Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a fantastic option if you have twins, or children who are very close in age. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies, and ideal for maneuvering tight spaces such as doors, on public transport and on rocky terrain.
Some can be converted into travel systems that use two carrycots or child car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may feel less stable in bumping up kerbs.
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 many options to choose from. The UPPAbaby V2 is spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can easily be converted from a single to a dual by adding a rumble seat. It is more expensive and less maneuverable due to the fact that the second seat is located behind the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar option with a wide range of seating options, but does not have storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies and fixed-wheel joggers that can accommodate two children. They are more expensive but they are made for long trips on rough terrain and have more expensive resales.
Reclining the seat independently
If you're looking for a double buggy that can carry children of different age groups, then you'll need a buggy that has an independent seat recline for both seats. This will allow your older child to rest in the back while the baby sleeps in the bassinet and vice versa.
You'll also have to consider the width of the pushchair, as this will affect how easy it is to navigate through doors and on public transportation. If you have extremely narrow doors, it could be a good idea to consider a side-byside pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy however it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally smaller than side-byside models and so aren't as easily maneuverable through kerbs and up and down, but they can accommodate a wider variety of car seat/car seat combinations, making them a good option for twins or siblings of different age groups. They can also be more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are a worthwhile investment if you intend to keep it for years and will retain a decent amount of resale value in the event that you sell it on when your children have grown out of it.
This feature allows you to put your child in a comfortable position for naps or 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 wants to sit and observe their surroundings.
Some brands feature a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to completely recline into an almost flat position which is perfect for newborns. For example, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the toddler seat included as well as the optional RumbleSeat into multiple positions to give your kids a the option of deciding where to sit, as well as offering an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows.
Wider than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins in order to benefit from a bigger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of various ages and allow you to get around without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a little longer too with one seat positioned behind the other, and typically offering a fully-flat recline for infants (or an upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It is the tiniest design side-by-side on the market, and a footprint that is comparable to the footprint of a single stroller. It comes with an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake which is useful on steep hills. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, which means it's a great travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in mono or duo mode with just a single click. The frame's clever design can be expanded widthwise to accommodate a second chair and it can be used with two car seats or carrycots so it's an excellent choice for older siblings who wish to sit together and share the view. It's a little longer than other models, yet it's easy to steer and has soft suspension that is able to handle the kerbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler inline tandems that are available Check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies for instance - which offer stability and swift steering. They are often folded into a single buggy if you have limited space at home or you need to transport it from your car to the bus station.
It's worth bearing in mind that a double-buggy with a wider width will feel heavier and bulkier than a single buggy that is smaller, so make sure you're getting what you need before you buy. You'll need to take it off and on trains, buses and subways frequently, so it must be easy to operate and manage. You might also have to juggle it onto and off the car seat while taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to be aware it's easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
From birth, you're a suitable candidate
You'll need a pushchair for your entire family regardless of whether you're expecting twins or you have a second child after having your first. Double buggies are generally heavier and bulkier as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are much more maneuverable in tighter doors, or around obstacles like curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or through an additional accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at a time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front of the other, so they're generally a better option when you have two children who are close enough in age to get along well together. But they're not completely safe Side-by-side chairs can kick or punch each other, and children with different heights may argue over who gets to sit higher. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low design that elevates the seat at the rear. Your child's older isn't seated at the bottom of the car and won't be able to get a look out.
The iCandy Wave is a good choice for parents looking for a convertible double buggy that includes a carrycot that can accommodate both infants and an older child. It has a clever frame that expands widthways when you add a second seat, and folds flat for compact storage. Get the facts padded seats are comfortable, the straps easy to fasten, and the buckles are among the best we've seen on any of our tests. The canopy is large in size and UPF 50+ protection, and a windows that peek out. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit costly. However, Get the facts will last you for a long time and will have the highest resale value, so at the end of the day you'll probably recoup a portion of the cost. It also doesn't offer the same selection of seating configurations that the other top choices however, the iCandy is a good option for families who don't want to spend a fortune.