Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggy is a great choice. They are a bit smaller than side by side buggies and are perfect for tight spaces like doors, public transport, and rocky terrain.
double buggy with car seat convert into travel systems to include two carrycots or car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may not be as stable when as they bump up kerbs.
Convertible
There are many options to add a second seat or converting a single stroller to double. The UPPAbaby V2 is a large, beautiful stroller. It is easily changed from a single to a dual by adding an seating area with a rumble. It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is located in front of the first 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 twin buggies with all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can accommodate two children. They are more expensive but they are designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain and come with more expensive resales.
Reclining seat recline independently
If you are looking for a double stroller that can accommodate children of various age groups, you'll need one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This will allow your child's older to relax in the back while the baby sleeps in the bassinet and reverse.
You'll also need to think about the size of the pushchair, as this will affect how easy it is to get through doors and on public transportation. If your doorways are very narrow, you may be considering a side by side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller however 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 also accommodate a wider range of combinations of seats/carrycots/car seats and are a great option for twins and siblings of different ages. These buggies are more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but they're worth it if you intend to keep it for a number of years. They will also retain an impressive amount of value if you decide to sell it when your children have outgrown the buggie.
Another important feature to look for is if the seat backs are able to recline independently of each other since this will allow you to put your child in the best position for napping or observation. This is crucial for children who are in the back seat and would like to nap while the more mature child prefers to sit up to observe the surrounding.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to recline into a position that is almost flat, ideal for infants. For instance, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline both the toddler seat that comes with it as well as the optional RumbleSeat into multiple positions so your kids can have the option of where they want to sit as well as providing an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that can be seen from afar.
Wider than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins to benefit from a bigger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of different age groups. They allow you to get around without having to worry about your children touching. They're typically a larger, with one seat behind the other. The seats can be reclined fully for newborns or 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 the same footprint as a single buggy. It has an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake, which is useful on steep hills. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, which means it's a great travel system.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has a simple one-click to fold and is able to be used in mono or duo mode. The frame's clever design can be expanded widthwise to accommodate a second chair and it can be used with up to two carrycots or car seats so it's an excellent choice for older siblings who want to sit together and enjoy the view. It's a bit longer than other models but still feels light to steer and has soft suspension to tackle kerbs.
There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that offer stability and swift steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They are often folded down to the size of one buggy which is useful for those who struggle with storage at home or need to carry it in and out of your car when you travel on public transportation.
It's important to remember that a wide double buggy will feel bulkier and heavier than a smaller single buggy Make sure that it's what you require before purchasing. You'll need to take it off and on subways, buses, and trains regularly so it needs to be easy to operate and manage. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat in and out while taking your child to school or nursery.
From birth
You'll need a stroller for your entire family, 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 easier to maneuver in tighter doorways, or around obstacles like curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or through an accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front the other. They're a good option for children who are similar in age and are able to get along. They're not completely safe. Siblings sitting side-by-side can kick or punch each other and children of different heights could argue over who sits higher. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low design that elevates the seat in the rear. Your older child isn't seated at the bottom of the car and won't be able to get an opportunity to see.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can fit both a newborn in a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It has a clever frame that can be expanded in width when you add the second seat, and folds to flattish storage. The padded straps, buckles, and seats are all of the best quality we have encountered in any of our tests. You can recline both seats independently and the canopy is spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection as well as windows that can be seen from a distance.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it is quite expensive. However, a good tandem will last you for years and retain an attractive resale value which means that in the end you'll likely recover a portion of the cost. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating options as our other top choices. However, it's an excellent choice for families who don't wish to spend lots of cash.