Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children close in age, a tandem double buggy is a great choice. They are a bit smaller than side by side buggies, and are ideal for small spaces such as doorways, public transport and rocky terrain.
Many also transform into travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add a second seat to an existing one, there are many options to choose from. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a spacious, gorgeous stroller that converts easily from a single model to a double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It's costly and less maneuverable than other dual strollers since the second seat is located to the left of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model with a wide range of seating options, but lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. They tend to be more expensive but they're designed to last longer on rough terrain, and may have a higher resale value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you're looking for a double buggy that is able to carry children of different age groups, then you'll need a buggy that has an recline independent for both seats. This will allow your older child to rest in the back while the baby sleeps in the bassinet and the reverse.
Think about the width of your stroller, as this will determine the ease of you to get through doors and on public transportation. If you have very narrow doors, it could be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy but can still use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally slightly longer than side-by-side models and so aren't as difficult to maneuver through kerbs and up and down, however, they can accommodate a wider range of car/car/seat combinations, so can be a good option for twins or siblings of various age. They are also more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are worth the investment if you intend to keep it for years and will retain a decent amount of resale value should you decide to sell it when your children are out of it.
This feature allows you to place your child in the most comfortable position for naps or observation. This is important for children who are in the back seat and wishes to rest while the child in the front prefers to sit up and observe the surrounding.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to recline fully into a position that is almost flat, perfect for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined into various positions. It also has UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin buggies
There's no need to have twins in order to benefit from a larger double buggy. They're great for siblings of different age groups. They allow you to move around without having to worry about your children touching each other. They're typically a bit longer too with one seat placed behind the other and providing a flat recline for newborns (or a more upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It is the slimmest design of the two-in-ones on the market and a footprint similar to the footprint of a single stroller. It features an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake that can be useful on hills that are steep. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, meaning it is a great travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in mono or duo mode in a single click. The frame's clever design can be expanded to allow for a second seat and it can be used with two car seats or carrycots making it a great option for older siblings that want to sit in a group and enjoy the view. It's a bit longer than other models, but it's light to steer and has soft suspension to tackle the kerbs.
There are also a variety of 3-wheeler tandems inline available Check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies for instance - which provide stability and quick steering. Often these can be folded down to the size of one buggie which is useful for those who struggle with storage at home or have to transport it into and out of the car when you travel on public transport.
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 it's what you need before you purchase. You'll need to take it on and off trains, buses and subways frequently, so it must be easy to use and manage. You might also have to juggle it on and off the car seat when you take your children to school or nursery so you'll need to know it can be easily manoeuvred in tight spaces.
From your birth, you are a good candidate
You'll need a pushchair for the whole family, regardless of whether you're expecting twins or you have a second child after you've had your first. Double buggies tend to be larger, heavier and more expensive than single strollers. However, they can also be easier to manoeuvre in narrower doorways 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) which means you can carry three children at a time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in the front of the other, so they're usually a better option for families with two children that are close enough in age to function well together. 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 sits taller. Pushchairs And Prams -low model could solve this problem by elevating the seat towards the rear, which prevents your older child from sitting on the bottom and not having the best view.
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 the second seat. It folds flat to make it a compact storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps are simple to fasten, and the buckles are among the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. The canopies are large in size, UPF 50+ protection, and the window is peekaboo. Both seats can recline independently.
The only downside of the iCandy is that it's expensive however, a good tandem will last for years and will retain its resale value, which means you'll probably get back some of the cost over the long term. The iCandy doesn't have the same seating configurations as our other top picks. However, it's an ideal choice for families who don't want to spend a lot of money.