that 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's used as a double stroller.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies and fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. They are more expensive, but they are designed for long trips on rough terrain and come with more expensive resales.
Independent seat recline
If you require a double buggy that is able to carry children of different ages, you'll need a buggy that has an independent seat recline for both seats. This allows your older child to relax while the baby is in the bassinet and the reverse is true.
Take into consideration the size of your pushchair and consider how easy it is for you to navigate through doors and on public transportation. If your doorways are very narrow, you may think about a side by side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller but can still accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally longer than side by side models, and therefore are more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of seats/carrycots/car seats and can make an excellent choice for twins and siblings of various age. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are worth the investment if you plan to keep it for many years and will retain a decent amount of resale value if you sell it on when your children have grown out of it.
Another crucial thing to look for is whether the backs of the seats can recline independently from one another as this will let you place your child in the best position to nap or observe. This is particularly important if you have a younger child in the rear seat who may want to lie back and relax while the more mature child wants to sit up and look around their surroundings.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back of their vehicles to fully recline into a position that is nearly flat, which is ideal for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined in multiple positions. It also has a UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
Larger than twin buggies
There's no need to have twins to benefit from a wider double buggy. They're perfect for siblings of different age groups. They allow you to move around without worrying about your children touching each other. They're typically a bit larger, with one seat sitting behind the other and offering a fully-flat recline for newborns (or an upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It is the slimmest design of the two-in-ones on the market and a footprint that is similar to the footprint of a single stroller. It features an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake, which can be useful on hills that are steep. It is suitable for use right from birth, and can be used with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in mono or duo mode in a single click. Its clever frame can be expanded to accommodate an additional chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal option for older siblings who would like to sit together. It's a little longer than other models, yet it's light to steer and comes with soft suspension that can handle the kerbs.
There are many 3-wheeler tandems with inline tires that provide stability and fast steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. These can often be 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 stop.
Be aware that a double-wide buggy will be more heavy and bulkier than a single compact buggy. Be sure to know what you want prior to making a buy. You'll have to get it off and on subways, trains and buses regularly so it needs to be simple to use and manage. You may also need to move it on and off the car seat when taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to know it is able to be maneuvered in small spaces.
From birth, you are a good candidate
You'll need a pushchair for your entire family, whether you're expecting twins, or if you have a child after having your first. Double buggies are typically larger, heavier and more expensive than single strollers. However, they can also be easier to manoeuvre in narrower entrances or around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via a separate accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at a time.
Tandem pushchairs seat one child in front of the other, and they're usually a better option when you have two children who are close enough in age to function well. But they're not completely safe Siblings in a side-by-side seat could kick or punch each other, and kids on different heights can squabble over who should sit higher. A tandem high-low model could solve this problem by elevating the seat towards the rear, preventing your child's older one from sitting on the bottom and not getting any view.
stokke double stroller www.pushchairsandprams.uk is a good option for parents who are looking for an adjustable double buggy that can be converted into a carrycot that can accommodate both infants and an older child. It features a clever frame which expands in width when you add the second child seat. It can also fold flat to make it a compact storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps easy to fasten, and the buckles some of the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. Both seats can recline independently and the canopies are big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection and windows that peek out.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's on the expensive side, but a quality tandem will last for a long time and will retain its resale value, so you'll likely recoup some of the cost in the long run. It also doesn't offer the same variety of seating configurations that some of our other top choices however, the iCandy is a good choice for families who don't want to shell out a lot of money.