Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a great choice if you have twins, or children who are close in age. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for maneuvering tight spaces such as doors, on public transport and on rough terrain.
Many transform into travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seating or making a single stroller double. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a large, gorgeous stroller that can easily be converted from a single stroller to a double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable because the second seat is placed behind the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option but lacks storage under the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can be used to carry two children. They are more expensive however, they are designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain and have higher resale prices.
Independent seat recline
If you're looking for a double stroller which can accommodate children of various ages, you will need one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to be able to relax while your baby is sleeping in a bassinet and vice versa.
It is also important to consider the width of the pushchair as it will impact the ease of get through doors and on public transport. If your doors are narrow, you may be considering a side by side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller but can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies tend to be larger than side-by-side models, which makes them more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of seats/carrycots/car seats and can make the perfect choice for twins and siblings of different ages. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are a good investment if you plan to keep it for many years and will retain a decent amount of resale value should you sell it on when your children are out of it.
This feature will allow you to put your child in the most comfortable position for naps or to observe. This is particularly important if you have a young child in the rear seat who may prefer to lay back and relax while the older child would prefer to sit up and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back 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 to various positions. It also has UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
Wider than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings with different age groups, and you can get around without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a more spacious with one seat in front of the other. The seats can be reclined completely for babies or placed in an upright position for toddlers.
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design on the market and has a footprint similar to a single buggy. It has 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 for use from birth, and can be used with a range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in mono or duo mode with just one click. The frame's clever design can be expanded to accommodate a second seat and can be used with two car seats or carrycots which makes it an ideal choice for older siblings who wish to sit together and enjoy the view. It's slightly larger than other models, but it still feels light and has a comfortable suspension for curbs.
There are plenty of 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. They are often folded into a single buggy if you have limited space at home or you need to transport it from your car to the bus.
It's worth bearing in mind that a large double buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a smaller single buggy So make sure it's what you require before you buy. It will be used on trains, buses, and subways frequently so it must be easy to use and manage. You may also have to juggle it onto 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 small spaces.
From birth
There will be a need for a pushchair for the whole family, whether you're expecting twins or if you have a child after having your first. Double buggies are typically heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However double strollers are much more maneuverable in narrower doorways and around obstacles such as curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or through a separate accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at a time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in the front of the other, so they're usually a better option if you have two kids that are close enough in age to be able to live well. They're not 100% secure. Siblings seated side-by-side may punch or kick one another and children of different heights could argue over who sits taller. A tandem high-low model can solve this problem by elevating the seat to the rear, which will prevent your child's older one from being on the bottom and not getting much of a view.
The iCandy Wave is a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to fit a newborn into a carrycot and an older child in the main seat. It has a clever frame which expands in width when you add the second child seat. It also folds flat for compact storage. The padded seats, straps and buckles are all of the best quality we have encountered in our tests. The canopies have a generous size and UPF 50+ protection, and a peekaboo window. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only downside of the iCandy is that it's a bit expensive but a high-quality tandem will last a long time and will retain its resale value, which means you'll likely recoup some of the cost in the end. It doesn't have the same variety of seating options as some of our other top picks however the iCandy is a good choice for families who don't want to shell out a lot of money.