Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great option for twins or children who are very close in age. They are smaller than side by side buggies, and are great for narrow spaces like doorways, public transport and terrain that is rocky.
Some can be converted to travel systems that can take two carrycots or car seats for children. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and might feel less stable when in bumping up the kerbs.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seating or making a single stroller a double. The UPPAbaby V2 is large, beautiful stroller. It can be easily transformed from a single stroller to a double by adding the seating area with a rumble. However, it's pricey and less mobile than other double strollers because the 2nd seat is located to the left of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option, but it lacks storage underneath the seat when it is used as a double stroller.
Other options include twin buggies that have all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can be used to carry two kids. They are more expensive, however, they are designed for long trips on rough terrain and come with a higher resale price.
Reclining the seat independently
If you're looking for a double stroller that can accommodate children of various ages, you will need one with an independent recliner for both seats. This allows your older child to rest while the baby is in a bassinet, and the reverse is true.
Think about the width of your stroller and consider how easy it is for you to get through doors and public transportation. If you have extremely narrow doors, it may be worth considering a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy but can still take 2 seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are usually slightly longer than side-by-side models and so aren't as easily maneuverable up and down kerbs, however, they can accommodate a wider range of car seat/car seat combinations, so can be a good option for twins or siblings of different ages. They are priced higher than single to double buggies, but they're worth the cost if you plan on keeping it for many years. They will also retain a good amount of value when sold once your kids have outgrown it.
This feature allows you to place your child in a comfortable position for naps and observation. This is especially important if you have a young child in the rear seat, who will prefer to lay back and sleep while the more mature child wants to sit up and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to recline fully into a position that is almost flat, perfect for babies. For instance, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the toddler seat that comes with it and the add-on RumbleSeat into various positions to give your kids a the option of deciding where to sit, as well as providing an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out.
More spacious than twin buggies
They are great for siblings of different ages, and you can move about without worrying about your children touching. They're usually a more spacious, with one seat behind the other. The seats can be reclined fully for infants, or put in an upright position for toddlers.
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which is the tiniest side-by-side model available and has a footprint similar to a single buggy. It also comes with an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of various heights to push and a handbrake that is useful when tackling difficult terrains. It is suitable for use from birth, and it can be combined with a range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in either mono or duo mode with just a single click. Its innovative frame can be expanded to allow for a second seat and 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 a bit longer than other models, but it isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for kerbs.
There are also plenty of 3-wheeler tandems inline available such as Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies for instance that provide stability and swift steering. Most of them can be folded down to the size of a single buggy, which is helpful for those who struggle with storage at home or need to lug it in and out of the boot when you travel on public transportation.
It's worth bearing in mind that a large double buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a compact single buggy, so make sure it's what you require before purchasing. You'll have to get it off and on trains, buses and subways often, so it should be simple to use and manage. You may also need to move it on and off the car seat when you take your children to nursery or school so you'll need to know it is able to be maneuvered in small spaces.
From birth
You'll need a pushchair for the whole family, whether you're expecting twins or if you have a child after you've had your first. Double buggies are typically heavier and bulkier as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are also more maneuverable in narrower doors, or around obstacles like curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via an accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front of the other, so they're usually a better option for families with two children who are similar in age to get along well. They're not foolproof. Siblings sitting side-by-side can kick or punch each other and children with different heights could argue over who sits higher. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low model that raises the seat at the rear. Your older child isn't seated at the lower part of the car, and won't have much of a look out.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can fit both a newborn in a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It has an innovative frame that can be expanded in size when you add the second child seat. It also folds flat for storage that is compact. The cushioned straps, buckles, 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 peekaboo window. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it is quite expensive. However, a quality tandem will last you for many years and have an attractive resale value so in the end you'll likely recover a portion of the cost. double buggy with car seat doesn't offer the same selection of seating options as some of our other top choices however, the iCandy is a good choice for families who don't want to shell out a lot of money.