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 smaller than side-by-side buggies and are great for small spaces such as doors, public transport and rocky terrain.
Some convert into travel systems to include two carrycots or car seats. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
Whether you're looking for a convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add another seat to an existing one, there's several options available. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a spacious, gorgeous stroller that converts easily from a single to double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable due to the fact that the second seat is placed on top of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option however, it doesn't have storage underneath the seat when used as a double stroller.
Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can accommodate two children. These tend to be more expensive, but they're made for long-distance trips over rough terrain and could 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 require one with an independent recliner for both seats. This will allow your older child to relax while the baby is in a bassinet, and the reverse is true.
It is also important to think about the size of the pushchair, as it will impact the ease of get through doors and on public transport. If you have very narrow doorways then it might be a good idea to consider a side-byside pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint similar to a single buggy, but can still use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally longer than side by side models, making them more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of seats/carrycots/car seats and can make a great option for twins and siblings of different ages. They are priced higher than single to double buggies, but they're worth it if you intend on keeping it for many years. They will also retain some value when sold once your children have outgrown the buggie.
Another crucial thing to look for is whether the seat backs can recline independently of one another since this will allow you to place your child in the most optimal position for napping or observation. This is particularly important if you have a younger child in the rear seat, who will want to lie back and take a snooze while the more mature child wants to sit and observe their surroundings.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to fully recline into a position that is almost flat, perfect for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined to multiple positions. It also has a UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
Larger than twin buggies
There's no need to have twins in order to benefit from a larger double buggy. They're perfect for siblings of various ages and allow you to move around without having to worry about your children touching each other. They're usually a more spacious with one seat in front of the other. The seats can be reclined completely for newborns or in an upright position for toddlers.
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It is the tiniest design that is side-by-side and a footprint that is like one 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, meaning it's a great travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in mono or duo mode with just a single click. Its clever frame can be expanded to accommodate an additional chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic option for older siblings who would like to be seated together. It's a bit longer than other models, yet it's easy to steer and has soft suspension that can handle the kerbs.
There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems with inline wheels that offer stability and quick steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They can be folded into one buggy if you have limited space at home or need to transport it from the car to the bus stop.
It's important to remember that a double-buggy with a wider width will be heavier and bulkier than a single buggy that is smaller Make sure that you're getting what you need before purchasing. It is likely to be utilized on buses, trains and subways often, therefore it must be simple to operate and use. You may also have to juggle it on and off the car seat when taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to ensure it can be easily manoeuvred in small spaces.
From birth, you are a good candidate
If you're expecting twins or have another child after your first, you're going need to find a stroller that can accommodate the entire family.
double single pushchair buggies are generally slightly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers, however they are also more maneuverable in narrower entrances or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies are compatible with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This allows you to transport three children simultaneously.
Tandem
Pushchairs And Prams place one child in the front of the other, and they're usually a better option if you have two kids that are close enough in age to be able to live well together. However, they're not 100% secure Siblings in a side-by-side seat can kick or punch each other, and children who are different heights can argue over who gets to sit higher. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low model that raises the seat at the back. Your older child will not be sitting at the lower part of the car, and won't have much of a look out.
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, and an older child in the main seat. It has a clever frame which increases in size when you add the second child seat. It can also fold flat for compact storage. The padded straps, buckles, and seats are all of the highest quality we have encountered in our testing. The canopy is large in size with UPF 50+ protection, as well as a windows that peek out. Both seats are reclined independently.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it's quite expensive. But a high-quality tandem will last you for years and retain the highest resale value, so in the end, you'll likely recoup a portion of the cost. It doesn't have the same selection of seating options as the other top choices however, the iCandy is a good choice for families who don't wish to spend a fortune.