Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very similar in age, a tandem double buggy is a fantastic option. They are smaller than side by side buggies, and are great for tight spaces like doorways, public transport and rough terrain.
Many also convert into travel systems to use two carrycots or car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs and might feel less stable when in bumping up the kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add an additional seat to an existing one, there are several options available. The UPPAbaby V2 is a large, beautiful stroller. It can easily be transformed from a single stroller to a double by adding an rumble seat. It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is positioned on top of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar option with great seating flexibility, however it lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can be used to carry two kids. They tend to be more expensive, but they're made to last longer on rough terrain and could have a higher resale value.
Independent seat recline
If you're looking for a double stroller that can accommodate children of different age groups, you'll require one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to sit back and relax while the baby is in the bassinet, and vice versa.
You'll also need to consider the width of the pushchair as this will affect how easy it is to get through doors and on public transport. If you have extremely narrow doors, it could be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint similar to a single buggy however, it is able to use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are slightly longer than side-by-side models, and aren't as easy to manoeuvre around kerbs but they can accommodate a wider range of car seat/car seat combinations, and are a great option for twins or siblings of different ages. They are also more expensive than single to double buggies however they're worth it if you plan to keep it for a number of years. They also hold some value if you decide to sell it when your children have outgrown it.
Another important feature to look for is if the seat backs can recline independently from one another because this allows you to put your child in the best position to nap or observe. This is especially important if you have a child younger than in the rear seat, who will be inclined to lie down and take a snooze while the more mature child wants to sit up and look around their surroundings.
Certain brands come with a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to completely recline to an almost flat position which is perfect for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined into several positions. It also offers a UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
double stroller with infant car seat Push Chairs And Prams than twin buggies
There's no need to have twins to benefit from a larger double buggy. They're great for siblings of different ages and allow you to get around without worrying about your children touching each other. They're typically a bit larger with one seat placed behind the other and providing a flat recline for infants (or a more upright position for toddlers).
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which features the slimmest side-by-side design available and has a footprint similar to one buggy. It also has an adjustable handle, making 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 can be paired with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and is able to be used in duo or mono mode. Its clever frame can be expanded to accommodate an additional chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic choice for older siblings that want to sit together. It's a little longer than other models, but it still feels light and has a comfortable suspension for kerbs.
There are also a variety of 3-wheeler tandems inline available Check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example they offer stability and swift steering. Most of them can be folded into the size of a single buggy which is useful when you have trouble storing it at home or frequently need to transport it into and out of your car when you travel on public transport.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy is more heavy and more bulkier than one compact buggy. Make sure you know what you want before you purchase. You'll be taking it on and off subways, trains and buses often, so it should be easy to operate and manage. You may also have to juggle it on and off the car seat while taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to ensure it's easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
From birth
You'll need a pushchair for the whole family, regardless of whether you're expecting twins or if you have a child after you've had your first. Double buggies are generally slightly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers. However, they can also be easier to maneuver in narrower entrances or around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as an additional accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs seat one child in front of the other, and they're often a better choice if you have two kids that are close enough in age to be able to live well together. They're not foolproof. Siblings sitting side-by-side can punch or kick each other and children of different heights could argue over who is sitting higher. A tandem high-low model can solve this problem by elevating the seat at the rear, which prevents your older child from being on the bottom and not getting the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a good option for parents who are looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that can fit both the newborn and the older child. It features a clever frame which can be expanded in size when you add the second child seat. It folds flat for compact storage. The padded seats are comfortable, the straps are simple to fasten and the buckles are among the most comfortable we've seen on any of our tests. The seats can be reclined independently and the canopy is large and generous with UPF 50+ protection as well as peekaboo windows.
The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's a little expensive however, a good tandem will last for years and retain its resale value, so you'll likely recoup some of the cost in the long run. It doesn't come with the same variety of seating configurations as others of our top picks however, the iCandy is a good choice for families who don't wish to spend a lot.