Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children close in age, a tandem double buggy is a great option. They are smaller than side by side buggies and are perfect for small spaces such as doors, public transport and rocky terrain.
Some can be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or child car seats. They are often 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 double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a large, gorgeous stroller that can easily be converted from a single to double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is located on top of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar option with great seating flexibility, however it lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other alternatives include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels and joggers with fixed wheels that can be used to carry two children. They are generally more expensive, however they're designed to last longer on rough terrain and can have greater resales value.
Independent seat recline
If you're looking for a double stroller which can accommodate children of different age groups, you'll need one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This will allow your child's older to sit back and relax while the baby sleeps in the bassinet and the reverse.
You'll also need to consider the width of the pushchair, as this will impact how easy it is to navigate through doors and on public transportation. If your doors are narrow, you might think about a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller but it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are usually smaller than side-byside models, and aren't as easily maneuverable around kerbs however they can be able to accommodate a bigger range of car/car/seat combinations, so can be a good option for twins or siblings of different age. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are worth the investment 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 when your children have grown out of it.
This feature allows you to put your child in an ideal position for naps or observation. This is important if your child is in the back seat and wants to take a nap while the more mature child prefers to sit up to observe the surroundings.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to recline into a position that's almost flat, ideal for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined into various positions. It also offers UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin buggies
They are perfect for siblings of different age groups, and you can move about without having to worry about your children touching. They're typically a little longer too, with one seat sitting behind the other and usually with a fully-flat recline option for infants (or a more upright position for toddlers).
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design available and has the same footprint as one buggy. It also has an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of various heights to push as well as a handbrake that is helpful when climbing difficult hills. It is suitable for use from birth, and can be used with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and can be used in duo or mono mode. The clever frame expands to accommodate the second chair and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal option for older siblings who wish to sit together. It's a bit longer than other models, but it's light to steer and has soft suspension that can handle the kerbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler inline tandems that are available such as Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies for instance - which provide stability and swift steering. They can be folded into one buggy in case you have a small space at home or need to transport it from your car to the bus.
It's important to keep in mind that a wide double buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a single buggy that is smaller Make sure that it's what you require before you buy. It will be used on trains, buses, and subways frequently so it should be easy to manage and use. You may also need to juggle it onto and off the car seat when taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to know it is able to be maneuvered in small spaces.
The best time to start is when you are born.
Whether you're expecting twins or have another child after your first, you're going to need to find a pushchair that fits the entire family. Double buggies are typically heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However they are much more maneuverable in narrower doors or around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as a separate accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in the front of the other, so they're generally a better option for families with two children who are similar in age to function well. They're not foolproof. Siblings seated side-by-side may punch or kick one another, and children of different heights may fight over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this issue by elevating the seat to the rear, preventing your child's older one from sitting on the bottom and not getting much of a view.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can fit a newborn into a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It has an innovative frame that can be expanded in size when you add a 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 our tests. You can recline both seats independently and the canopy is spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection and windows that peek out.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit costly. But a high-quality tandem will last you for a long time and will have an attractive resale value which means that in the end you'll probably recoup some of the cost. The iCandy doesn't have the same seating options as our other top picks. It's nevertheless a good option for families who don't want to spend lots of money.