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 narrower than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for maneuvering narrow spaces like entrances, on public transportation and on rocky terrain.
Many convert into travel systems to use two carrycots or car seats. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible stroller that can be converted from a single to a double or to add another seat to an existing one, there are a variety of options available. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a spacious, gorgeous stroller that can easily be converted from a single to double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). However, it's pricey and less maneuverable than other dual strollers because the 2nd seat is placed in front of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with a wide range of seating options, but isn't equipped with 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 be used to carry two kids. They tend to be more expensive, but they're made for long trips over rough terrain and can have a higher resale value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you require a double buggy that can transport children of various ages, you'll need a buggy that has an independent seat recline for both seats. This allows your older child to be able to relax while your baby is in the bassinet and vice versa.
You'll also need to think about the size of the pushchair as this will affect the ease of navigate through doors and on public transportation. If your doorways are very narrow, you may be considering a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller, but can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are smaller than side-byside models, and aren't as easy to manoeuvre around kerbs however, they can accommodate a bigger range of car/car/seat combinations, and are a great option for twins or siblings of various age. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are a good purchase if you plan to keep it for years and will retain a decent amount of resale value in the event that you decide to sell it off after your children have grown out of it.
This feature allows you to place your child in the most comfortable position for naps and observation. This is essential when your child is in the back seat and wants to rest while the child in the front prefers to sit and observe the surrounding.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to recline fully to a position that is almost flat, perfect for babies. For instance the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the toddler seat included and the additional RumbleSeat to multiple positions, to give your kids a the option of deciding where to sit and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows.
Wider than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings of different ages, and you can move about without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a little larger too, with one seat sitting behind the other, and typically providing a flat recline for infants (or a more upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It has the slimmest design of the two-in-ones on the market, and a footprint like the footprint of a single stroller. It has an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake that is helpful on steep hills. It is suitable for use from birth, and it can be combined with a range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in duo or mono mode with just a single click. Its clever frame expands widthways to accommodate a second chair and it can be used with two carrycots or car seats which makes it an ideal option for older siblings who want to sit together and share the view. It's a bit larger than other models, but it still feels light and has a comfortable suspension for kerbs.
There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems with inline tires that provide stability and fast steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. These can often be folded into a single buggy if you have limited space at home, or need to carry it from the car to the bus stop.
It's important to remember that a wide double buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a smaller single buggy, so make sure you're getting what you need before you buy. You'll be taking it on and off subways, trains and buses frequently, so it must be easy 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 is able to be maneuvered within small spaces.
From double buggy from birth , you are an ideal candidate
You'll need a stroller for your entire family whether you're expecting twins or you have another child after having your first. Double buggies are typically heavier and bulkier as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are also more maneuverable in narrower doorways, or around obstacles like curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as a separate accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other, so they're usually a better option for families with two children that are close enough in age to get along well. But they're not completely safe Siblings in a side-by-side seat may punch or kick one another, and children on different heights can squabble over who should sit higher. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low model that raises the seat to the rear. Your child's older will not be seated on the lowest part of the car and won't have much of a look out.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to fit a newborn into a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It has an intelligent frame that expands in width when you add the second child seat. It also folds flat for compact storage. The padded seats are comfortable, the straps are easy to fasten and the buckles some of the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. The canopies have a generous size and UPF 50+ protection, and peekaboo window. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only downside of the iCandy is that it's a little expensive, but a quality tandem will last for a long time and maintain its resale value. So you'll probably recoup some of the cost in the end. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating arrangements as our other top picks. It's nevertheless an excellent choice for families who don't wish to spend a lot of money.