Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children similar in age, a tandem double buggy is a great choice. They’re smaller than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for maneuvering tight spaces such as entrances, on public transportation and on rough terrain.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats for children. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and might feel less stable when in bumping up the kerbs.
Convertible
Whether you’re looking for a convertible stroller that converts from single to double pushchair to double or to add a second seat to an existing one, there are a variety of options available. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a big, beautiful stroller that can easily be converted from a single model to a double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is positioned on top of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with a wide range of seating options, but isn’t equipped with storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other alternatives include all terrain double stroller-terrain twin pushchairs buggies, as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. These tend to be more expensive, but they’re made for long trips over rough terrain and could have greater resales value.
Independent recline of the seat
If you’re looking for a double running buggy stroller that will accommodate children of different age groups, you’ll need one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to sit back and relax while the baby sleeps in the bassinet and reverse.
Think about the width of your pushchair to determine how easy it is for you to get through doors and public transportation. If you have very narrow doors, it could be worth considering a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint that is similar to a single buggy however, it is able to take 2 seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are a little longer than side-by-side models and therefore aren’t easy to manoeuvre around kerbs however, they can accommodate a wider variety of car/car/seat combinations, so can be a good option for twins or siblings of different age groups. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are worth the investment 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 have grown out of it.
Another crucial thing to look out for is if the seat backs can recline independently of each other since this will allow you to place your child in the most optimal position for naps or watching. This is especially important if you have a younger child in the rear seat, who will prefer to lay back and take a snooze while the older child would prefer to sit up and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands come with a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to fully recline into a nearly flat position which is perfect for babies. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined into several positions. It also offers UPF 50+ sun protection and peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin strollers for Newborns buggies
You don’t need to have twins in order to benefit from a larger double umbrella stroller buggy. They’re great for siblings of different age groups and let you move around without worrying about your children touching each other. They’re typically a little larger with one seat placed behind the other and providing a flat recline for newborns (or an upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It is the tiniest design that is side-by-side, and a footprint similar to one stroller. It features an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake which is helpful on steep hills. It is suitable to use from birth and it can be combined with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and can be used in duo or mono mode. Its clever frame expands to accommodate the second chair and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal choice for older siblings that would like to sit together. It’s slightly longer than some other models, yet it’s light to steer and comes with soft suspension to tackle kerbs.
There are a variety 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. They are often folded into the size of one buggie which is useful if you struggle with storage at home or have to transport it into and out of the boot when using public transportation.
It’s worth bearing in mind that a wide double buggy will feel bulkier and heavier than a single buggy that is smaller, so make sure it’s what you need before you purchase. It is likely to be utilized on buses, trains and subways frequently, so it must be easy to operate and use. You may need to juggle the car seat on and off while taking your child to school or nursery.
Suitable from birth
If you’re expecting twins, or have a second child after your first, you’re likely to require a pushchair that fits the whole family. Double buggies are typically heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are also easier to maneuver in tighter doorways and around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via an accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front of the other, so they’re generally a better option when you have two children that are close enough in age to get along well. But they’re not foolproof Siblings in a side-by-side seat could kick or punch one another, and children on different heights can squabble over who should sit higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this issue by elevating the seat towards the rear, which prevents your older child from sitting on the bottom and not getting any view.
The iCandy Wave is a great option for parents looking for an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to fit a newborn into a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It features a smart frame that expands widthways when you add a second seat, and folds flat for compact storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps are simple to fasten and the buckles some of the best we’ve seen on any of our tests. Both seats can recline independently and the canopy is large and generous with UPF 50+ protection and windows that peek out.
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 an attractive resale value so in the end, you’ll likely recoup a portion of the cost. The iCandy does not have the same seating arrangements as our other top picks. It’s nevertheless a good option for families who don’t want to spend lots of money.