Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children similar in age, a tandem double buggy is a fantastic option. They are smaller than side by side buggies and are ideal for tight spaces like doors, public transport and terrain that is rocky.
Many convert into travel systems to take 2 carrycots or 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 many options for adding a second seating or converting a single stroller to a double. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller that easily converts from a single model to a double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable because the second seat is located in front of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar option with great seating flexibility, however it isn't equipped with 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, however they're designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain, and may have a higher resale value.
Independent recline of the seat
If you're looking for a double stroller that can accommodate children of different ages, you will need one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to relax in the back while the baby is in the bassinet and vice versa.
You'll also need to consider the width of the pushchair as it will impact the ease of get through doors and on public transportation. If you have extremely narrow doors, it may be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint that is similar to a single buggy, however it can take 2 seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are smaller than side-byside models and so aren't as difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs, but they can accommodate a bigger range of car/car/seat combinations, and are a great option for twins or siblings of different age groups. These buggies are also more expensive than single to double buggies, but they're worth the cost if you plan to keep it for a number of years. They also hold an impressive amount of value if sold when your children have outgrown it.
Another thing to look out for is if the seat backs can recline independently of each other because this allows you to place your child in the most optimal position for napping or observation. This is essential if your child is in the back seat and would like to take a nap while the child in the front prefers to sit up and observe the surroundings.
Certain brands come with an exclusive seat design that allows the back seat to fully recline into a nearly flat position, which is ideal for babies. For example, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the toddler seat that comes with it and the add-on RumbleSeat into various positions to give your kids a a choice of where to sit and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that peek out.
Wider than twin buggies
You don't need to have twins in order to benefit from a larger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of different age groups. They allow you to go about your day without having to worry about your children touching each other. They're typically a little longer too, with one seat sitting behind the other and usually offering a fully-flat recline for infants (or a more upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It is the tiniest design side-by-side on the market and a footprint comparable to the footprint of a single stroller. It comes with an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake, which is helpful on steep hills. It is suitable for use right from birth, and can be paired with a variety 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 duo or mono mode. Its innovative frame expands widthways to accommodate a second chair and can be used with up to two carrycots or car seats which makes it an ideal option for older siblings that want to sit in a group and share the view. It's slightly longer than some other models, but it's light to steer and comes with soft suspension that can handle kerbs.
There are also a variety of 3-wheeler tandems inline available such as Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example - which offer stability and swift steering. They are often folded into a single buggy if you have limited space at home or you need to transport it from the car to the bus stop.
It's worth bearing in mind that a double-buggy with a wider width will be heavier and bulkier than a smaller single buggy So make sure you're getting what you need before purchasing. It is likely to be utilized on buses, trains, and subways frequently so it should be easy to manage and use. You might need to manage the car seat on and off when you take your child to school or the nursery.
Suitable from birth
You'll need a pushchair for your entire family whether you're expecting twins, or you have another child after you've had your first. Double buggies are generally heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single strollers. However, strollers double strollers are more maneuverable in narrower doors or around obstacles such as curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or through a separate accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front the other. They're a great option if your children are close in age and get along well. They're not 100% secure. twin pushchair seated side-by-side may punch or kick each other, and children of different heights may fight over who is sitting higher. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low design that elevates the seat to the rear. Your child's older one isn't seated at the lower part 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 that expands in width when you add the second seat. It folds flat for compact storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps easy to fasten and the buckles are among the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. Both seats can recline independently and the canopies are spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection and peekaboo windows.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it is quite expensive. However, a quality tandem will last you for many years and have a high resale price, so in the end you'll likely recover some of the cost. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating arrangements as our other top selections. It's nevertheless an excellent choice for families who don't want to spend lots of money.