Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children close in age, a tandem double buggy is a great choice. They're a bit smaller than side-byside buggies, and ideal for maneuvering tight spaces such as entrances, on public transportation and on rocky terrain.
Some can be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or child car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs and may not be as stable when bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
There are a variety of options for adding a second seating or making a single stroller double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a spacious, gorgeous stroller that can easily be converted from a single stroller to double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). However, it's expensive and less maneuverable than other dual strollers because the 2nd seat is placed behind the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model with great seating flexibility, however it does not have storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies, as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can accommodate two children. They tend to be more expensive, but they're made to last longer on rough terrain and could have greater resales value.
Independent seat recline
If you require a double buggy that is able to transport children of various ages then you're going to 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 reverse.
It is also important to consider the width of the pushchair, as this will impact 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 advantage of having a footprint similar to a single buggy, but can still use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally smaller than side-byside models and therefore aren't difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs, however, they can accommodate a bigger range of car seat/car seat combinations, so can be a good option for twins or siblings of different age groups. They are more expensive than single-to-double buggies but they're well worth it if you plan to keep it for a number of years. They also hold an impressive amount of value when sold once your kids have outgrown it.
Another important feature to look for is whether the seat backs can recline independently from one another as this will let you put your child in the most optimal position for napping or observation. This is crucial for children who are in the back seat and would like to nap while the more mature child prefers to sit up to observe the surroundings.
Some brands feature an exclusive seat design that allows the back seat to completely recline to an almost flat position which is perfect for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example, has stadium-style seating that can be reclined to multiple positions. It also offers UPF 50+ sun protection and windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
They are great for siblings with different age groups, and you can move around without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a bit larger too with one seat positioned behind the other, and typically providing a flat recline for newborns (or an upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It is the tiniest design that is side-by-side and a footprint comparable to one stroller. double stroller features an adjustable handle, which makes it easy for parents of different heights to push and a handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb steep hills. It is suitable for use right from birth, and can be paired with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has an easy one-click fold and is able to be used in mono or duo mode. Its innovative frame expands widthways to accommodate a second seat and it can be used with up to two carrycots or car seats which makes it an ideal choice for older siblings who want to sit together and share the view. It's slightly longer than some other models, yet it's light to steer and comes with soft suspension that can handle 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 one buggy in case you have a small space at home or need to transport it from your car to the bus station.
Be aware that a double wide buggy will be heavier and heavier than one compact buggy. Be sure to know what you want before you buy. It is likely to be used on trains, buses, and subways frequently so it should be easy to use and manage. You may need to juggle the car seat when you take your child to school or the nursery.
From birth, you're a suitable 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 buggies are generally slightly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers, but they are also easier to maneuver in narrower doorways or around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as an additional accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs seat one child in the front of the other, and they're often a better choice when you have two children who are close enough in age to function well. They're not foolproof. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could kick or punch each other, and children of different heights may fight over who sits taller. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this problem by elevating the seat towards the rear, which prevents 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 an adjustable double buggy that can be converted into a carrycot that can accommodate both a newborn and an older child. It features an intelligent frame that can be expanded in size when you add the second child seat. It can also fold flat to make it a compact storage. double stroller padded seats are comfortable, the straps are simple to fasten and the buckles some of the most comfortable we've seen on any of our tests. Both seats can recline independently and the canopies are spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection and windows that peek out.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it is quite expensive. However, a quality tandem will last you for years and retain a high resale price, so at the end of the day you'll probably recoup some of the cost. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating arrangements as our other top choices. However, it's a good option for families who don't want to spend much money.