Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a great option when you have twins or children who are close in age. They are narrower than side by side buggies, and are perfect for small spaces such as doorways, public transport and rocky terrain.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or car seats for children. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seat or converting a single stroller to double. The UPPAbaby is a large, beautiful stroller. It can easily be converted from a single to a double by adding an Rumble seat. However, it's expensive and less mobile than other double strollers due to the fact that the second seat goes in front of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option, but it lacks storage under the seat when it's used as a
double buggy sale stroller.
Other options include
twin stroller buggies that have all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can be used to carry two kids. These are more expensive, but they are designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain and have higher resale prices.
Reclining the seat independently
If you want a double stroller that can accommodate children of various ages, you will need one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This will allow your child's older to rest in the back while the baby sleeps in the bassinet and vice versa.
It is also important to consider the width of the stroller as this will impact how easy it is to traverse doors and public transportation. If your doorways are very narrow, you might be considering a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller however it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally a little longer than side-by-side models, and aren't as difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs, however they can be able to accommodate a wider range of car seat/car seat combinations, so can be a good option for twins or siblings of various ages. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to-
double single pushchair buggies but are a worthwhile investment if you intend to keep it for years and will have a decent amount of resale value should you sell it on after your children have grown out of it.
Another thing to look for is if the seat backs are able to recline independently from one another as this will let you put your child in the most optimal position to nap or observe. This is crucial when your child is in the back seat and wants to take a nap while the older child prefers to sit up to observe the surrounding.
Certain brands come with a unique seat design which allows the back seat to completely recline into an almost flat position that is perfect for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined into multiple positions. It also comes with a UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
Larger than
twin pushchair from birth buggies
You don't need to have twins to benefit from a larger
double push chair buggy - they're ideal for siblings of various age groups and let you move around without worrying about your children touching. They're usually a bit longer with one seat positioned behind the other. The seats can be reclined completely for infants, or put in an upright position for toddlers.
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which features the slimmest side-by-side design on the market and has a footprint similar to one buggy. It features an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake that is useful on steep hills. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, meaning it's a great travel system.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has a simple one-click to fold and can be utilized in a duo or mono mode. The frame's clever design can be expanded widthwise to accommodate a second seat and it can be used with two car seats or carrycots so it's an excellent option for older siblings that want to sit together and share the view. It's a bit longer than other models but still feels easy to steer and has soft suspension to tackle the kerbs.
There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems with 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 size a single buggy which is useful if you struggle with storage at home or need to lug it in and out of the car when using public transportation.
It's important to keep in mind that a large double buggy will feel heavier and bulkier than a single buggy that is smaller So make sure you're getting what you need before you buy. You'll need to take it off and on subways, trains and buses frequently, so it must be simple to use and manage. You might need to manage the car seat in and out when you take your child to school or the nursery.
From birth
If you're expecting twins or you have a child following your first, you're going to require a stroller that can accommodate the whole family. Double buggies are typically larger, heavier and cost more than single strollers. However, they can also be easier to manoeuvre in narrower entrances or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies are compatible with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This lets you transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front of the other, so they're often a better choice if you have two kids that are close enough in age to be able to live well. They're not completely safe. Siblings seated side-by-side may punch or kick each other and children with different heights could argue over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model can solve this issue by elevating the seat towards the rear, which will prevent your older child from being on the bottom and not having the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a good option for parents who are looking for a convertible
double pushchairs for Siblings buggy that includes a carrycot that can accommodate both a newborn and an older child. It features a clever frame that can be expanded in width when you add a second seat, and folds flat to make it a compact storage. The padded seats are comfortable, the straps are simple to secure and the buckles are among the best we've seen on any of our tests. You can recline both seats independently and the canopy is large and generous with UPF 50+ protection and windows that peek out.
The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's a little on the expensive side but a high-quality tandem will last a long time and will retain its resale value, which means you'll likely recoup some of the cost in the end. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating arrangements as our other top picks. However, it's a good option for families that don't want spend a lot of money.