Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great choice when you have twins or children who are close in age. They are a bit smaller than side-by-side buggies and are perfect for small spaces such as doorways, public transport and rocky terrain.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or car seats for children. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
Whether you're looking for a convertible stroller that can be converted from a single to a double or to add another seat to an existing one, there are many options to choose from. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a large, gorgeous stroller that easily converts from a single to double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is located on top of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model however, it doesn't have storage under the seat when used as a double stroller.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. They are more expensive but they are made to last longer on rough terrain and come with a higher resale price.
Independent recline of the seat
If you need a double buggy that can transport children of various age groups, then you'll need a buggy that has an recline independent for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to rest in the back while the baby sleeps in the bassinet and reverse.
You'll also have to think about the size of the pushchair, as this will impact how easy it is to traverse doors and public transportation. If your doors are narrow, you may think about a side by side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller however it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are smaller than side-byside models and so aren't as easy to manoeuvre up and down kerbs, however, they can accommodate a bigger range of car/car/seat combinations, so can be a good option for twins or siblings of different ages. They are priced higher than single buggies to double but they're well worth it if you intend to keep it for a number of years. They'll also keep some value if you decide to sell it when your children are old enough to use it.
Another crucial thing to look out for is if the backs of the seats can recline independently of each other as this will let you place your child in the best position for napping or observation. This is important if your child is in the back seat and wishes to take a nap while the more mature child prefers to sit up to observe the surroundings.
Some brands feature a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to completely recline into a nearly flat position which is perfect for infants. For instance, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the included toddler seat and the add-on RumbleSeat into various positions so your kids can have a choice of where they will sit, and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has peekaboo windows.
Wider than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins to benefit from a wider double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of different age groups and let you go about your day without having to worry about your children touching. They're typically a bit larger, with one seat sitting behind the other, and typically offering a fully-flat recline for infants (or an upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It has the slimmest design that is side-by-side and a footprint like one 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 is suitable from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots, which means it's a great travel system.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has an easy one-click fold and can be used in duo or mono mode. Its innovative frame can be expanded widthwise to accommodate a second seat and can be used with two car seats or carrycots making it a great option for older siblings that want to sit together and share the view. It's slightly larger than other models, but it feels light and has soft suspension for kerbs.
There are many 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that provide stability and fast steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. These can often be folded into a single buggy if you have limited space at home or you need to transport it from your car to the bus station.
It's important to remember that a double-buggy with a wider width will be heavier and bulkier than a smaller single buggy So make sure it's what you need before you purchase. It is likely to be used on buses, trains and subways often, so it must be easy to use and manage. You may also need to juggle it onto and off the car seat when taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to be aware it can be easily manoeuvred in tight spaces.
From birth, you're an ideal candidate
You'll need a pushchair for the whole family, whether you're expecting twins or if you have a child after you've had your first. Double buggies are typically heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However, they are easier to maneuver in tighter doorways and around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via an accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at once.
best double stroller place one child in front of the other. They're a great choice if your children are close in age and get along well. They're not foolproof. Siblings sitting side-by-side can punch or kick one another, and children of different heights could argue over who is sitting higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this issue by elevating the seat at the rear, which will prevent your older child from being sat on the bottom and not getting any view.
The iCandy Wave is a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can fit a newborn into a carrycot, and an older child in the main seat. It has a clever frame which can be expanded in size when you add a second child seat. It also folds flat for compact storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps are easy to fasten and the buckles some of the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. The canopies have a generous size and UPF 50+ protection, and a windows that peek out. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only downside of the iCandy is that it's a bit on the expensive side but a high-quality tandem will last a long time and will retain its resale value. So you'll probably get back some of the cost in the long run. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating configurations as our other top selections. However, it's an ideal choice for families who don't wish to spend a lot of money.