Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children close in age, a tandem double buggy is a great choice. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies and ideal for navigating narrow spaces like entrances, on public transportation and rocky terrain.
Some can be converted to travel systems that can take two carrycots or child car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs and may feel less stable bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seat or converting a single stroller to a double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a spacious, gorgeous stroller that easily converts from a single to a double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable because the second seat is placed on top of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option however, it doesn't have storage underneath the seat when it is used as a double stroller.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies, as well as fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. They tend to be more expensive, but they're made for long trips over rough terrain and can have a higher resale value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you require a double buggy that is able to transport children of various ages then you're going to want one that has recline independent for both seats. This will allow your older child to be able to relax while your baby is in a bassinet, and vice versa.
You'll also have to think about the size of the pushchair as this will impact the ease of navigate through doors and on public transportation. If you have narrow doors, it could be a good idea to consider a side-byside pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint that is similar to a single buggy but can still accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are slightly longer than side-by-side models, and aren't as difficult to maneuver around kerbs however, they can accommodate a wider range of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations making them a good option for twins or siblings of various age groups. They can also be more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are a good investment if you intend to keep it for a long time and will retain a decent amount of resale value if you decide to sell it after your children have grown out of it.
This feature will allow you to put your child in the most comfortable position for naps and observation. This is particularly important if you have a younger child in the rear seat who will be inclined to lie down and sleep while the older child wants to sit and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back of their vehicles to recline into a position that's nearly flat, which is ideal for newborns. For instance, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the toddler seat included as well as the optional RumbleSeat into multiple positions so your kids can have the option of where they want to sit as well as offering an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that can be seen from afar.
Larger than twin buggies
They are perfect for siblings of different age groups, and you can get around without having to worry about your children touching. They're usually a bit larger too with one seat placed behind the other and usually with a fully-flat recline option for babies (or an upright position for toddlers).
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design on the market and has the same footprint as a single buggy. cheap double stroller comes with an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of various heights to push as well as a handbrake, which is helpful when climbing steep hills. It is suitable to use from birth and it can be combined with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in mono or duo mode with just one click. The frame's clever design expands in width to accommodate the second chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal option for older siblings who would like to sit together. It's slightly longer than some other models but still feels easy to steer and has soft suspension to tackle kerbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler tandems inline available - check out Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example they provide stability and quick steering. Often these can be folded down to size a single buggy, which is helpful when you have trouble storing it at home or have to transport it into and out of your car when using public transportation.
It's important to remember that a wide double buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a compact single buggy, so make sure you're getting what you need before you purchase. It will be used on buses, trains and subways often, therefore it must be simple to use and manage. You may also need to move it on and off the car seat when you take your children to school or nursery so you'll need to ensure it can be easily manoeuvred in small spaces.
From birth, you're an ideal candidate
You'll need a stroller for your entire family, whether you're expecting twins, or if you have a child after you've had your first. Double buggies are generally heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are much more maneuverable in narrower doors and 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 carry three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other, so they're usually a better option when you have two children that are close enough 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. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low model that raises the seat at the rear. Your child's older one will not be sitting at the lower part of the car, and won't get much of a look out.
The iCandy Wave is a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can accommodate a newborn in a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It features a smart frame that can be expanded in width when you add the second seat. It folds to flattish storage. The padded seats are comfortable, the straps are easy to fasten, and the buckles are among the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. The seats can be reclined independently and the canopy is big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection as well as peekaboo windows.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit costly. But a high-quality tandem will last for years and retain the highest resale value, so at the end of the day, you'll likely recoup a portion of the cost. It doesn't have the same range of seating configurations as the other top choices however, the iCandy is a good choice for families who don't wish to spend a lot.