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Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children close in age, a tandem double buggie is a great choice. They are smaller than side by side buggies and are perfect for tight spaces like doors, public transport, and terrain that is rocky.
Some can be converted into travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats for children. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
Whether you're looking for a convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add an additional seat to an existing one, there's several options available. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a big, beautiful stroller that converts easily from a single stroller to a double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable because the second seat is located on top of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with great seating flexibility, however it does not have storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. They tend to be more expensive, but they're made for long trips over rough terrain and can have a higher resale value.
Reclining seat recline independently
If you need a double buggy that can transport children of different ages, you'll want one that has recline that is independent 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 have to think about the size of the pushchair, as this will affect the ease of get through doors and on public transport. If you have very narrow doors, it may be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint similar to a single buggy however it can take 2 seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are typically larger than side-by-side models, which makes them more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and are a great option for twins and siblings of various age groups. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are a worthwhile purchase if you plan to keep it for years and will retain a decent amount of resale value in the event that you decide to sell it off when your children are out of it.
This feature will allow you to place your child in the most comfortable position for naps or observation. This is particularly important if you have a young child in the rear seat who may want to lie back and take a snooze while the older child wants to sit up and look around their surroundings.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to fully recline to a position that is nearly flat, which is ideal for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined in several positions. It also comes with UPF 50+ sun protection and windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
There's no need to have twins to benefit from a wider double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of different ages and allow you to move around without worrying about your children touching each other. They're typically a bit longer too with one seat positioned behind the other and usually offering a fully-flat recline for infants (or an upright position for toddlers).
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which features the slimmest side-by-side design on the market and has an identical footprint to one buggy. side by side double stroller features an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake that can be useful on hills that are steep. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots, which means it's a great travel system.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and is able to be used in mono or duo mode. The clever frame expands to accommodate an additional chair and can be used to accommodate 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 bigger than the other models, but it still isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for curbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler inline tandems available - check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example - which offer stability and swift steering. They are often folded into the size of a single buggy, which is helpful when you have trouble storing it at home or need to transport it into and out of the car when using public transportation.
It's important to keep in mind that a wide double buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a compact single buggy So make sure you're getting what you need before you purchase. It will be used on buses, trains and subways frequently, so it must be easy to use and manage. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat while taking your child to school or nursery.
From birth, you're an ideal candidate
Whether you're expecting twins or have another child after your first, you're likely to 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 more maneuverable through narrower doors or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies are compatible with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to carry three children simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in the front of the other, so they're generally a better option when you have two children who are close enough in age to get along well together. They're not completely safe. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could punch or kick one another and children with different heights can fight over who sits taller. A tandem high-low model could solve this issue by elevating the seat to the rear, preventing your child's older one from sitting on the bottom and not getting the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a good choice for parents looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that can accommodate both a newborn and an older child. It features a smart frame that expands in width when you add the second seat, and folds to flattish storage. The padded seats, straps and buckles are all of the best quality we have encountered in any of our tests. The seats can be reclined independently, and the canopies are big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection and windows that peek out.
The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's a bit expensive, but a quality tandem will last a long time and maintain its resale value, which means you'll probably get back some of the cost over the long term. It also doesn't offer the same selection of seating configurations that the other top picks however, the iCandy is a good choice for families that don't want to spend a fortune.