Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a great choice when you have twins or children who are very close in age. They're a bit smaller than side-byside buggies and ideal for navigating tight spaces, such as entrances, on public transportation and rocky terrain.
Some can 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
If you're looking for a convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add a second seat to an existing one, there are several options available. The UPPAbaby is a spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can easily be converted from a single to a double by adding an seating area with a rumble. However, it's expensive and less maneuverable than other dual strollers because the 2nd seat is placed to the left of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model however, it doesn't have storage under the seat when it is used as a double stroller.
Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can hold two children. They tend to be more expensive, but they're made for long-distance trips over rough terrain and can have a higher resale value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you're looking for a double stroller that will accommodate children of different age groups, you'll require one with an independent recliner for both seats. single to double pushchair allows your child of a higher age to be able to relax while your baby is in the bassinet, and reverse.
You'll also have to think about the size of the pushchair as this will affect how easy it is to traverse doors and public transport. If your doorways are very narrow, you may want to consider a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller but it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies tend to be longer than side by side models, and therefore are more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and are the perfect choice for twins and siblings of various ages. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are a good investment if you intend to keep it for years and will have a decent amount of resale value should you decide to sell it off after your children have grown out of it.
Another important feature to look out for is if the seat backs are able to recline independently of one another as this will let you place your child in the most optimal position for naps or watching. This is important for children who are in the back seat and wants to nap while the older child prefers to sit up to observe the surrounding.
A few brands have a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to fully recline into a nearly flat position, which is ideal for infants. For instance, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the toddler seat that comes with it as well as the optional RumbleSeat to multiple positions, to give your kids a the option of deciding where to sit and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings of different age groups, and they allow you to get around without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a more spacious with one seat positioned 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 is the tiniest side-by-side model available and features a footprint similar to a single buggy. It comes with an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake, which is useful on steep hills. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, meaning it's a great travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in either mono or duo mode with just one click. Its clever frame can be expanded widthwise to accommodate a second chair and it can be used with up to two carrycots or car seats making it a great option for older siblings that want to sit together and enjoy the view. It's a little longer than other models but still feels light to steer and comes with soft suspension to tackle the kerbs.
There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that offer stability and quick steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Often these can be folded down to the size of one buggy, which is helpful when you have trouble storing it at home or need to transport it into and out of your car on public transportation.
It's important to keep in mind that a double-buggy with a wider width will be heavier and bulkier than a smaller single buggy, so make sure it's what you need before you purchase. You'll have to get it on and off subways, trains and buses often, so it should be easy to operate and manage. You may need to juggle the car seat when you take your child to school or the nursery.
From tandem double stroller
Whether you're expecting twins or have a second child after your first, you're going need to find a stroller that can accommodate the entire family. Double buggies tend to be larger, heavier and more expensive than single strollers, however they can also be easier to maneuver in narrower entrances or around obstacles such as curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via an accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at once.
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 similar in age to be able to live well. They're not completely safe. Siblings sitting side-by-side can punch or kick one another, and children of different heights can fight over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model can solve this problem by elevating the seat to the rear, which prevents your child's height from sitting on the bottom and not having any view.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to fit both a newborn in a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It features a clever frame which can be expanded in size when you add the second child seat. It also folds flat for storage that is compact. The cushioned buckles, straps and seats are all of the best quality we have seen in 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 years and retain the highest resale value, which means that in the end, you'll likely recoup some of the cost. The iCandy doesn't have the same seating options as our other top picks. It's nevertheless an ideal choice for families that don't want spend a lot of cash.