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 are narrower than side by side buggies and are ideal for tight spaces like doors, public transport and terrain that is rocky.
Some convert into travel systems to include two carrycots or car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and might feel less stable when bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
There are a variety of options for adding a second seat or changing a single stroller into double. The UPPAbaby is a large, beautiful stroller. It can easily be transformed from a single stroller to a double by adding a seating area with a rumble. However, it's pricey and less mobile than other double strollers since the second seat goes to the left of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option however, it doesn't have storage under the seat when used as a double stroller.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies and fixed-wheel joggers that can accommodate two children. These are more expensive, however, they are designed for long trips on rough terrain, and come with higher resale prices.
Independent seat recline
If you're looking for a double stroller that will accommodate children of various ages, you will need one with an independent recliner for both seats. This allows your older child to rest while the baby is in a bassinet and the reverse is true.
You'll also need to consider the width of the pushchair, as this will affect the ease of get through doors and on public transport. If you have extremely narrow doors, it may be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint that is similar to a single buggy, but can still use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies tend to be longer than side by side models, and therefore are more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However they can also accommodate a wider range of combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and are a great option for twins and siblings of various age groups. They are priced higher than single-to-double buggies however they're worth it if you intend to keep it for a few years. They'll also keep an impressive amount of value if sold when your kids have outgrown the buggie.
Another thing to look for is whether the seat backs are able to recline independently of one another since this will allow you to place your child in the ideal position for naps or watching. This is crucial if your child is in the back seat and wants to nap while the child in the front prefers to sit up to observe the surroundings.
Certain brands come with a unique seat design which allows the back seat to completely recline to an almost flat position which is perfect for babies. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined to several positions. It also has a UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
Wider than twin buggies
You don't need to have twins to benefit from a bigger double buggy. They're great 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 too with one seat positioned behind the other and offering a fully-flat recline for babies (or a more upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It is the slimmest design side-by-side on the market, and a footprint that is like one stroller. It also features an adjustable handle, which makes it easy for parents of different heights to push, and an adjustable handbrake, which is useful when tackling difficult terrains. It is suitable to use from birth and can be used with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
Another option 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 frame's clever design can be expanded widthwise to accommodate a second seat and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots so it's an excellent option for older siblings that wish to sit together and enjoy the view. It's slightly longer than some other models, but it's light to steer and has soft suspension that can handle the kerbs.
There are plenty of Click To See More -wheeler tandems with inline tires that offer stability and swift steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They are often folded into a single buggy if you are limited in space at home or need to transport it from your car to the bus stop.
Be aware that a double wide buggy will be heavier and heavier than a single compact buggy. Be sure to know what you want before you buy. It will be utilized on buses, trains and subways often, so it must be easy to manage and use. You might also have to juggle it on 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 small spaces.
From birth, you're an ideal candidate
Whether you're expecting twins or you have a child following your first, you're going need to find a pushchair that fits the entire family. Double buggies tend to be slightly heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers, however they can also be more maneuverable in narrower doorways or around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via an accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other, so they're generally a better option for families with two children who are close enough in age to get along well. They're not 100% secure. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could punch or kick one another, and children of different heights could argue over who sits taller. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this issue by elevating the seat towards the rear, which prevents your child's height from being sat on the bottom and not getting much of a view.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to fit both a newborn in a carrycot, and an older child in the main seat. It features a clever frame that expands in width when you add a second seat, and folds to flattish storage. The cushioned buckles, straps and seats are all of the highest quality we have seen in our testing. The canopies have a generous size and UPF 50+ protection, and a windows that peek out. Both seats can recline independently.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit costly. However, a quality tandem will last for years and retain a high resale price, which means that in the end, you'll likely recoup a portion of the cost. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating arrangements as our other top choices. It's nevertheless a good option for families who don't wish to spend much money.