Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great option if you have twins, or children who are close in age. They're narrower than side-by-side buggies, and ideal for maneuvering tight spaces such as doorways, on public transport and on rocky terrain.
Some can be converted to travel systems that can take two carrycots or car seats for children. They can be heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seating or making a single stroller a double. The UPPAbaby V2 is large, beautiful stroller. It is easily converted from a single to a dual by adding an seating area with a rumble. It's costly and less mobile than other double strollers due to the fact that the second seat goes to the left of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow provides a similar choice, but it lacks storage under the seat when used as a double stroller.
Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can be used to carry two children. These tend to be more expensive, however they're designed to last longer on rough terrain and could have greater resales value.
Reclining seat recline independently
If you want a double stroller which can accommodate children of various ages, you will need one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This allows your older child to rest while the baby is sleeping in a bassinet, and reverse.
Consider the width of your pushchair to determine the ease of you to get through doors and on public transportation. If lightweight twin buggy have narrow doorways then it might be a good idea to consider a side-byside pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint similar to a single buggy but can still accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are smaller than side-byside models, and aren't as easily maneuverable around kerbs however, they can accommodate a wider range of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations and are a great option for twins or siblings of different age groups. These buggies are priced higher than single to double buggies however they're worth the cost if you plan on keeping it for many years. They also hold some value when sold once your children have outgrown the buggie.
This feature allows you to place your child in the most comfortable position for naps or observation. This is particularly important if you have a child younger than in the rear seat who will prefer to lay back and relax while the more mature child wants to sit up and look around their surroundings.
Some brands feature a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to fully recline into an almost flat position that is perfect for infants. For example, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the toddler seat that comes with it and the add-on RumbleSeat into multiple positions so that your children have a the option of where they want to sit and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that can be seen from afar.
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 behind the other. The seats can be reclined fully for newborns or in an upright position for toddlers.
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It is the slimmest design of the two-in-ones on the market, and a footprint similar to one stroller. It has an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake, which is helpful on steep hills. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots. This means it's a great travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in mono or duo mode with just one click. Its clever frame expands widthways to accommodate a second seat and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots so it's an excellent option for older siblings who wish to sit together and enjoy the view. It's slightly larger than other models, but it still isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for kerbs.
There are also a variety of 3-wheeler tandems inline available such as Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for instance they provide stability and quick 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 stop.
Be aware that a double-wide buggy is heavier and bulkier than a single compact buggy. Be sure you know what you want prior to making a buy. It is likely to be utilized on buses, trains and subways frequently, so it must be easy to use and manage. You may also need to juggle it on and off the car seat when you take your children to nursery or school so you'll need to be aware it's easy to maneuver in small spaces.
Suitable from birth
You'll need a stroller for your entire family, whether you're expecting twins or you have a second child after you've had your first. Double buggies tend to be heavier and bulkier as well as more expensive than single strollers. However, they are easier to maneuver in tighter doors, or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies are compatible with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This lets you transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs place one child ahead of the other. They're a good choice if your children are close in age and are able to get along. But they're not foolproof: Siblings in side-by-side seats may punch or kick each other, and children with different heights may argue over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this issue by elevating the seat towards the rear, which prevents your child's height from sitting on the bottom and not getting any view.
The iCandy Wave is a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to accommodate a newborn in a carrycot, and an older child in the main seat. It has a clever frame that expands widthways when you add a second seat and folds down flat to make it a compact storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps are easy to fasten and the buckles some of the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. Both seats can recline independently and the canopies are spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection as well as windows that can be seen from a distance.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit expensive. But a high-quality tandem will last for years and retain an attractive resale value so in the end, you'll likely recoup some of the cost. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating options as our other top picks. It's nevertheless an ideal choice for families who don't want to spend lots of cash.