Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very similar in age, a tandem double buggy is a great choice. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for maneuvering tight spaces such as doors, on public transport and on rough terrain.
Some can be converted to travel systems that take two carrycots or car seats for children. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seat or converting a single stroller to a double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is large, gorgeous stroller that can easily be converted from a single stroller to double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable due to the fact that the second seat is placed behind the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option however, it doesn't have storage underneath the seat when used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies and fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. These are more expensive, but they are made for long trips on rough terrain, and come with more expensive resales.
Independent recline of the seat
If you're looking for a double stroller which can accommodate children of different age groups, you'll require one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This will allow your older child to be able to relax while your baby is in the bassinet and the reverse is true.
Consider the width of your pushchair, as this will determine the ease of you to get through doors and public transport. If you have extremely narrow doors, it may be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy, however it can take 2 seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally larger than side-by-side models, which makes them more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However they can be able to accommodate more combinations of car seats/car seats/seats and are the perfect choice for twins and siblings of various age groups. These buggies are priced higher than single to double buggies, but they're worth the cost if you plan to keep it for a few years. They will also retain a good amount of value if sold when your kids have outgrown it.
Another important feature to look for is whether the backs of the seats can recline independently of each other as this will let you place your child in the best position for naps or watching. This is important if your child is in the back seat and would like to rest while the child in the front prefers to sit up and observe the surroundings.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back of their vehicles to recline fully to a position that is almost flat, ideal for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined into various positions. It also comes with a UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
Larger than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings of different age groups, and they allow you to get 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 babies or placed 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 that is like a single stroller. It also features an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of various heights to push and a handbrake that is helpful when climbing difficult terrains. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots. This means it is a great travel system.
Another alternative 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. The frame's clever design expands to accommodate the second chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a great option for older siblings who would like to sit together. It's slightly bigger than the other models, but it feels light and has a comfortable suspension for the kerbs.
There are also plenty of 3-wheeler inline tandems available - check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies for instance they provide stability and swift steering. Often these can be folded down to size 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 using public transportation.
It's important to remember that a wide double buggy will feel bulkier and heavier than a single buggy that is smaller, so make sure you're getting what you need before purchasing. It will be used on buses, trains and subways often, therefore it must be simple to manage and use. You may also have to move it on and off the car seat when taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to be aware it's easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
From birth, you're an ideal candidate
There will be a need for a pushchair for your entire family, whether you're expecting twins or if you have a child after having your first. Double buggies are generally slightly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers, however they can also be more maneuverable through narrower doors or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to transport three children simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in the front of the other, so they're often a better choice if you have two kids who are close enough in age to get along well. They're not 100% secure. Siblings seated side-by-side may punch or kick each other and children of different heights can fight over who sits taller. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this issue by elevating the seat to the rear, which will prevent your child's height from sitting on the bottom and not getting much of a view.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for a convertible double buggy that includes a carrycot that can accommodate both infants and an older child. It features a clever frame which can be expanded in size when you add the second child seat. It folds flat for compact storage. The padded straps, buckles, and seats are all of the best quality we have seen in our testing. double pram and pushchair can recline independently and the canopies are big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection as well as peekaboo windows.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's a bit expensive, but a quality tandem will last for a long time and retain its resale value, which means you'll probably get back some of the cost in the long run. It doesn't have the same selection of seating configurations that some of our other top picks, but the iCandy is a good option for families that don't want to shell out a lot of money.