Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a fantastic option for twins or children who are close in age. They're narrower than side-by-side buggies and ideal for navigating tight spaces such as doorways, on public transport and on rocky terrain.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or child car seats. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
If you're looking for convertible stroller that converts from single to double or to add another seat to an existing one, there are several options available. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a large, gorgeous stroller that converts easily from a single model to a double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It's costly and less maneuverable than other dual strollers because the 2nd seat is located in front of the front 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 twin buggies with all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can accommodate two children. They tend to be more expensive, but they're made for long trips over rough terrain and could have more resale value.
Independent seat recline
If you require a double buggy to carry children of different ages, you'll need a buggy that has an independent seat recline for both seats. This allows your older child to be able to relax while your baby is in a bassinet, and the reverse is true.
Take into consideration the width of your pushchair and consider the ease of you to navigate through doors and public transport. If your doorways are very narrow, you might think about a side by side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller however can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are usually slightly longer than side-by-side models and so aren't as difficult to maneuver through kerbs and up and down, however they can be able to accommodate a wider range of car/car/seat combinations, and are a great option for twins or siblings of different age. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are worth the purchase if you plan to keep it for many years and have a good amount of resale value should you sell it on when your children have grown out of it.
Another important feature to look for is if the seat backs can recline independently from one another because this allows you to place your child in the most optimal position for napping or observation. This is essential when your child is in the back seat and would like to rest while the more mature child prefers to sit and observe the surroundings.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to fully recline into a position that's nearly flat, which is ideal for newborns. For instance the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the toddler seat that comes with it as well as the optional RumbleSeat to multiple positions, so that your children have a a choice of where to sit, as well as offering an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has peekaboo windows.
Wider than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings of different ages, and you can get around without having to worry about your children touching. They're usually a bit larger with one seat placed behind the other and providing a flat recline for infants (or a more upright position for toddlers).
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which is the tiniest side-by-side model available and features an identical footprint to a single buggy. It also comes with an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of various heights to push as well as a handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb steep hills. 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 an easy one-click fold and is able to be used in mono or duo mode. The clever frame can be expanded 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 sit together. It's a little longer than other models, but it still isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for the kerbs.
There are a variety 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 one buggy if you have limited space at home or need to transport it from your car to the bus.
It's important to remember that a double-buggy with a wider width will be heavier and bulkier than a compact single buggy So make sure you're getting what you need before you buy. You'll have to get it off and on subways, trains and buses often, so it should be simple to use and manage. double strollers might need to manage the car seat in and out while taking your child to school or to nursery.
Suitable from birth
If you're expecting twins, or have a second child after your first, you're likely need to find an appropriate pushchair for the whole family. Double buggies are generally heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However they are also more maneuverable in narrower doors or around obstacles such as curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or through a separate accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at a time.
Tandem pushchairs put 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 function well. However, they're not 100% secure Side-by-side chairs can kick or punch each other, and kids with different heights may argue over who should sit higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this issue by elevating the seat at the rear, which will prevent your child's height from being on the bottom and not getting the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a great option for parents looking for an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to accommodate a newborn in a carrycot, and an older child in the main seat. It has a clever frame that can be expanded in width when you add the second seat, and folds flat to make it a compact storage. The padded seats, straps and buckles are all of the highest quality we have encountered in our tests. You can recline both seats independently, and the canopies are big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection as well as peekaboo windows.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's a bit on the expensive side however, a good tandem will last for years and retain its resale value, which means you'll probably get back some of the cost in the end. The iCandy does not have the same seating options as our other top picks. It's nevertheless an ideal choice for families who don't want to spend much money.