Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children similar in age, a tandem double buggie is a great choice. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies and ideal for navigating tight spaces, such as doors, on public transport and on rocky terrain.
Some can be converted into travel systems that use two carrycots or child car seats. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible stroller that can be converted from a single to a double or to add a second seat to an existing one, there's several options available. The UPPAbaby V2 is a large, beautiful stroller. It can be easily converted from a single to a double by adding the seating area with a rumble. It's costly and less maneuverable than other dual strollers because the 2nd seat is located in front of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model with great seating versatility but lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies, as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can accommodate two children. They are generally more expensive, however they're designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain, and may have more resale value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you need a double buggy to carry children of different age groups, then you'll require a model with an recline that is independent for both seats. This will allow your child's older to sit back and relax while the baby sleeps in the bassinet, and vice versa.
You'll also have to think about the size of the pushchair, as this will affect how easy it is to navigate through doors and on public transportation. If you have narrow doors, it could 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 is able to use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are usually smaller than side-byside models, and aren't as easy to manoeuvre around kerbs however, they can accommodate a wider range of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations and are a great option for twins or siblings of various age. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are worth the investment if you plan to keep it for many years and will have a decent amount of resale value if you decide to sell it off when your children have grown out of it.
Another crucial thing to look for is if the backs of the seats can recline independently from one another as this will let you place your child in the ideal position for napping or observation. This is essential for children who are in the back seat and would like to take a nap while the older child prefers to sit up to observe the surroundings.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to recline fully to a position that is almost flat, perfect for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example, has stadium-style seating that can be reclined to various positions. It also offers UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
You don't need to have twins to benefit from a larger double buggy. They're great for siblings of various age groups and let you move around without having to worry about your children touching. They are usually a little more spacious with one seat in front of the other. The seats can be reclined fully for babies or placed in an upright position for toddlers.
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It has the slimmest design that is side-by-side and a footprint that is comparable to a single stroller. It comes with an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake, which is useful on steep hills. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots. This means it's a great travel system.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has an easy one-click fold and is able to be utilized in a duo or mono mode. The frame's clever design can be expanded to allow for a second seat and it can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots making it a great option for older siblings that want to sit in a group and share the view. It's slightly bigger than the other models, but it isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for kerbs.
There are also plenty of 3-wheeler inline tandems available Check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for instance - which offer stability and swift steering. These can often be folded into one buggy in case you have a small space at home, or need to transport it from the car to the bus station.
It's important to keep in mind that a double-buggy with a wider width will feel heavier and bulkier than a compact single buggy, so make sure you're getting what you need before you buy. It will be used on trains, buses, and subways frequently so it must be easy to use and manage. You might need to manage the car seat when you take your child to school or to nursery.
Suitable from birth
Whether you're expecting twins or have a second child after your first, you're going need to find a stroller that can accommodate the whole family. Double buggies are generally larger, heavier and more expensive than single strollers. However, they can also be easier to maneuver in narrower entrances or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). ready to grow double stroller pushchairsandprams lets you transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs seat one child in front of the other, and they're usually a better option for families with two children who are close enough in age to function well together. However, they're not 100% secure: Siblings in side-by-side seats can kick or punch each other, and kids on different heights can squabble over who should sit higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this problem by elevating the seat towards the rear, preventing your older child from being on the bottom and not having the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that can fit both infants and an older child. It features an intelligent frame that expands in width when you add a second child seat. It can also fold flat to make it a compact storage. The cushioned seats, straps and buckles are all of the best quality we have encountered in our tests. The canopies are large in size and UPF 50+ protection, and windows that peek out. Both seats are reclined independently.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's a bit on the expensive side but a high-quality tandem will last for a long time and will retain its resale value, which means you'll probably get back some of the cost in the long run. It also doesn't offer the same selection of seating configurations as some of our other top picks, but the iCandy is a great choice for families who don't want to spend a lot.