Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children close in age, a tandem double buggie is a fantastic option. They're narrower than side-by-side buggies and ideal for navigating tight spaces such as entrances, on public transportation and rocky terrain.
Some can be converted to travel systems that can take two carrycots or car seats for children. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
If you're looking for convertible stroller that can be converted from a single to a double or to add an additional seat to an existing one, there are several options available. The UPPAbaby V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can easily be changed from a single to a dual by adding a Rumble seat. It is more expensive and less maneuverable because the second seat is located on top of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model with great seating flexibility, however it does not have storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies, as well as fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. These tend to be more expensive but they're designed for long trips over rough terrain, and may have a higher resale value.
Independent recline of the seat
If you need a double buggy to carry children of different age groups, then you'll need a buggy that has an recline independent for both seats. This allows your older child to be able to relax while your baby is sleeping in a bassinet, and vice versa.
You'll also have to consider the width of the pushchair, as it will impact how easy it is to traverse doors and public transportation. 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 comparable to a single buggy however it can take 2 seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are typically larger than side-by-side models, and therefore are more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and can make the perfect choice for twins and siblings of various age groups. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are a worthwhile investment if you intend to keep it for a long time 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 will allow you to place your child in the most comfortable position for naps and observation. This is especially important if you have a young child in the rear seat who may prefer to lay back and sleep while the older child would prefer to sit and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to recline fully into a position that is almost flat, perfect for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined in multiple positions. It also offers UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
Wider than twin buggies
They are great for siblings with different ages, and you can get around without having to worry about your children touching. They're typically a little larger too with one seat placed behind the other and with a fully-flat recline option for infants (or a more upright position for toddlers).
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design available and has an identical footprint to a single buggy. It has an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake that can be useful on hills that are steep. It is suitable for use from birth, and it can be combined with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has an easy one-click fold and is able to be used in duo or mono mode. Its innovative frame can be expanded to accommodate a second chair and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots which makes it an ideal option for older siblings who want to sit in a group and share the view. It's a bit longer than other models, but it feels light and has a comfortable suspension for kerbs.
There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that offer stability and swift steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They are often folded down to the size of one buggie, which is helpful when you have trouble storing it at home or have to transport it into and out of your car when you travel on public transport.
Be aware that a double wide buggy is heavier and more bulkier than one compact buggy. Make sure twin pushchair from birth know what you want prior to making a buy. You'll have to get it off and on subways, trains and buses frequently, so it must be easy to use and manage. You may need to juggle the car seat when taking your child to school or to nursery.
From birth, you're a suitable candidate
If you're expecting twins, or have another child after your first, you're going to require an appropriate pushchair for the whole family. Double buggies tend to be larger, heavier and cost more than single strollers, however they can also be easier to maneuver in narrower entrances or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies can be used with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This allows you to transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in the front of the other, and they're generally a better option when you have two children who are similar in age to function well. They're not 100% secure. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could punch or kick each other and children of different heights may fight over who is sitting higher. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low design that elevates the seat at the rear. Your child's older one will not be sitting at the lower part of the car, and won't have much of an opportunity to see.
The iCandy Wave is a great option for parents looking for 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 a smart frame that can be expanded in width when you add the second seat, and folds to flattish storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps are easy to fasten, and the buckles some of the most comfortable we've seen on any of our tests. The canopy is large in size, UPF 50+ protection, and a the window is peekaboo. Both seats are reclined independently.
The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's a bit expensive but a high-quality tandem will last a long time and will retain its resale value, which means you'll likely recoup some of the cost over the long term. It also doesn't offer the same variety of seating options as some of our other top choices, but the iCandy is a good choice for families that don't want to shell out a lot of money.