Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children similar in age, a tandem double buggy is a great option. They are smaller than side-by-side buggies and are perfect for small spaces such as doorways, public transport and rough terrain.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that use two carrycots or child car seats. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
If you're looking for convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add another seat to an existing one, there are several options available. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is big, beautiful stroller that converts easily from a single stroller to a double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable because the second seat is placed in front of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow provides a similar choice however, it doesn't have storage underneath the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. They are more expensive however, they are designed for long trips on rough terrain and have more expensive resales.
Independent seat recline
If you're looking for a double stroller that will accommodate children of different age groups, you'll need one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This will allow your child's older to rest in the back while the baby is in the bassinet, and reverse.
It is also important to think about the size of the stroller as it will impact how easy it is to get through doors and on public transportation. If you have very narrow doors, it may be worth considering a side-by-side 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 are usually slightly longer than side-by-side models and therefore aren't easy to manoeuvre around kerbs however they can be able to accommodate a wider range of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations making them a good option for twins or siblings of different age. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are a good investment if you intend to keep it for many years and will retain a decent amount of resale value in the event that you decide to sell it when your children have grown out of it.
This feature will allow 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 may prefer to lay back and take a snooze while the older child would prefer to sit up and look around their surroundings.
A few brands have an exclusive seat design that allows the back seat to fully recline to an almost flat position that is perfect for babies. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined to several positions. It also has a UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings of different ages, and you can move around without having to worry about your children touching. They're usually a larger, with one seat behind the other. The seats can be reclined fully for infants, or put in an upright position for toddlers.
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which features the slimmest side-by-side design available and has the same footprint as a single buggy. It also features an adjustable handle, making it easy for parents of different heights to push, and an adjustable handbrake, which is useful when tackling steep hills. It is suitable for use from birth, and it can be combined with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
double infant strollers is another option. It folds in mono or duo mode with just a single click. The frame's clever design can be expanded 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 want to be seated together. It's slightly longer than some other models, yet it's light to steer and has soft suspension that can handle kerbs.
There are also a variety of 3-wheeler inline tandems that are available - check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example - which provide stability and quick steering. They are often folded into the size of one buggy, which is helpful for those who struggle with storage at home or have to transport it into and out of the car when you travel on public transportation.
Be aware that a double wide buggy is heavier and bulkier than one that is compact. Be double infant strollers to know what you want prior to making a purchase. It will be used on buses, trains and subways frequently, therefore it must be simple to operate and use. You may need to juggle the car seat in and out when you take your child to school or to nursery.
Suitable from birth
You'll need a pushchair for the whole family, whether you're expecting twins or you have another child after having 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 are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or through an accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front the other. They're a great choice if your children are similar in age and are able to get along. But they're not completely safe Siblings in a side-by-side seat can kick or punch one another, and children who are different heights can argue over who gets to sit higher. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat to the back. Your child's older will not be seated on the lower part of the car, and won't have much of a look out.
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 the newborn and the older child. It has an intelligent frame that can be expanded in size when you add the second child seat. It can also fold flat for storage that is compact. The padded seats, straps and buckles are all of the best quality we have seen in our tests. The canopies are large in size and UPF 50+ protection, and the window is peekaboo. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only downside of the iCandy is that it's on the expensive side but a high-quality tandem will last a long time and retain its resale value. So you'll likely recoup some of the cost in the long run. It doesn't have the same range of seating configurations that the other top picks however the iCandy is a good option for families who don't wish to shell out a lot of money.