Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children close in age, a tandem double buggie is a great choice. They are smaller than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for narrow spaces like doors, public transport, and terrain that is rocky.
Some can be converted to travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats for children. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seat or converting a single stroller to a double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is big, beautiful stroller that easily converts from a single stroller to a double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). It's costly and less mobile than other double strollers due to the fact that the second seat is located to the left of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with great seating flexibility, however it lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels and joggers with fixed wheels that can accommodate two kids. They are more expensive, however, they are designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain, and come with a higher resale price.
Independent recline of the seat
If you want a double stroller that can accommodate children of various age groups, you'll need one with an independent recliner for both seats. This will allow your child's older to relax in the back while the baby is in the bassinet, and reverse.
You'll also have to consider the width of the pushchair, as it will impact how easy it is to navigate 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 accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are usually a little longer than side-by-side models and so aren't as easy to manoeuvre up and down kerbs, but they can accommodate a bigger range of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations making them a good option for twins or siblings of different age. They are also more expensive than single buggies to double, but they're worth the cost if you plan to keep it for a few years. They'll also keep a good amount of value if sold when your children have outgrown the buggie.
This feature will allow you to place your child in the most comfortable position for naps or observation. 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 look around their surroundings.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to fully recline into a position that is almost flat, ideal for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined in multiple positions. It also has a UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
Wider than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings of different ages, and you can move about without worrying about your children touching. They are usually a little bit longer with one seat positioned behind the other. The seats can be reclined completely for infants, or put in 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 comparable to a single stroller. It also features an adjustable handle, making it easy for parents of different heights to push and a handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb difficult hills. It is suitable for use from birth, and can be paired with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. strollers double strollers can be folded in duo or mono mode with just a single click. The frame's clever design expands to accommodate the second chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal option for older siblings who want to be seated together. It's a bit larger than other models, but it still isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for kerbs.
There are also plenty of 3-wheeler inline tandems available Check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for instance that provide stability and swift steering. These can often be folded into a single buggy in case you have a small space at home or need to transport it from your car to the bus station.
It's worth bearing in mind that a large double buggy will feel heavier and bulkier than a smaller single buggy So make sure you're getting what you need before you purchase. It will be used on trains, buses and subways often, so it must be easy to operate and use. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat when you take your child to school or nursery.
From birth, you are an ideal candidate
If you're expecting twins, or have a second child after your first, you're likely to need to find a stroller that can accommodate the whole family. Double buggies are typically heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However they are also more maneuverable in tighter doors, or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies are compatible with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other, so they're often a better choice when you have two children who are close enough in age to function well. But they're not completely safe Siblings in a side-by-side seat could kick or punch each other, and children on different heights can squabble over who gets to sit higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this problem by elevating the seat towards the rear, preventing your older child from being sat on the bottom and not having the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a great choice 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 an intelligent frame that increases in size when you add a second child seat. It folds flat for storage that is compact. The cushioned seats, straps and buckles are all of the best quality we have seen in our testing. The seats can be reclined independently and the canopy is spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection as well as windows that peek out.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it is quite expensive. However, a good tandem will last you for a long time and will have a high resale price, so at the end of the day you'll probably recoup some of the cost. It doesn't come with the same range of seating options as some of our other top choices, but the iCandy is a good choice for families that don't want to shell out a lot of money.