Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great choice for twins or children who are very close in age. They are narrower than side by side buggies, and are great for small spaces such as doors, public transport, and rocky terrain.
Some transform into travel systems that take 2 carrycots or car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs and may feel less stable in bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for convertible stroller that can be converted from a single to a double or to add another seat to an existing one, there are many options to choose from. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is large, gorgeous stroller that converts easily from a single model to double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). 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 similar option with great seating versatility but does not have storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can accommodate two children. They tend to be more expensive, but they're made for long-distance trips over rough terrain and could have a higher resale value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you are looking for a double stroller that will accommodate children of various age groups, you'll need one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to be able to relax while your baby is in the bassinet and reverse.
You'll also have to think about the size of the stroller as this will impact how easy it is to traverse doors and public transport. If you have extremely narrow doorways then it might be worth considering a side-by-side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint similar to a single buggy, but can still take 2 seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally longer than side by side models, and therefore are more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However they can be able to accommodate more combinations of car seats/car seats/seats and are an excellent choice for twins and siblings of various age groups. These buggies are more expensive than single to double buggies however they're worth the cost if you plan to keep it for a few years. They'll also keep some value if sold when your children are old enough to use it.
This feature allows you to place your child in a comfortable position for naps or to observe. This is essential for children who are in the back seat and wants to rest while the child in the front prefers to sit up and observe the surrounding.
Some brands feature a unique seat design which allows the back seat to fully recline into a nearly flat position that is perfect for newborns. For example the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline both the toddler seat that comes with it and the additional RumbleSeat to multiple positions, so your kids can have the option of deciding where to sit, and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that can be seen from afar.
Larger than twin buggies
They are perfect for siblings with different age groups, and you can move about without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a little larger too with one seat positioned behind the other, and typically offering a fully-flat recline for newborns (or an upright position for toddlers).
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design available and has a footprint similar to one buggy. It also features an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of various heights to push and an adjustable handbrake, which is useful when tackling difficult terrains. It is suitable to use from birth and can be used with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in either mono or duo mode with just a single click. Its clever frame expands widthways to allow for a second seat and can be used with two car seats or carrycots making it a great choice for older siblings who want to sit in a group and share the view. It's slightly larger than other models, but it feels light and has a comfortable suspension for curbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler inline tandems that are available - check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example they provide stability and swift steering. They are often folded into a single buggy in case you have a small space at home or need to transport it from your car to the bus stop.
It's worth bearing in mind that a wide double buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a compact single buggy, so make sure it's what you require before you purchase. It is likely to be used on trains, buses and subways frequently, so it must be easy to manage and use. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat on and off when taking your child to school or to nursery.
From your birth, you are an ideal candidate
If you're expecting twins, or have another child after your first, you're likely to require a stroller that can accommodate the entire family. Double buggies are typically heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However, they are more maneuverable in tighter doorways, or around obstacles like curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or through an accessory purchase) to allow you to 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 close enough in age to get along well. But they're not foolproof Siblings in a side-by-side seat could kick or punch each other, and kids on different heights can squabble over who should sit higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this problem by elevating the seat to the rear, which will prevent your child's height from being sat on the bottom and not having much of a view.
pushchair twin is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can accommodate a newborn in a carrycot and an older child in the main seat. It features an innovative frame that increases in size when you add the second child seat. It also folds flat for storage that is compact. The cushioned seats, straps and buckles are all of the best quality we have encountered in any of our tests. The seats can be reclined independently, and the canopies are large and generous with UPF 50+ protection and windows that peek out.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit expensive. However, a quality tandem will last for years and retain an attractive resale value so in the end, you'll likely recoup a portion of the cost. The iCandy does not have the same seating arrangements as our other top selections. However, it's a good option for families who don't wish to spend much cash.