Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very similar in age, a tandem double buggy is a great option. They are narrower than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for small spaces such as doors, public transport, and rough terrain.
Some convert into travel systems to take 2 carrycots or car seats. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible stroller that can be converted from a single to a double or to add another seat to an existing one, there's many options to choose from. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a big, beautiful stroller that can easily be converted from a single stroller to a double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). However, it's pricey and less maneuverable than other dual strollers because the 2nd seat is located behind the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option, but it lacks storage underneath 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 hold two children. They are more expensive, however, they are designed to last longer on rough terrain and come with more expensive resales.
Independent seat recline
If you require a double buggy that is able to carry children of different age groups, then you'll need a buggy that has an recline that is independent for both seats. This will allow your older child to sit back and relax while the baby sleeps in the bassinet and vice versa.
Take into consideration the width of your pushchair to determine the ease of you to maneuver through doors and on public transport. If you have very narrow doors, it may be a good idea to consider a side-byside pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy but can still accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally slightly longer than side-by-side models and so aren't as easily maneuverable up and down kerbs, however, they can accommodate a bigger range of car seat/car seat combinations, and are a great option for twins or siblings of different ages. They are priced higher than single buggies to double however they're worth it if you intend to keep it for a few years. They also hold some value when sold once your children have outgrown it.
Another thing to look for is if the seat backs are able to recline independently from one another as this will let you place your child in the best position for napping or observation. This is important for children who are in the back seat and wants to rest while the child in the front prefers to sit up to observe the surrounding.
A few brands have a unique seat design which allows the back seat to fully recline to an almost flat position that is perfect for babies. The iCandy Orange, for example, has stadium-style seating that can be reclined to multiple positions. It also comes with a UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings with different age groups, and they allow you to move about without having to worry about your children touching. They're usually a bit longer with one seat positioned behind the other. The seats can be reclined fully for babies or placed in an upright position for toddlers.
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It is the tiniest design that is side-by-side and a footprint comparable to the footprint of a single stroller. It features an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake, which is helpful on steep hills. Get the facts is suitable for use right from birth, and can be paired with a range of car seats and carrycots.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and can be utilized in a duo or mono mode. The frame's clever design can be expanded to accommodate the second chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic option for older siblings who wish to sit together. It's a bit longer than other models, yet it's easy to steer and has soft suspension that is able to handle 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 example - which offer stability and swift steering. They can be folded into one buggy if you have limited space at home or need to transport it from the car to the bus stop.
Be aware that a double wide buggy is heavier and more bulkier than a single compact buggy. Be sure to know what you want prior to making a buy. It is likely to be used on trains, buses and subways frequently, therefore it must be simple to operate and use. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat when taking your child to school or nursery.
From birth, you are a suitable candidate
If you're expecting twins, or you have a child following your first, you're going need to find a stroller that can accommodate the entire family. Double buggies are typically a bit heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers, however they are also more maneuverable in narrower doorways or around obstacles like curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or through an additional accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other, and they're often a better choice if you have two kids who are similar in age to get along well together. But they're not completely safe Siblings in a side-by-side seat could kick or punch one another, and children who are different heights can argue over who should sit higher. Get the facts -low model could solve this issue by elevating the seat to the rear, which prevents your child's height from sitting on the bottom and not having any view.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for a convertible double buggy that includes a carrycot that can accommodate both a newborn and an older child. It has a clever frame that expands widthways when you add a second seat. It folds flat for compact storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps are simple to secure and the buckles are among the best we've seen on any of our tests. The canopies have a generous size with UPF 50+ protection, and a windows that peek out. Both seats can recline independently.
The only downside of the iCandy is that it's a bit on the expensive side however, a good tandem will last a long time and maintain its resale value. So you'll probably recoup some of the cost in the end. It doesn't come with the same range of seating configurations as others of our top choices, but the iCandy is a good choice for families who don't want to spend a lot.