Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A Tandem double buggy (
zenwriting.net) could be a great choice for twins or children who are very close in age. They're narrower than side-by-side buggies and ideal for navigating tight spaces such as doors, 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 often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are a variety of options for adding a second seating or changing a single stroller into double. The UPPAbaby is a spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can be easily converted from a single to a dual by adding the rumble seat. However, it's pricey and less maneuverable than other dual strollers due to the fact that the second seat is located behind the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow provides a similar choice, but it lacks storage underneath the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies, as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. They are generally more expensive, but they're made for long-distance trips over rough terrain and can have more resale value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you're looking for a double stroller which can accommodate children of different ages, you will need one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This will allow your older child to be able to relax while your baby is in a bassinet, and reverse.
You'll also have to think about the size of the pushchair as this will affect the ease of traverse doors and public transport. If your doors are narrow, you might think about a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller but can still accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally a little longer than side-by-side models, and aren't as easily maneuverable up and down kerbs, however, they can accommodate a bigger range of car/car/seat combinations, and are a great option for twins or siblings of different age groups. They are also more expensive than
single double stroller-to-
cheap double stroller buggies however they're worth it if you plan to keep it for a number of years. They will also retain a good amount of value when sold once your kids have outgrown the buggie.
Another crucial thing to look for is if the seat backs can recline independently of one another because this allows you to put your child in the
best double buggy position for naps or watching. This is essential for children who are in the back seat and wishes to take a nap while the more mature child prefers to sit up and observe the surrounding.
Certain brands come with a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to completely recline to an almost flat position that is perfect for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined in various positions. It also comes with a UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
More spacious than twin buggies
They are perfect for siblings with different ages, and you can get around without having to worry about your children touching. They're typically a little larger with one seat placed behind the other and offering a fully-flat recline for babies (or a more 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 one buggy. It also comes with an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of various heights to push as well as a handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb difficult hills. It is suitable for use right from birth, and can be used with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and is able to be used in mono or duo mode. The frame's clever design can be expanded to accommodate a second seat and it can be used with up to two carrycots or car seats so it's an excellent option for older siblings who want to sit in a group and enjoy the view. It's slightly longer than some other models, but it's easy to steer and has soft suspension that is able to handle the kerbs.
There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that offer stability and quick steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Most of them can be folded into the size of a single buggy, which is helpful if you struggle with storage at home or have to transport it into and out of the car on public transportation.
It's worth bearing in mind that a large double buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a single buggy that is smaller, so make sure it's what you require before purchasing. It will be utilized on buses, trains, and subways frequently so it must be easy to manage and use. You may also have to juggle it onto and off the car seat when you take your children to nursery or school so you'll need to know it is able to be maneuvered in small spaces.
From birth, you're a good candidate
You'll need a stroller for your entire family, regardless of whether you're expecting twins or if you have a child after you've had your first. Double buggies are generally a bit heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers, but they can also be more maneuverable through narrower doors or around obstacles like curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as an accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at a time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in the front of the other, and they're usually a better option when you have two children who are close enough in age to be able to live well together. But they're not completely safe Side-by-side chairs could kick or punch each other, and kids on different heights can squabble over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this problem by elevating the seat at the rear, which prevents your older child from sitting on the bottom and not getting any view.
The iCandy Wave is a good choice for parents looking for an adjustable double buggy that can be converted into a carrycot that is able to accommodate both the newborn and the older child. It has a clever frame that can be expanded in width when you add the second seat and folds down to flattish storage. The padded seats are comfortable, the straps easy to fasten, and the buckles are among the
most compact double stroller comfortable we've seen on any of our tests. Both seats can recline independently and the canopy is big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection and 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 for many years and have an attractive resale value so in the end you'll likely recover some of the cost. The iCandy does not have the same seating configurations as our other top picks. However, it's a good option for families who don't wish to spend lots of cash.