Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggie is a great choice. They are narrower than side by side buggies, and are great for tight spaces like doorways, public transport and 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 kerbs.
Convertible
Whether you're looking for a convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add an additional seat to an existing one, there are several options available. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a big, beautiful stroller that can easily be converted from a single to double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is positioned on top of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow provides a similar choice, but it lacks storage under the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies and fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. These tend to be more expensive, however they're designed for long trips over rough terrain and could have a higher resale value.
Reclining seat recline independently
If you require a double buggy that can carry children of different age groups, then you'll need a buggy that has an recline independent for both seats. This allows your older child to relax while the baby is in a bassinet, and the reverse is true.
Take into consideration the width of your stroller to determine how easy it is for you to navigate through doors and on public transport. If lightweight double pushchair are narrow, you may think about a side by side pushchair like 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 typically larger than side-by-side models, making them more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However they can be able to accommodate more combinations of car seats/car seats/seats and are a great option for twins and siblings of different ages. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are a good purchase if you plan to keep it for many years and will retain a decent amount of resale value should you sell it on after your children have grown out of it.
This feature allows you to put your child in a comfortable position for naps and observation. This is important for children who are in the back seat and would like to rest while the child in the front prefers to sit and observe the surrounding.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to fully recline into a position that's almost flat, perfect for babies. For instance the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the included toddler seat and the add-on RumbleSeat to multiple positions, to give your kids a the option of where they want to sit as well as offering an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that can be seen from afar.
Wider than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings with different age groups, and you can move about without worrying about your children touching. They're usually a bit larger too, with one seat sitting behind the other and usually with a fully-flat recline option for newborns (or a more upright position for toddlers).
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which features the slimmest side-by-side design available and features a footprint similar to a single buggy. It also has an adjustable handle, making it easy for parents of different heights to push as well as an adjustable handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb steep hills. It is suitable for use right from birth, and can be paired with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in either mono or duo mode with just one click. The clever frame can be expanded to accommodate an additional chair and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic choice for older siblings that want to sit together. It's a bit longer than other models, yet it's light to steer and has soft suspension that is able to handle kerbs.
There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems with inline tires that offer stability and swift steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They are often folded into one buggy if you are limited in space at home or need to transport it from the car to the bus station.
It's worth bearing in mind that a double-buggy with a wider width will feel bulkier and heavier than a smaller single buggy, so make sure you're getting what you need before purchasing. It will be utilized on buses, trains and subways often, so it should be easy to manage and use. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat while taking your child to school or nursery.
From birth, you are a suitable candidate
You'll need a pushchair for your entire family, whether you're expecting twins or if you have a child after you've had your first. Double buggies are generally slightly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers. However, they are also more maneuverable in narrower entrances or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This allows you to transport three children simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front of the other, so they're usually a better option when you have two children who are close enough in age to function well. They're not 100% secure. Siblings sitting side-by-side can kick or punch each other, and children of different heights could argue over who is sitting higher. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat at the back. Your child's older one isn't seated at the lowest part of the car and won't be able to get an eye.
The iCandy Wave is a good option for parents who are looking for an adjustable double buggy that can be converted into a carrycot that can fit both a newborn and an older child. It has a clever frame that can be expanded in width when you add a second seat and folds down to flattish storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps are simple to fasten, and the buckles some of the most comfortable we've seen on any of our tests. The canopy is large in size with UPF 50+ protection, and a peekaboo window. Both seats can recline independently.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit expensive. However, a quality tandem will last you for years and retain a high resale price, so in the end, you'll likely recoup a portion of the cost. It doesn't have the same selection of seating configurations that the other top picks however, the iCandy is a good option for families who don't want to spend a lot.