Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggie is a great choice. They're a bit smaller than side-byside buggies and are ideal for maneuvering narrow spaces like entrances, on public transportation and on rough terrain.
Some can be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or car seats for children. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible stroller that converts from single to double or to add a second seat to an existing one, there's a variety of options available. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a large, gorgeous stroller that converts easily from a single model to a double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is located on top of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar option with great seating versatility but isn't equipped with storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other options include twin buggies that have all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can be used to carry two kids. They tend to be more expensive, but they're made to last longer on rough terrain and can have greater resales value.
Independent recline of the seat
If you want a double stroller which can accommodate children of different ages, you will need one with independent seat recliner 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.
You'll also need to consider the width of the pushchair as this will affect how easy it is to get through doors and on public transport. If your doors are narrow, you might think about a side by side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller however can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are typically longer than side by side models, and therefore are more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However they can be able to accommodate more combinations of seats/carrycots/car seats and are an excellent choice for twins and siblings of different age. They are priced higher than single buggies to double but they're well worth the cost if you plan on keeping it for many years. They also hold an impressive amount of value if you decide to sell it when your children have outgrown the buggie.
This feature allows you to put your child in the most comfortable position for naps and observation. This is especially important if you have a young child in the rear seat who may want to lie back and take a snooze while the older child would prefer to sit up and look around their surroundings.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to recline fully to a position that is almost flat, perfect for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example, has stadium-style seating that can be reclined in various positions. It also comes with a UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
Wider than twin buggies
They are great for siblings of different age groups, and you can move around without having to worry about your children touching. They're typically a bit larger too with one seat placed behind the other and offering a fully-flat recline for newborns (or an upright position for toddlers).
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design on the market and has a footprint similar to a single buggy. It features an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake, which can be useful on hills that are steep. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, which means it makes an excellent travel system.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and can be used in duo or mono mode. The clever frame expands in width to accommodate a second chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal choice for older siblings that would like to sit together. It's a little longer than other models but still feels easy to steer and has soft suspension that is able to handle kerbs.
There are also a variety of 3-wheeler inline tandems available Check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies for instance they provide stability and quick steering. They are often folded into a single buggy if you are limited in space at home or need to transport it from the car to the bus station.
It's important to keep in mind that a large double buggy will feel bulkier and heavier than a smaller single buggy Make sure that it's what you require before you purchase. You'll have to get it off and on trains, buses and subways frequently, so it must be easy to operate and manage. You may also need to juggle it on and off the car seat when you take your children to school or nursery so you'll need to be aware it can be easily manoeuvred in small spaces.
From birth, you are a suitable candidate
You'll need a stroller for the whole family, whether you're expecting twins or if you have a child after having your first. Double buggies are typically heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However they are much more maneuverable in narrower doorways and around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies are compatible with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This allows you to carry three children simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs seat one child in the front of the other, and they're generally a better option if you have two kids who are close enough in age to get along well together. But they're not completely safe Siblings in a side-by-side seat may punch or kick each other, and children with different heights may argue over who should sit higher. This problem can be solved by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat at the back. Your child's older will not be seated on the bottom of the car and won't have much of an opportunity to see.
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 and an older child in the main seat. It features an intelligent frame that can be expanded in size when you add a second child seat. It also folds flat to make it a compact storage. The padded straps, buckles, and seats are all of the best quality we have seen in our testing. The canopies are large in size, UPF 50+ protection, and a peekaboo window. Both seats can recline independently.
The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's on the expensive side, but a quality tandem will last a long time and retain its resale value, which means you'll probably get back some of the cost in the end. The iCandy doesn't have the same seating configurations as our other top selections. However, it's a good option for families who don't wish to spend much cash.