Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double stroller with bassinet buggy (a cool way to improve) could be a fantastic option when you have twins or children who are close in age. They are a bit smaller than side by side buggies, and are great for tight spaces like doors, public transport and terrain that is rocky.
Some can be converted to travel systems that can take two carrycots or child car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may feel less stable as they bump up kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add another seat to an existing one, there's a variety of options available. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller that easily converts from a single to 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. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option however, it doesn't have storage under the seat when it's 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. These tend to be more expensive but they're designed for long trips over rough terrain, and may have more resale value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you're looking for a double stroller which can accommodate children of various age groups, you'll need one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This will allow your older child to relax in the back while the baby is in the bassinet and vice versa.
Consider the width of your pushchair to determine how easy it is for you to maneuver through doors and public transportation. If you have narrow doors, it may be a good idea to consider a side-byside pushchair double, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint similar to a single buggy, however it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are usually a little longer than side-by-side models and so aren't as easily maneuverable through kerbs and up and down, 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 various age groups. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are a good investment if you plan to keep it for years and will retain a decent amount of resale value should you decide to sell it after your children have grown out of it.
This feature allows you to put your child in an ideal position for naps and observation. This is essential if your child is in the back seat and wishes to take a nap while the child in the front prefers to sit up to observe the surrounding.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to recline fully to a position that is nearly flat, which is ideal for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example, has stadium-style seating that can be reclined to multiple positions. It also comes with a UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
More spacious than twin buggies
There's no need to have twins in order to benefit from a wider cheap double pushchair buggy - they're ideal for siblings of different age groups. They allow you to move around without having to worry about your children touching each other. They're usually a larger with one seat in front of the other. The seats can be reclined fully for babies or placed in an upright position for toddlers.
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It is the slimmest design that is side-by-side and a footprint that is similar to one stroller. It also has an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of various heights to push and a handbrake that can be useful when you have to climb difficult terrains. It is suitable to use from birth and it can be combined with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has a simple one-click to fold and can be used in mono or duo mode. Its clever frame expands to accommodate the second chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a great option for older siblings who would like to sit together. It's slightly longer than other models, but it isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for the kerbs.
There are also plenty of 3-wheeler inline tandems available such as Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for instance - which provide stability and swift steering. Often these can be folded down to the size of one buggy, which is helpful if you struggle with storage at home or need to transport it into and out of the boot when you travel on public transportation.
It's worth bearing in mind that a double-buggy with a wider width will be heavier and bulkier than a smaller single buggy, so make sure it's what you require before you buy. It will be utilized on buses, trains, and subways frequently so it should be easy to operate and use. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat on and off when taking your child to school or to nursery.
From your birth, you are 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 tend to be slightly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers, but they can also be more maneuverable 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. They're a good option if your children are of similar ages and are able to get along. But they're not foolproof Side-by-side chairs 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 lowest part of the car and won't be able to get an eye.
The iCandy Wave is a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to accommodate a newborn in a carrycot and an older child in the main seat. It has an innovative frame that can be expanded in size when you add a second child seat. It also folds flat for compact storage. The cushioned buckles, straps and seats are all of the highest quality we have encountered in our tests. The canopies have a generous size with UPF 50+ protection, and a the window is peekaboo. Both seats are reclined independently.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit costly. But a high-quality tandem will last you for a long time and will have the highest resale value, which means that in the end, you'll likely recoup a portion of the cost. It doesn't have the same selection of seating configurations that others of our top picks however the iCandy is a good choice for families who don't wish to spend a lot.