Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a fantastic option for twins or children who are close in age. They're narrower than side-by-side buggies, and ideal for maneuvering tight spaces, such as entrances, on public transportation and on rocky terrain.
Many convert into travel systems to include two carrycots or car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs and might feel less stable when in bumping up the kerbs.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seat or converting a single stroller to a double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is big, beautiful stroller that can easily be converted from a single to a double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It's costly and less mobile than other double strollers because the 2nd seat goes behind the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model however, it doesn't have storage underneath the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can accommodate two children. They are more expensive, however, they are designed to last longer on rough terrain, and come with higher resale prices.
Independent seat recline
If you require a double buggy that is able to transport children of various ages then you're going to require a model with an independent seat recline for both seats. This will allow your child's older to rest in the back while the baby is in the bassinet and reverse.
You'll also have to think about the size of the pushchair as this will impact the ease of traverse doors and public transport. If you have narrow doorways then it might be a good idea to consider a side-byside pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy, however, it is able to use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are usually slightly longer than side-by-side models and therefore aren't easily maneuverable around kerbs however they can be able to accommodate a bigger range of car seat/car seat combinations, making them a good option for twins or siblings of various age groups. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are a good purchase if you plan to keep it for years and will have a decent amount of resale value in the event that you decide to sell it off when your children are out of it.
Another thing to look for is if the backs of the seats can recline independently of one another since this will allow you to put your child in the most optimal position for naps or watching. This is especially important if you have a young child in the rear seat, who will want to lie back and relax while the older child would prefer to sit up and observe their surroundings.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to fully recline into a position that's almost flat, perfect for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined into various positions. It also has a UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
You don't need to have twins in order to benefit from a wider double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of various age groups and let you go about your day without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a little longer too with one seat placed behind the other and with a fully-flat recline option for newborns (or a more upright position for toddlers).
strollers double strollers is a popular option. It is the slimmest design that is side-by-side and a footprint that is like a single stroller. It also has an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of different heights to push as well as a handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb difficult hills. It is suitable to use from birth and can be used with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in duo or mono mode in a single click. The frame's clever design expands to accommodate an additional chair and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic option for older siblings who wish to sit together. It's a little longer than other models, but it still feels light and has a comfortable suspension for the kerbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler tandems inline available - check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example they provide stability and swift steering. They are often folded into the size of a single buggy which is useful when you have trouble storing it at home or frequently need to transport it into and out of your car when using public transportation.
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 purchase. It is likely to be used on buses, trains and subways frequently, therefore it must be simple to manage and use. You may also have to juggle it onto and off the car seat when taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to know it is able to be maneuvered within small spaces.
From twin stroller
There will be a need for a pushchair for the whole family, regardless of whether you're expecting twins or you have another 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 more maneuverable in tighter doors and around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies can be used with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This allows you to transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other, so they're usually a better option if you have two kids who are close enough in age to be able to live well together. They're not 100% secure. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could punch or kick one another and children with different heights can fight over who sits taller. A tandem high-low model could solve this issue by elevating the seat towards the rear, which will prevent your child's height from being on the bottom and not having the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for a convertible double buggy that includes a carrycot that can accommodate both infants and an older child. It features a smart frame that can be expanded in width when you add the second seat and folds down flat to make it a compact storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps are easy to fasten and the buckles are among the best we've seen on any of our tests. The canopies have a generous size, UPF 50+ protection, as well as a the window is peekaboo. Both seats are reclined independently.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit expensive. But a high-quality tandem will last for years and retain a high resale price, so in the end you'll likely recover some of the cost. It doesn't come with the same range of seating configurations as the other top picks however the iCandy is a great choice for families that don't want to spend a fortune.