Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a great option if you have twins, or children who are close in age. They're a bit smaller than side-byside buggies and are ideal for maneuvering narrow spaces like doors, on public transport and on rocky terrain.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats for children. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs and may not be as stable when in bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
Whether you're looking for a convertible stroller that can be converted from a single to a double or to add an additional seat to an existing one, there are many options to choose from. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is large, gorgeous stroller that easily converts from a single model to a double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). It's costly and less maneuverable than other dual strollers due to the fact that the second seat is placed in front of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with great seating versatility but lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies, as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can accommodate two children. They are more expensive, however, they are designed for long trips on rough terrain, and come with more expensive resales.
Reclining seat recline independently
If you're looking for a double buggy to carry children of different ages then you're going to require a model with an recline independent for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to relax while the baby is in a bassinet, and vice versa.
Think about the width of your pushchair, as this will determine the ease of you to navigate through doors and public transport. If you have narrow doors, it may be worth considering a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint similar to a single buggy but can still use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies tend to be larger than side-by-side models, making them more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However they can also accommodate a wider range of combinations of car seats/car seats/seats and are an excellent choice for twins and siblings of various age groups. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies but they're well worth it if you intend on keeping it for many years. They'll also keep a good amount of value if sold when your kids have outgrown it.
This feature allows you to place your child in an ideal position for naps and observation. This is particularly important if you have a child younger than in the rear seat who will prefer to lay back and relax while the older child wants to sit up and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands come with a unique seat design which allows the back seat to fully recline into a nearly flat position, which is ideal for newborns. For example, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the toddler seat that comes with it and the add-on RumbleSeat to multiple positions, so your kids can have a choice of where to sit and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that peek out.
More spacious than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins in order to benefit from a bigger double buggy. They're perfect for siblings of various ages and allow you to 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 providing a flat recline for babies (or a more upright position for toddlers).
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design available and features an identical footprint to a single buggy. It comes with an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake which can be useful on hills that are steep. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, which means it makes an excellent travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in either mono or duo mode with just a single click. double pram and pushchair expands in width to accommodate the second chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal choice for older siblings that would like to be seated together. It's slightly longer than other models, but it still feels light and has soft suspension for kerbs.
There are many 3-wheeler tandems with inline tires that provide stability and fast steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Most of them can be folded into the size of one buggy which is useful for those who struggle with storage at home or frequently need to carry it in and out of the boot when you travel on public transport.
It's important to keep in mind that a double-buggy with a wider width will feel heavier and bulkier than a smaller single buggy So make sure it's what you require before purchasing. It is likely to be used on trains, buses and subways frequently, therefore it must be simple to operate and use. You may also need to juggle it on and off the car seat when taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to know it can be easily manoeuvred in tight spaces.
From birth, you're an ideal candidate
If you're expecting twins, or have another child after your first, you're going to require a stroller that can accommodate the entire family. Double buggies tend to be heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are much easier to maneuver in tighter doors, or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This lets you transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs seat one child in front of the other, so they're generally a better option if you have two kids who are close enough in age to be able to live well. But they're not completely safe: Siblings in side-by-side seats could kick or punch each other, and children on different heights can squabble over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model can solve this issue by elevating the seat towards the rear, preventing your child's older one from being on the bottom and not having the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can fit both a newborn in a carrycot, and an older child in the main seat. It features a smart frame that expands in width when you add a second seat. It folds flat for compact storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps are easy to secure and the buckles are among the most comfortable we've seen on any of our tests. Both seats can recline independently and the canopy is large and generous with UPF 50+ protection and windows that peek out.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit costly. However, a quality tandem will last for many years and have an attractive resale value so in the end you'll likely recover a portion of the cost. It also doesn't offer the same selection of seating options as some of our other top picks, but the iCandy is a good choice for families who don't want to spend a fortune.