Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggy is a great choice. They are a bit smaller than side by side buggies, and are great for narrow spaces like doors, public transport and rough terrain.
Some can be converted into travel systems that take 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
There are many options for adding a second seat or changing a single stroller into a double. The UPPAbaby is a large, beautiful stroller. It can easily be converted from a single to a double by adding a seating area with a rumble. It is more expensive and less maneuverable because the second seat is placed in front of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option but lacks storage under the seat when it's used as a double stroller .
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies, as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. They are generally more expensive, however they're designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain, and may have greater resales value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you are looking for a double stroller that will accommodate children of different age groups, you'll need one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This allows your older child to be able to relax while your baby is in the bassinet, and reverse.
Take into consideration the width of your stroller and consider the ease of you to get through doors and on public transportation. If you have narrow doorways then it might be worth considering a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy but can still take 2 seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are usually slightly 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 car/car/seat combinations, and are a great option for twins or siblings of various age. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are a good purchase if you plan 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 are out of it.
Another thing to look for is if the backs of the seats can recline independently of each other because this allows you to put your child in the ideal position for napping or observation. This is important if your child is in the back seat and wishes to rest while the more mature child prefers to sit up to observe the surrounding.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back of their vehicles to recline to a position that is nearly flat, which is ideal for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example, has stadium-style seating that can be reclined into several positions. It also has UPF 50+ sun protection and windows that peek out.
More spacious 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 age groups and let you go about your day without having to worry about your children touching each other. They're usually a bit longer with one seat positioned behind the other. The seats can be reclined fully for newborns or in an upright position for toddlers.
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design available and has the same footprint as one buggy. It also has an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of various heights to push as well as a handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb steep hills. It is suitable for use right from birth, and it can be combined with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and is able to be used in mono or duo mode. Its clever frame expands widthways to allow for a second seat and can be used with up to two carrycots or car seats making it a great option for older siblings who want to sit in a group and share the view. Get the facts 's slightly larger than other models, but it isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for curbs.
There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems with inline wheels that provide stability and fast steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Often these can be folded into the size of one buggie, which is helpful when you have trouble storing it at home or frequently need to transport it into and out of the boot when using public transportation.
It's worth bearing in mind that a large double buggy will feel bulkier and heavier than a smaller single buggy So make sure it's what you need before purchasing. It will be utilized on buses, trains and subways often, so it should be easy to operate and use. You may also need to move it on and off the car seat while taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to ensure it is able to be maneuvered in small spaces.
From birth, you're a good candidate
If you're expecting twins, or have another child after your first, you're going to need to find a stroller that can accommodate the whole family. Double buggies are generally a bit heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers, however they are also easier to manoeuvre through narrower doors or around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via a separate accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at a time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other. They're a great option if your children are close in age and are good friends. They're not completely safe. Siblings sitting side-by-side can kick or punch each other and children of different heights can fight over who is sitting higher. This problem can be solved by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat in the rear. Your older child isn't seated at the lowest part of the car and won't have much of a look out.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can fit a newborn into a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It has a clever frame that can be expanded in width when you add a second seat and folds down flat for compact storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps are simple to secure and the buckles some of the best we've seen on any of our tests. The canopies have a generous size, UPF 50+ protection, and a the window is peekaboo. Both seats can recline independently.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit costly. However, a good tandem will last for a long time and will have the highest resale value, so at the end of the day you'll probably recoup some of the cost. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating options as our other top picks. It's nevertheless an excellent choice for families that don't want spend a lot of money.