Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggy is a fantastic option. They're narrower than side-by-side buggies and ideal for navigating tight spaces, such as entrances, on public transportation and on rough terrain.
Some can be converted to travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats for children. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs and may feel less stable in bumping up the kerbs.
Convertible
Whether you're looking for a convertible stroller that converts from single to double or to add a second seat to an existing one, there are a variety of options available. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a spacious, gorgeous stroller that converts easily from a single to a double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable because the second seat is placed in front of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar option with a wide range of seating options, but does not have storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can hold two kids. They are more expensive, but they are made to last longer on rough terrain and come with a higher resale price.
Independent seat recline
If you are looking for a double stroller that can accommodate children of various ages, you will need one with an independent recliner for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to be able to relax while your baby is in a bassinet and reverse.
You'll also need to consider the width of the stroller as this will affect how easy it is to navigate through doors and on public transport. If your doors are narrow, you might be considering a side by side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller however can still accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are smaller than side-byside models and therefore aren't easily maneuverable around kerbs however they can be able to accommodate a wider range of car seat/car seat combinations, and are a great option for twins or siblings of different ages. They can also be more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are worth the investment if you plan to keep it for many years and will retain a decent amount of resale value should you decide to sell it off when your children have grown out of it.
This feature allows you to put your child in a comfortable position for naps or observation. This is especially important if you have a younger child in the rear seat, who will be inclined to lie down and sleep while the older child wants to sit up and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back of their vehicles to fully recline to a position that is almost flat, ideal for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined to several positions. It also comes with a UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
More spacious than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins in order to benefit from a wider double buggy. They're great for siblings of various age groups and let you move around without worrying about your children touching. They are usually a little bit longer with one seat in front of the other. The seats can be reclined fully for infants, or put in an upright position for toddlers.
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It is the tiniest design side-by-side on the market and a footprint similar to a single stroller. It also has an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of various heights to push as well as a handbrake that is helpful when climbing difficult terrains. It is suitable for use from birth, and it can be combined with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and is able to be utilized in a duo or mono mode. Its clever frame expands to accommodate a second chair and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots. pushchairsandprams.uk makes it an ideal option for older siblings who want to be seated together. It's a bit larger than other models, but it feels light and has soft suspension for curbs.
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 instance that provide stability and quick steering. They are often folded into the size of a single buggy, which is helpful if you struggle with storage at home or have to transport it into and out of the boot when you travel on public transportation.
Be aware that a double-wide buggy is more heavy and bulkier than one that is compact. Be sure you know what you want prior to making a purchase. You'll be taking it on and off subways, trains and buses often, so it should be simple to use and manage. You might need to manage the car seat when you take your child to school or the nursery.
From your birth, you are a good candidate
Whether you're expecting twins or have another child after your first, you're likely to require a pushchair that fits the entire family. Double buggies are generally a bit heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers, but they are also easier to maneuver through narrower doors or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies are compatible with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to transport three children simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front the other. They are a good option if your children are similar in age and are able to get along. They're not foolproof. Siblings sitting side-by-side can punch or kick one another and children of different heights may fight over who sits higher. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat at the rear. Your child's older will not be sitting at the bottom of the car and won't have much of an opportunity to see.
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 and an older child in the main seat. It features a clever frame which increases in size when you add a second child seat. It also folds flat for storage that is compact. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps easy to secure and the buckles are among the most comfortable we've seen on any of our tests. The canopies have a generous size and UPF 50+ protection, and a the window is peekaboo. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit costly. However, a quality tandem will last you for a long time and will have an attractive resale value so in the end, you'll likely recoup some of the cost. It also doesn't offer the same variety of seating configurations that some of our other top choices however, the iCandy is a good option for families who don't wish to spend a fortune.