Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggie is a great choice. They're a bit smaller than side-byside buggies and are ideal for maneuvering tight spaces such as entrances, on public transportation and rocky terrain.
Some convert into travel systems to include two carrycots or car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs and may feel less stable as they bump up kerbs.
Convertible
There are many options to add a second seat or converting a single stroller to double. 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 due to the fact that the second seat is placed behind the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow provides a similar choice however, it doesn't have storage underneath the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. They are generally more expensive but they're designed for long trips over rough terrain, and may have greater resales value.
Independent seat recline
If you're looking for a double stroller which can accommodate children of various age groups, you'll need one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to relax while the baby is in the bassinet, and the reverse is true.
Think about the width of your pushchair, as this will determine how easy it is for you to maneuver through doors and on public transportation. If you have extremely narrow doors, it could be worth considering 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 accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies tend to be longer 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, carrycots and seats and are a great option for twins and siblings of various age. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are a good investment if you intend to keep it for a long time and will have a decent amount of resale value in the event that you sell it on when your children have grown out of it.
Another thing to look for is whether the seat backs are able to recline independently of one another because this allows you to put your child in the ideal position for naps or watching. This is particularly important if you have a younger child in the rear seat who will be inclined to lie down and take a snooze while the older child would prefer to sit up and look around their surroundings.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back of their vehicles to recline fully into a position that's almost flat, ideal for babies. For example, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the included toddler seat as well as the optional RumbleSeat to multiple positions, to give your kids a the option of where they want they will sit, and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings with different age groups, and they allow you to move around without having to worry about your children touching. They're usually a bit larger too with one seat positioned behind the other and usually offering a fully-flat recline for newborns (or a more upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It has the slimmest design that is side-by-side, and a footprint like a single stroller. stokke double stroller has an adjustable handle, making it easy for parents of different heights to push, and a handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb difficult terrains. It is suitable to use from birth and can be paired with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and is able to be used in duo or mono mode. The clever frame can be expanded to accommodate a second chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic choice for older siblings that want to sit together. It's a bit larger than other models, but it still feels light and has a comfortable suspension for the kerbs.
There are many 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that offer stability and swift steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Most of them can be folded down to the size of a single buggy, which is helpful if you struggle with storage at home or frequently need to transport it into and out of your car on public transportation.
It's important to remember that a large double buggy will feel heavier and bulkier than a single buggy that is smaller, so make sure it's what you require before you buy. It is likely to be used on buses, trains, and subways frequently therefore it must be simple to operate and use. You may need to juggle the car seat while taking your child to school or nursery.
Suitable from birth
If you're expecting twins, or have a second child after your first, you're going to need to find a stroller that can accommodate the entire family. Double buggies are typically slightly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers. However, they are also easier to manoeuvre in narrower doorways or around obstacles like curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via an additional accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at a time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other, and they're usually a better option if you have two kids who are similar in age to be able to live well. But they're not completely safe Side-by-side chairs can kick or punch one another, and children on different heights can squabble over who should sit higher. A tandem high-low model can solve this issue by elevating the seat at the rear, preventing your child's older one from sitting on the bottom and not having much of a view.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that can fit both infants and an older child. It has a clever frame which increases in size when you add the second child seat. It can also fold flat for storage that is compact. The cushioned seats, straps and buckles are all of the highest quality we have encountered in any of our tests. The canopies have a generous size, UPF 50+ protection, and peekaboo window. Both seats can recline independently.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's a bit on the expensive side but a high-quality tandem will last for years and retain its resale value. So you'll probably recoup some of the cost over the long term. It also doesn't offer the same range of seating options as the other top picks however, the iCandy is a good option for families who don't wish to spend a lot.