Buying a Tandem double stroller for twins Buggy
A tandem double buggy converts to single buggy can be a great option for twins or children who are very close in age. They are smaller than side by side buggies and are perfect for tight spaces like doors, public transport and rocky terrain.
Some convert into travel systems to include two carrycots or car seats. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are a variety of options for adding a second seating or making a single stroller a double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a big, beautiful stroller that can easily be converted from a single model to a double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). It's costly and less maneuverable than other dual strollers due to the fact that the second seat is placed in front of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model but lacks storage underneath the seat when it is used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels and joggers with fixed wheels that can hold two kids. They are more expensive, but they are designed for long trips on rough terrain and have higher resale prices.
Independent seat recline
If you want a double Stroller Double that can accommodate children of different ages, you will need one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This will allow your older child to rest in the back while the baby is in the bassinet, and the reverse.
Think about the width of your stroller, as this will determine how easy it is for you to navigate through doors and on public transport. If you have very narrow doorways then it might be a good idea to consider a side-byside pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint similar to a single buggy however it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are slightly longer than side-by-side models and so aren't as difficult to maneuver around kerbs but they can accommodate a bigger range of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations so can be a good option for twins or siblings of various age. They are also more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are a good purchase if you plan to keep it for years and will retain a decent amount of resale value if you decide to sell it when your children are out of it.
This feature will allow you to place your child in a comfortable position for naps or to observe. This is crucial if your child is in the back seat and wishes to rest while the child in the front prefers to sit up and observe the surroundings.
Some brands feature a unique seat design which allows the back seat to fully recline into a nearly flat position which is perfect for babies. For instance the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the included toddler seat and the additional RumbleSeat into various positions so your kids can have the option of deciding where to sit and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that can be seen from afar.
Larger than twin buggies
They are great for siblings of different age groups, and you can get around without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a little longer too, with one seat sitting behind the other, and typically offering a fully-flat recline for infants (or an upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It has the slimmest design side-by-side on the market, and a footprint that is similar to the footprint of a single stroller. It also comes with an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of different heights to push and a handbrake, which is helpful when climbing steep hills. It is suitable for use from birth, and can be used with a range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in duo or mono mode with just a single click. Its clever frame can be expanded widthwise to allow for a second seat and it can be used with up to two carrycots or car seats making it a great option for older siblings who want to sit in a group and share the view. It's slightly longer than other models, but it still feels light and has soft 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 or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They are often folded into a single buggy in case you have a small space at home, or need to carry it from the car to the bus stop.
It's worth bearing in mind that a wide double buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a smaller single buggy, so make sure it's what you need before you purchase. You'll be taking it off and on subways, trains and buses frequently, so it must be easy to use and manage. You may need to juggle the car seat on and off when you take your child to school or to nursery.
The best time to start is when you are born.
If you're expecting twins, or have a second child after your first, you're going to need to find an appropriate pushchair for the whole family. Double buggies are generally larger, heavier and cost more than single strollers, however they can also be easier to maneuver through narrower doors or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggy sale buggies can be used with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This allows you to carry three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front the other. They are a good option for children who are similar in age and get along well. However, they're not 100% secure Siblings in a side-by-side seat can kick or punch each other, and children who are different heights can argue over who gets to sit higher. This problem can be solved by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat to the rear. Your child's older isn't seated at the lower part of the car, and won't be able to get a look out.
The iCandy Wave is a good option for parents who are looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that is able to accommodate both infants and an older child. It features a smart frame that expands widthways when you add the second seat and folds down flat to make it a compact double buggy storage. The padded straps, buckles, and seats are all of the highest quality we have seen in any of our tests. The canopies are large in size and UPF 50+ protection, as well as a windows that peek out. Both seats can recline independently.
The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's a little expensive but a high-quality tandem will last for a long time and maintain its resale value. So you'll probably recoup some of the cost in the end. The iCandy does not have the same seating configurations as our other top choices. However, it's an excellent choice for families who don't wish to spend lots of money.