Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very similar in age, a tandem double buggy is a great option. They're narrower than side-by-side buggies and ideal for navigating tight spaces such as doors, on public transport and on rocky terrain.
Many transform into travel systems that take 2 carrycots or car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs and might feel less stable when as they bump up kerbs.
Convertible
There are a variety of options for adding a second seating or changing a single stroller into double. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller that can easily be converted from a single to a double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is located in front of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with a wide range of seating options, but lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies, as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. They are generally more expensive but they're designed to last longer on rough terrain and could have more resale value.
Independent seat recline
If you require a double buggy to carry children of different ages, you'll require a model with an recline independent for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to be able to relax while your baby is sleeping in a bassinet, and the reverse is true.
It is also important to consider the width of the pushchair as it will impact the ease of get through doors and on public transportation. If you have extremely narrow doors, it could be worth considering a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint that is similar to a single buggy however, it is able to use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are a little longer than side-by-side models and so aren't as easy to manoeuvre through kerbs and up and down, however, they can accommodate a bigger range of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations and are a great option for twins or siblings of different age. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies however they're worth the cost if you plan to keep it for a number of years. They will also retain an impressive amount of value if you decide to sell it when your children are old enough to use it.
Another thing to look out for is if the seat backs are able to recline independently of one another since this will allow you to place your child in the most optimal position for naps or watching. This is essential when your child is in the back seat and wants to nap while the older child prefers to sit and observe the surrounding.
Some brands feature an exclusive seat design that allows the back seat to fully recline to an almost flat position which is perfect for newborns. For example the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline both the toddler seat included and the add-on RumbleSeat into various positions to give your kids a the option of deciding where to sit and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that can be seen from afar.
Wider than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins in order to benefit from a bigger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of different age groups. They allow you to get around without worrying about your children touching each other. They are usually a little bit longer with one seat in front of the other. The seats can be reclined completely for infants, or put in an upright position for toddlers.
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It is the slimmest design that is side-by-side, and a footprint like the footprint of a single stroller. It also comes with an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of various heights to push as well as a handbrake that is helpful when climbing difficult hills. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, which means it is a great travel system.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has an easy one-click fold and is able to be utilized in a duo or mono mode. Its innovative frame can be expanded widthwise to accommodate a second seat and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots so it's an excellent option for older siblings who wish to sit together and share the view. It's a little bigger than the other models, but it still feels light and has a comfortable suspension for kerbs.
There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems with inline tires that provide stability and fast steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Most of them can be folded down to the size of a single buggy, which is helpful if you struggle with storage at home or have to carry it in and out of the boot when using public transport.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy will be heavier and more bulkier than one compact buggy. Be sure you know what you want prior to making a purchase. It will be utilized on buses, trains, and subways frequently so it should be easy to manage and use. You may also have to move it on and off the car seat when taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to ensure it is able to be maneuvered in tight spaces.
From birth, you're a suitable candidate
Whether you're expecting twins or have another child after your first, you're going need to find a pushchair that fits the whole family. Double buggies are typically slightly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers, but they are also easier to manoeuvre through narrower doors 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 at once.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front of the other, so they're usually a better option if you have two kids who are similar in age to get along well together. However, they're not 100% secure: Siblings in side-by-side seats could kick or punch each other, and children on different heights can squabble over who gets to sit higher. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low model that raises the seat to the rear. Your child's older will not be sitting at the lower part of the car, and won't get much of an opportunity to see.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can fit a newborn into a carrycot, and an older child in the main seat. It features an intelligent frame that increases in size when you add the second child seat. It can also fold flat for compact storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps are easy to secure and the buckles some of the most comfortable we've seen on any of our tests. Both seats can recline independently and the canopies are spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection as well as peekaboo windows.
double car seat stroller to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit expensive. However, a good tandem will last you for many years and have an attractive resale value so in the end you'll likely recover some of the cost. It doesn't come with the same variety of seating configurations that others of our top choices, but the iCandy is a great choice for families that don't want to spend a fortune.