Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggie is a fantastic option. They're a bit smaller than side-byside buggies, and ideal for maneuvering narrow spaces like entrances, on public transportation and rocky terrain.
Many transform into travel systems that take 2 carrycots or car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs and might feel less stable when in bumping up the kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add an additional seat to an existing one, there are several options available. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a big, beautiful stroller that converts easily from a single stroller to a double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is placed on top of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model, but it lacks storage underneath the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies and fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. double wagon stroller tend to be more expensive but they're designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain and could have a higher resale value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you're looking for a double buggy 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 older child to rest in the back while the baby is in the bassinet, and vice versa.
Take into consideration the width of your pushchair to determine the ease of you to maneuver through doors and on public transport. If your doorways are very narrow, you may want to consider a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller, but can still accommodate 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 an excellent choice for twins and siblings of various ages. They can also be more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are worth the purchase if you plan to keep it for years and will retain a decent amount of resale value if you decide to sell it after your children have grown out of it.
This feature will allow you to put your child in the most comfortable position for naps or observation. This is crucial when 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 surrounding.
Certain brands come with an exclusive seat design that allows the back seat to fully recline to an almost flat position, which is ideal for infants. For instance, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the toddler seat that comes with it as well as the optional RumbleSeat to multiple positions, so that your children have a a choice of where they will sit, and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that can be seen from afar.
Larger than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings with different ages, and you can move around without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a more spacious with one seat positioned behind the other. The seats can be reclined fully for infants, or put in an upright position for toddlers.
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It is the slimmest design side-by-side on the market and a footprint comparable to the footprint of a single stroller. It also comes with an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of various heights to push as well as a handbrake that can be useful when you have to climb steep hills. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots. This means it's a great travel system.
Another alternative 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 can be expanded widthwise to allow for a second seat and it can be used with two car seats or carrycots which makes it an ideal option for older siblings who want to sit together and share the view. It's slightly longer than other models, but it feels light and has a comfortable suspension for curbs.
There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems with inline wheels that provide stability and fast steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Often these can be folded down to the size of a single buggy, which is helpful for those who struggle with storage at home or frequently need 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 heavier than one that is compact. Be sure to know what you want before you buy. It is likely to be used on buses, trains and subways frequently, so it must be easy to operate and use. You might also have to move it on and off the car seat when you take your children to school or nursery so you'll need to know it is able to be maneuvered within small spaces.
From birth, you are an ideal candidate
You'll need a stroller for your entire family whether you're expecting twins, or you have a second child after having your first. Double buggies are generally a bit heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers, but they can also be easier to manoeuvre 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 ahead of the other. They're a good option for children who are close in age and are good friends. But they're not completely safe Siblings in a side-by-side seat could kick or punch each other, and kids who are different heights can argue over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this issue by elevating the seat to the rear, which prevents your child's older one from being on the bottom and not getting much of a view.
The iCandy Wave is a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can fit both a newborn in a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It features a clever frame that can be expanded in width when you add the second seat and folds down to flattish storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps easy to fasten and the buckles are among the most comfortable we've seen on any of our tests. The canopies have a generous size, UPF 50+ protection, and the window is peekaboo. Both seats can recline independently.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit costly. However, a good tandem will last you for many years and have the highest resale value, so in the end you'll probably recoup a portion of the cost. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating options as our other top choices. It's nevertheless a good option for families who don't want to spend lots of money.