Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very similar in age, a tandem double buggy is a great choice. They are narrower than side by side buggies and are perfect for narrow spaces like doorways, public transport and rocky terrain.
Many also transform into travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seat or making a single stroller double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is large, gorgeous stroller that converts easily from a single model to a double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). It's costly and less mobile than other double strollers since the second seat is placed in front of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model however, it doesn't have storage underneath the seat when it is used as a double stroller.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. They are generally more expensive but they're designed for long trips over rough terrain and can have a higher resale value.
Independent seat recline
If you require a double buggy to transport children of different ages, you'll want one that has recline that is independent for both seats. This will allow your child's older to rest in the back while the baby is in the bassinet, and the reverse.
You'll also need to think about the size of the stroller as this will impact how easy it is to get through doors and on public transport. If you have extremely 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 that is similar to a single buggy, however it can use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are usually a little longer than side-by-side models and therefore aren't difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs, but they can accommodate a wider range of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations and are a great option for twins or siblings of different age groups. These buggies are more expensive than single buggies to double, but they're worth it if you intend to keep it for a number of years. They'll also keep a good amount of value if you decide to sell it when your kids have outgrown it.
This feature allows you to place your child in an ideal position for naps or to observe. This is essential for children who are in the back seat and wishes to rest while the older child prefers to sit up to observe the surroundings.
Certain brands come with an exclusive seat design that allows the back seat to fully recline to an almost flat position that is perfect for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined in various positions. double infant stroller offers UPF 50+ sun protection and peekaboo windows.
Wider than twin buggies
They are perfect for siblings of different ages, and you can move around without having to worry about your children touching. They're usually a bit longer too, with one seat sitting behind the other, and typically providing a flat recline for newborns (or a more upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It is the tiniest design that is side-by-side, and a footprint like the footprint of a single stroller. It has an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake which can be useful on hills that are steep. It is suitable for use right from birth, and can be paired with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in either mono or duo mode with just one click. The clever frame can be expanded to accommodate the second chair and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal option for older siblings who would like to be seated together. It's a little longer than other models, but it's light to steer and has soft suspension that can handle the kerbs.
There are also plenty of 3-wheeler tandems inline available - check out Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example - which offer stability and swift steering. Often these can be folded down to the size of one buggie, which is helpful if you struggle with storage at home or need to carry it in and out of the boot when using public transportation.
It's important to keep in mind that a wide double buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a single buggy that is smaller Make sure that it's what you require before you buy. It is likely to be used on trains, buses and subways often, so it must be easy to use and manage. You might also have to move it on and off the car seat when taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to know it's easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
From birth, you are a suitable candidate
You'll need a pushchair for your entire family, whether you're expecting twins, or you have another child after having your first. Double buggies tend to be larger, heavier and more expensive than single strollers, however they are also easier to maneuver in narrower entrances or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to carry three children simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in the front of the other, so they're generally a better option if you have two kids who are close enough in age to function well together. However, they're not 100% secure Side-by-side chairs could kick or punch each other, and children on different heights can squabble over who sits higher. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low design that elevates the seat to the rear. Your child's older will not be sitting at the bottom of the car and won't get much of an opportunity to see.
The iCandy Wave is a good choice for parents looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that can accommodate both a newborn and an older child. It has an intelligent frame that expands in width when you add a second child seat. It can also fold flat to make it a compact storage. The padded seats, straps and buckles are all of the best quality we have encountered in our tests. The seats can be reclined independently and the canopy is large and generous with UPF 50+ protection as well as windows that peek out.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit costly. However, a quality tandem will last for many years and have a high resale price, so in the end you'll probably recoup some of the cost. The iCandy doesn't have the same seating options as our other top choices. However, it's an excellent choice for families that don't want spend much money.