Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a fantastic option for twins or children who are very close in age. They are a bit smaller than side by side buggies, and are perfect for tight spaces like doors, public transport, and rough terrain.
Some can be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or car seats for children. They can be heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seating or making a single stroller double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is large, gorgeous stroller that can easily be converted from a single model to double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). However, it's pricey and less mobile than other double strollers because the 2nd seat is located in front of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow provides a similar choice but lacks storage under the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can hold two children. They are more expensive, but they are designed to last longer on rough terrain and come with more expensive resales.
Reclining the seat independently
If you require a double buggy that can transport children of various age groups, then you'll require a model with an independent seat recline for both seats. This allows your older child to rest while the baby is in a bassinet, and vice versa.
You'll also have to think about the size of the stroller as it will impact the ease of traverse doors and public transportation. If your doors are narrow, you might think about a side-by-side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller but can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are slightly longer than side-by-side models and so aren't as easily maneuverable up and down kerbs, however they can be able to accommodate a wider variety of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations so can be a good option for twins or siblings of various ages. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are a good purchase if you plan to keep it for many years and have a good amount of resale value if you sell it on when your children are out of it.
This feature allows you to place your child in the most comfortable position for naps and observation. This is important for children who are in the back seat and would like to take a nap while the child in the front prefers to sit up to observe the surrounding.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to recline into a position that's almost flat, perfect for babies. For best twin buggy , the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the toddler seat included as well as the optional RumbleSeat into multiple positions so your kids can have a choice of where to sit, as well as providing an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that can be seen from afar.
Wider than twin buggies
They are great for siblings of different age groups, and you can get around without having to worry about your children touching. They're typically a bit larger too, with one seat sitting behind the other and usually offering a fully-flat recline for newborns (or an upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It is the slimmest design that is side-by-side, and a footprint comparable to one stroller. It also comes with an adjustable handle, which makes it easy for parents of different heights to push, and a handbrake, which is useful when tackling difficult hills. It is suitable for use right from birth, and can be used with a range of car seats and carrycots.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and can be used in mono or duo mode. The frame's clever design expands widthways to accommodate a second seat and it can be used with two car seats or carrycots making it a great option for older siblings who wish to sit together and enjoy the view. It's slightly larger than other models, but it still feels light and has a comfortable suspension for curbs.
There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems with inline wheels that provide stability and fast steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Often these can be folded down to the size of one buggie, which is helpful when you have trouble storing it at home or have to carry it in and out of the car on public transportation.
Be aware that a double-wide buggy is more heavy and bulkier than a single compact buggy. Be sure you know what you want before you buy. You'll need to take it off and on trains, buses and subways regularly so it needs to be easy to use and manage. You may also have to move it on and off the car seat while taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to be aware it's easy to maneuver within small spaces.
From birth, you are a suitable candidate
Whether you're expecting twins or have another child after your first, you're likely need to find a pushchair that fits the whole family. Double buggies are typically a bit heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers, however they can also be easier to maneuver in narrower entrances or around obstacles like curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via an accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other. They are a good option for children who are of similar ages and are good friends. But they're not foolproof: Siblings in side-by-side seats could kick or punch each other, and kids with different heights may argue over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model could solve this problem by elevating the seat at the rear, which prevents your child's height from being on the bottom and not getting any view.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to fit a newborn into a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It features an intelligent frame that expands in width when you add a second child seat. It also folds flat to make it a compact storage. The cushioned straps, buckles, and seats are all of the best 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 are reclined independently.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit costly. However, a good tandem will last you for years and retain a high resale price, so at the end of the day you'll likely recover a portion of the cost. It doesn't come with the same variety of seating options as the other top picks however, the iCandy is a good choice for families that don't want to spend a lot.