Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a great option if you have twins, or children who are very close in age. They're narrower than side-by-side buggies, and ideal for maneuvering narrow spaces like doorways, on public transport and rocky terrain.
Many convert into travel systems that take 2 carrycots or car seats. They can be 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's a variety of options available. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a big, beautiful stroller that can easily be converted from a single model to double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable because the second seat is placed in front of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model, but it lacks 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 accommodate two children. These are more expensive, but they are designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain and have more expensive resales.
Reclining seat recline independently
If you're looking for a double stroller which can accommodate children of different ages, you will need one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to relax while the baby is sleeping in a bassinet and the reverse is true.
You'll also have to consider the width of the pushchair as this will affect the ease of traverse doors and 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 benefit of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy however, it is able to use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally larger than side-by-side models, and therefore are more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However they can be able to accommodate more combinations of car seats/car seats/seats and can make the perfect choice for twins and siblings of various ages. These buggies are also more expensive than single to double buggies however they're worth the cost if you plan 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 children have outgrown it.
This feature allows you to put your child in an ideal position for naps or to observe. This is important if your child is in the back seat and would like to take a nap while the older child prefers to sit up to observe the surroundings.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to recline fully into a position that's almost flat, perfect for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined in various positions. It also offers UPF 50+ sun protection and windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins to benefit from a wider double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of different age groups and let you get around without having to worry about your children touching. They're usually a larger with one seat in front of the other. The seats can be reclined fully for infants, or put in an upright position for toddlers.
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design available and features a footprint similar to a single buggy. It also comes with 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 difficult hills. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, which means it is a great travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in either mono or duo mode with just one click. Its clever frame expands 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 sit together. It's slightly longer than other models, but it isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for kerbs.
There are many 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 are often folded into the size of one buggy which is useful if you struggle with storage at home or have to lug it in and out of the car on public transportation.
It's worth bearing in mind that a large double buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a smaller single buggy So make sure you're getting what you need before you purchase. You'll have to get it off and on subways, trains and buses regularly so it needs to be simple to use and manage. You might also have to juggle it onto and off the car seat while taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to be aware it's easy to maneuver within small spaces.
The best time to start is when you are born.
You'll need a stroller for your entire family whether you're expecting twins or if you have a child after you've had your first. Double buggies are typically heavier and bulkier as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are also more maneuverable in tighter doors and around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies can be used with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to carry three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other. They are a good choice if your children are similar in age and get along well. But they're not completely safe: Siblings in side-by-side seats can kick or punch one another, and children on different heights can squabble over who gets to sit higher. double pushchair -low model can solve this problem by elevating the seat towards the rear, preventing your child's older one from being on the bottom and not having any view.
The iCandy Wave is a good choice for parents looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that is able to accommodate both the newborn and the older child. It features a clever frame which can be expanded in size when you add the 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 canopies are large and generous with UPF 50+ protection as well as windows that peek out.
The only downside of the iCandy is that it's expensive however, a good tandem will last a long time and will retain its resale value. So you'll probably recoup some of the cost in the end. It doesn't have the same range of seating configurations as others of our top picks, but the iCandy is a good option for families who don't want to shell out a lot of money.