Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children close in age, a tandem double buggie is a great option. They are narrower than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for small spaces such as doorways, public transport and rough terrain.
Some convert into travel systems that use two carrycots or 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 making a single stroller double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a spacious, gorgeous stroller that can easily be converted from a single stroller to a double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). However, it's pricey and less maneuverable than other dual strollers due to the fact that the second seat is placed behind the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model with great seating versatility but lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can accommodate two kids. They are generally more expensive, however they're designed to last longer on rough terrain and can have greater resales value.
Independent recline of the seat
If you're looking for a double buggy that is able to transport children of various ages then you're going to want one that has recline that is independent for both seats. This allows your older child to be able to relax while your baby is sleeping in a bassinet and reverse.
Take into consideration the width of your pushchair to determine how easy it is for you to maneuver through doors and on public transportation. If your doorways are very narrow, you might be considering a side-by-side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller but can still 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 accommodate more combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and can make the perfect choice for twins and siblings of different age. They are more expensive than single to double buggies, but they're worth it if you plan to keep it for a number of years. They'll also keep a good amount of value if you decide to sell it when your children are old enough to use the buggie.
Another thing to look for is whether the backs of the seats can recline independently of each other since this will allow you to put your child in the ideal position to nap or observe. This is especially important if you have a young child in the rear seat, who will prefer to lay back and take a snooze while the older child would prefer to sit and observe their surroundings.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to recline to a position that is nearly flat, which is ideal for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined into several positions. It also has UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins to benefit from a larger double buggy. They're perfect for siblings of various age groups and let you move around without having to worry about your children touching each other. They're usually a more spacious, with one seat behind the other. The seats can be reclined completely for babies or placed in an upright position for toddlers.
double jogging stroller is a popular option. It is the slimmest design of the two-in-ones on the market and a footprint that is like a single stroller. It features an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake, which is useful on steep hills. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots, which means it is a great travel system.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and can be used in mono or duo mode. The frame's clever design expands in width to accommodate an additional chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a great choice for older siblings that would like to sit together. It's slightly larger than other models, but it still feels light and has a comfortable suspension for the kerbs.
There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that provide stability and fast steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Often these can be folded into the size of one buggy, which is helpful if you struggle with storage at home or have to transport it into and out of your car on public transportation.
It's worth bearing in mind that a large double buggy will feel bulkier and heavier than a single buggy that is smaller, so make sure it's what you require before purchasing. It is likely to be used on buses, trains and subways frequently, so it should be easy to use and manage. You might also have to juggle it on and off the car seat when taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to ensure it's easy to maneuver within small spaces.
The best time to start is when you are born.
If you're expecting twins or you have a child following your first, you're likely to need to find an appropriate pushchair for the entire family. Double buggies are generally a bit heavier, bulkier 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 work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This lets you transport three children simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other, and they're usually a better option for families with two children that are close enough in age to be able to live well together. However, they're not 100% secure Side-by-side chairs can kick or punch each other, and children with different heights may argue over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model can solve this problem by elevating the seat at the rear, preventing your child's height from being on the bottom and not getting much of a view.
The iCandy Wave is a good option for parents who are looking for a convertible double buggy that includes a carrycot that is able to accommodate both a newborn and an older child. It has a clever frame which can be expanded in size when you add a second child seat. It can also fold flat to make it a compact storage. The padded straps, buckles, and seats are all of the highest quality we have seen in our testing. The canopies are large in size with UPF 50+ protection, as well as a windows that peek out. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit costly. But a high-quality tandem will last for a long time and will have a high resale price, so in the end you'll likely recover some of the cost. The iCandy doesn't have the same seating options as our other top choices. However, it's a good option for families that don't want spend lots of money.