Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggy is a great option. They're narrower than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for maneuvering tight spaces, such as entrances, on public transportation and on rough terrain.
Many convert into travel systems that include two carrycots or car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may feel less stable in bumping up the kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible stroller that converts from single to double or to add a second seat to an existing one, there are a variety of options available. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is big, beautiful stroller that can easily be converted from a single stroller to double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). However, it's expensive and less maneuverable than other dual strollers since the second seat is located to the left of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model with a wide range of seating options, but isn't equipped with storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other options include all terrain double stroller-terrain twin buggies and fixed-wheel joggers that can accommodate two children. They are generally more expensive, however they're designed to last longer on rough terrain, and may have greater resales value.
Independent seat recline
If you're looking for a double buggy that is able to transport children of different age groups, then you'll want one that has recline independent for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to sit back and relax while the baby sleeps in the bassinet and reverse.
Think about the width of your stroller, as this will determine the ease of you to maneuver through doors and public transport. If you have narrow doorways then it might be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint similar to a single buggy, however it can take 2 seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are a little longer than side-by-side models and therefore aren't easy to manoeuvre up and down kerbs, however they can be able to accommodate a bigger range of car/car/seat combinations, and are a great option for twins or siblings of different ages. They are also more expensive than single buggies to double however they're worth the cost if you plan on keeping it for many years. They'll also keep some value when sold once your children are old enough to use it.
This feature will allow you to put your child in a comfortable position for naps or observation. This is important if your child is in the back seat and wishes to rest while the child in the front prefers to sit and observe the surrounding.
A few brands have a unique seat design which allows the back seat to fully recline into a nearly flat position which is perfect for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined into several positions. It also comes with UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
Larger than twin stroller side by side buggies
You don't need to have twins to benefit from a bigger double buggy. They're great for siblings of various ages and allow you to get around without having to worry about your children touching. They're usually a bit larger with one seat positioned behind the other, and typically offering a fully-flat recline for newborns (or an upright position for toddlers).
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which features the slimmest side-by-side design on the market and has a footprint similar to a single buggy. It also comes with an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of different heights to push as well as a handbrake that is helpful when climbing difficult terrains. It 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 an easy one-click fold and can be used in duo or mono mode. Its innovative frame can be expanded widthwise to allow for a second seat and it can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots so it's an excellent option for older siblings who want to sit together and enjoy the view. It's slightly longer than some other models, yet it's light to steer and comes with soft suspension that is able to handle kerbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler tandems inline available such as Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for instance they offer stability and swift steering. 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 need to carry it in and out of the car when you travel on public transport.
It's worth bearing in mind that a wide double buggy converts to single buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a compact single buggy So make sure you're getting what you need before purchasing. It will be used on buses, trains and subways often, so it must be easy to operate and use. You may also need to juggle it on and off road double buggy (browse around these guys) the car seat when taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to ensure it is able to be maneuvered within small spaces.
From birth, you are a suitable candidate
You'll need a pushchair for your entire family, whether you're expecting twins or if you have a child after having your first. Double buggies are typically slightly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers, but they can also be easier to maneuver in narrower entrances or around obstacles like curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via a separate accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front of the other, and they're often a better choice for families with two children who are close enough in age to be able to live well together. But they're not completely safe: Siblings in side-by-side seats could kick or punch one another, and children on different heights can squabble over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model could solve this problem by elevating the seat towards the rear, preventing your child's height from being on the bottom and not having the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a good choice for parents looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that can fit both the newborn and the older child. It features an intelligent frame that can be expanded in size when you add the second child seat. It can also fold flat to make it a compact storage. The padded seats, straps and buckles are all of the best quality we have seen in our testing. The seats can be reclined independently, and the canopies are large and generous with UPF 50+ protection as well as peekaboo windows.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it's quite expensive. But a high-quality tandem will last for years and retain an attractive resale value so at the end of the day you'll probably recoup a portion of the cost. The iCandy does not have the same seating configurations as our other top choices. It's nevertheless an excellent choice for families that don't want spend lots of cash.