Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children similar in age, a tandem double buggy is a great option. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies and ideal for navigating tight spaces, such as doorways, on public transport and on rough terrain.
Some can be converted to travel systems that use two carrycots or child car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs and might feel less stable when as they bump up the kerbs.
Convertible
Whether you're looking for a convertible stroller that converts from single to double or to add an additional seat to an existing one, there's several options available. The UPPAbaby V2 is large, beautiful stroller. It can easily be converted from a single to a double by adding a seating area with a rumble. It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is positioned in front of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with great seating versatility but isn't equipped with storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other options include twin buggies that have all-terrain wheels and joggers with fixed wheels that can hold two kids. They are more expensive however, they are designed for long trips on rough terrain and have a higher resale price.
Independent recline of the seat
If you want a double stroller that can accommodate children of various age groups, you'll require one with an independent recliner for both seats. This allows your older child to relax while the baby is sleeping in a bassinet, and vice versa.
Take into off road double buggy of your stroller to determine how easy it is for you to navigate through doors and public transportation. If you have very narrow doorways then it might be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint that is similar to a single buggy, however, it is able to take 2 seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are slightly longer than side-by-side models and therefore aren't easily maneuverable around kerbs however they can be able to accommodate a wider variety of car/car/seat combinations, making them a good option for twins or siblings of various age. They can also be more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are a worthwhile investment if you plan to keep it for years and will retain a decent amount of resale value in the event that you sell it on when your children are out of it.
This feature allows you to place your child in the most comfortable position for naps or to observe. This is essential if your child is in the back seat and would like to take a nap while the older child prefers to sit up to observe the surroundings.
Some brands feature an exclusive seat design that allows the back seat to completely recline into a nearly flat position that is perfect for newborns. For instance the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the toddler seat that comes with it and the add-on RumbleSeat to multiple positions, so that your children have a a choice of where to sit and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows.
Larger than twin buggies
There's no need to have twins in order to benefit from a larger double buggy. They're perfect for siblings of various age groups and let you move around without worrying about your children touching. They are usually a little 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.
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design available and features the same footprint as one buggy. It also has an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of various heights to push as well as an adjustable handbrake, which is useful when tackling difficult terrains. It is suitable to use from birth and can be used with a range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in mono or duo mode with just a single click. Its clever frame can be expanded to accommodate a second chair and it can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots making it a great option for older siblings who want to sit in a group and share the view. It's slightly longer than some other models but still feels light to steer and has soft suspension to tackle the kerbs.
There are also plenty of 3-wheeler tandems inline available - check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for instance - which provide stability and swift steering. These can often be folded into a single buggy in case you have a small space at home or need to carry it from the car to the bus station.
Be aware that a double wide buggy is heavier and bulkier than one that is compact. Be sure to know what you want prior to making a buy. It will be used on trains, buses, and subways frequently so it must be easy to manage and use. You may also need 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's easy to maneuver within small spaces.
From birth
You'll need a stroller for your entire family whether you're expecting twins, or if you have a child after having your first. Double buggies are typically heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are much more maneuverable in narrower doorways and around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This lets you transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs seat one child in the front of the other, and they're often a better choice for families with two children who are similar in age to be able to live well together. However, they're not 100% secure Side-by-side chairs may punch or kick each other, and children on different heights can squabble over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this problem by elevating the seat towards the rear, which will prevent your older child from being on the bottom and not having much of a view.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to accommodate a newborn in a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It has a clever frame which can be expanded in size when you add the second child seat. It also folds flat to make it a compact storage. The padded buckles, straps and seats are all of the best quality we have seen in our tests. The canopies are large in size, UPF 50+ protection, and a the window is peekaboo. Both seats are reclined independently.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's a bit expensive however, a good tandem will last for years and will retain its resale value. So you'll probably get back some of the cost in the long run. The iCandy does not have the same seating options as our other top selections. However, it's an ideal choice for families who don't wish to spend a lot of cash.