Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very similar in age, a tandem double buggie is a fantastic option. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies, and ideal for maneuvering narrow spaces like doorways, on public transport and rocky terrain.
Some can be converted to travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats for children. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may not be as stable when as they bump up kerbs.
Convertible
There are a variety of options to add a second seat or converting a single stroller to double. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a big, beautiful stroller that converts easily from a single model to a double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is positioned in front of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow provides a similar choice however, it doesn't have storage underneath the seat when used as a stokke double stroller (www.9kuan9.com) stroller.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies and fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. These tend to be more expensive, however they're designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain, and may have greater resales value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you want a cheap double buggy stroller that will accommodate children of different ages, you will need one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This will allow your older child to be able to relax while your baby is in a bassinet, and reverse.
You'll also need to think about the size of the pushchair, as this will impact how easy it is to traverse doors and public transport. If your doors are narrow, you may be considering a side by side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller however can still accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally smaller than side-byside models and so aren't as easily maneuverable around kerbs but they can accommodate a bigger range of car/car/seat combinations, and are a great option for twins or siblings of different age groups. They are also more expensive than single-to-double stroller with bassinet buggies, but are a good purchase if you plan to keep it for many years and will retain a decent amount of resale value if you decide to sell it off when your children have grown out of it.
This feature allows you to put your child in a comfortable position for naps or observation. This is important for children who are in the back seat and wants to take a nap while the child in the front prefers to sit and observe the surrounding.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to recline fully into a position that's almost flat, perfect for infants. For example, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline both the toddler seat included and the add-on RumbleSeat to multiple positions, so that your children have a a choice of where to sit and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out.
Wider than twin buggies
You don't need to have twins to benefit from a larger double buggy. They're great for siblings of various age groups. They allow you to move around without worrying about your children touching each other. They're typically a larger, with one seat behind the other. The seats can be reclined fully for newborns or in an upright position for toddlers.
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It is the tiniest design side-by-side on the market, and a footprint comparable to one stroller. It also comes with an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of different heights to push and a handbrake that is useful when tackling difficult hills. It is suitable to use from birth and it can be combined with a range of car seats and carrycots.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has a simple one-click to fold and is able to be utilized in a duo or mono mode. The clever frame expands to accommodate a second chair and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal choice for older siblings that would like to sit together. It's slightly longer than some other models, but it's light to steer and comes with soft suspension that is able to handle kerbs.
There are also a variety of 3-wheeler inline tandems available - check out 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 size a single buggy which is useful if you struggle with storage at home or frequently need to transport it into and out of the boot when you travel on public transportation.
It's worth bearing in mind that a large double buggy travel system buggy will feel heavier and bulkier than a single buggy that is smaller, so make sure you're getting what you need before purchasing. You'll have to get it on and off subways, trains and buses regularly so it needs to be easy to operate and manage. You might also have to move it on and off the car seat while taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to be aware it's easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
The best time to start is when you are born.
You'll need a pushchair for the whole family, whether you're expecting twins, or you have another child after having your first. double buggy that converts to single buggies tend to be 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. 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 a time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other, and they're often a better choice for families with two children who are similar in age to function well together. They're not foolproof. Siblings seated side-by-side may punch or kick one another and children of different heights can fight over who sits taller. A tandem high-low model could solve this problem by elevating the seat towards the rear, which prevents your older child from being on the bottom and not getting the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can accommodate a newborn in a carrycot and an older child in the main seat. It features a smart frame that expands widthways when you add a second seat and folds down flat for compact storage. The padded straps, buckles, and seats are all of the best quality we have encountered in our tests. The canopies have a generous size with UPF 50+ protection, and the window is peekaboo. Both seats are reclined independently.
The only downside of the iCandy is that it's a bit expensive however, a good tandem will last for a long time and will retain its resale value, so you'll likely recoup some of the cost over the long term. It also doesn't offer the same selection of seating options as others of our top choices however, the iCandy is a good option for families that don't want to shell out a lot of money.