Buying a
Tandem Double BuggyA tandem
double buggy from birth buggy can be a great choice if you have twins, or children who are very close in age. They're narrower than side-by-side buggies and ideal for navigating narrow spaces like doors, on public transport and on rough terrain.
Many also convert into travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats. They can be heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seat or making a single stroller double. The UPPAbaby V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can be easily changed from a single to a dual by adding the Rumble seat. It is more expensive and less maneuverable due to the fact that the second seat is placed behind the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model with a wide range of seating options, but does not have storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can hold two children. They are generally more expensive but they're designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain and can have greater resales value.
Reclining seat recline independently
If you are looking for a double stroller that will accommodate children of different ages, you will need one with an independent recliner for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to rest while the baby is in the bassinet, and reverse.
Take into consideration the size of your pushchair and consider the ease of you to get through doors and on public transport. If you have extremely narrow doors, it may be a good idea to consider a side-byside pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy, however it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies tend to be larger than side-by-side models, which makes them more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However they can be able to accommodate more combinations of seats/carrycots/car seats and can make an excellent choice for twins and siblings of various ages. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are a worthwhile investment if you intend to keep it for a long time and have a good amount of resale value should you decide to sell it off after your children have grown out of it.
Another crucial thing to look out for is if the seat backs are able to recline independently from one another because this allows you to place your child in the best position for napping or observation. This is essential when your child is in the back seat and would like to rest while the older child prefers to sit up and observe the surroundings.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to recline fully to a position that is almost flat, perfect for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example, has stadium-style seating that can be reclined in multiple positions. It also comes with a UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
Wider than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings with different ages, and you can get around without having to worry about your children touching. They are usually a little bit longer with one seat in front of the other. The seats can be reclined fully for newborns or in an upright position for toddlers.
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It is the tiniest design of the two-in-ones on the market and a footprint that is like one stroller. It also features an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of various heights to push and a handbrake, which is useful when tackling difficult terrains. It is suitable to use from birth and can be paired with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in either mono or duo mode in a single click. The clever frame expands to accommodate a second chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic option for older siblings who want to sit together. It's a little larger than other models, but it still feels light and has a comfortable suspension for curbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler tandems inline available Check out Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies for instance - which provide stability and swift steering. They are often folded into one buggy in case you have a small space at home or you need to transport it from your car to the bus.
Be aware that a double wide buggy will be heavier and more bulkier than a single compact buggy. Make sure you know what you want before you buy. It will be used on buses, trains, and subways frequently so it should be easy to manage and use. You might need to manage the car seat on and off when taking your child to school or to nursery.
From birth
Whether you're expecting twins or have another child after your first, you're likely to require a pushchair that fits the whole family. Double buggies are typically heavier and bulkier as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are also easier to maneuver in tighter doors, or around obstacles like curbs. Many
double stroller for twins buggies work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to carry three children simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs place one child ahead of the other. They are a good choice if your children are close in age and are able to get along. But they're not foolproof Siblings in a side-by-side seat could kick or punch each other, and children on different heights can squabble over who should sit higher. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low model that raises the seat in the back. Your child's older one isn't seated at the lower part of the car, and won't have much of an opportunity to see.
The iCandy Wave is a good option for parents who are looking for a convertible
double seat stroller buggy with a carrycot that can accommodate both the newborn and the older child. It has a clever frame that expands in width when you add a second seat and folds down flat for compact storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps are easy to fasten and the buckles some of the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. You can recline both seats independently and the canopies are big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection and windows that can be seen from a distance.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit expensive. However, a good tandem will last you for a long time and will have the highest resale value, so at the end of the day, you'll likely recoup some of the cost. It also doesn't offer the same selection of seating configurations as some of our other top picks however, the iCandy is a good option for families that don't want to shell out a lot of money.