Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggy is a great option. They are smaller than side by side buggies and are ideal for narrow spaces like doorways, public transport and rough terrain.
Some can be converted to travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats for children. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs and might feel less stable when bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
There are many options to add a second seat or making a single stroller double. The UPPAbaby is a spacious, gorgeous stroller. It is easily changed from a single to a double by adding an seating area with a rumble. However, it's pricey and less mobile than other double strollers since the second seat is located to the left of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar option with a wide range of seating options, but lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. They are generally more expensive but they're designed to last longer on rough terrain and could have a higher resale value.
Independent recline of the seat
If you're looking for a double buggy that is able to transport children of different ages then you're going to want one that has independent seat recline for both seats. This allows your older child to relax while the baby is in a bassinet, and reverse.
You'll also have to think about the size of the stroller as this will affect how easy it is to get through doors and on public transportation. If your doorways are very narrow, you may want to consider a side by side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller however it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies tend to be longer than side by side models, which makes them more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However they can also accommodate a wider range of combinations of seats/carrycots/car seats and are an excellent choice for twins and siblings of various age groups. They are priced higher than single buggies to double but they're well worth it if you intend on keeping it for many years. They will also retain an impressive amount of value if you decide to sell it when your children have outgrown it.
double buggy newborn will allow you to put your child in an ideal position for naps or observation. This is especially important when you have a child younger than in the rear seat, who will want to lie back and take a snooze while the older child would prefer to sit up and look around their surroundings.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to fully recline into a position that is almost flat, perfect for babies. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined in various positions. It also offers UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
There's no need to have twins in order to benefit from a wider double buggy. They're perfect for siblings of different age groups. They allow you to get around without worrying about your children touching each other. They are usually a little 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 option. It is the tiniest design that is side-by-side, and a footprint similar to the footprint of a single stroller. It also comes with an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of various heights to push, and a handbrake that is helpful when climbing steep hills. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots, which means it's a great travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in either mono or duo mode in a single click. Its clever frame can be expanded to accommodate 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 little longer than other models, yet it's light to steer and has soft suspension that can handle the kerbs.
There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that offer stability and quick steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Most of them can be folded down to size a single buggy, which is helpful if you struggle with storage at home or have to lug it in and out of the boot when using public transportation.
It's worth bearing in mind that a large double buggy will feel heavier and bulkier than a compact single buggy Make sure that it's what you need before purchasing. You'll have to get it off and on subways, buses, and trains frequently, so it must be easy to use and manage. You might need to manage the car seat when taking your child to school or the nursery.
Suitable from birth
You'll need a pushchair for the whole family, whether you're expecting twins, or you have a second child after you've had your first. Double buggies are generally heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However they are much more maneuverable in tighter doors or around obstacles such as curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via an additional accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child ahead of the other. They're a good option for children who are of similar ages and are good friends. They're not 100% secure. Siblings sitting side-by-side can punch or kick one another and children with different heights can fight over who is sitting higher. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low model that raises the seat in the back. Your child's older one will not be seated on the lower part of the car, and won't be able to get a look out.
The iCandy Wave is a good choice for parents looking for an adjustable double buggy that can be converted into a carrycot that can fit both the newborn and the older child. It features a smart frame that expands in width when you add a second seat and folds down flat for compact storage. The padded seats are comfortable, the straps are simple to fasten and the buckles some of the best we've seen on any of our tests. You can recline both seats independently and the canopy is big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection as well as peekaboo windows.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit costly. However, a quality tandem will last you for many years and have an attractive resale value which means that in the end you'll probably recoup some of the cost. It doesn't have the same variety of seating configurations as the other top picks however the iCandy is a good option for families that don't want to spend a fortune.