Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great option for twins or children who are close in age. They are smaller than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for tight spaces like doors, public transport and rough terrain.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or car seats for children. They can be heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
If you're looking for convertible stroller that can be converted from a single to a double or to add another seat to an existing one, there's a variety of options available. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is spacious, gorgeous stroller that can easily be converted from a single to double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). However, it's pricey and less mobile than other double strollers due to the fact that the second seat goes in front of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar option with a wide range of seating options, but isn't equipped with storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. They tend to be more expensive but they're designed for long trips over rough terrain, and may have greater resales value.
Independent seat recline
If you're looking for a double buggy that can transport children of various ages then you're going to require a model with an independent seat recline for both seats. This will allow your older child to sit back and relax while the baby sleeps in the bassinet and vice versa.
Consider the width of your pushchair, as this will determine the ease of you to get through doors and on public transportation. If you have extremely narrow doors, it could be worth considering a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy, but can still use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are typically larger than side-by-side models, making them more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However they can be able to accommodate more combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and are an excellent choice for twins and siblings of various ages. They can also be more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are worth the investment if you plan to keep it for a long time and have a good amount of resale value should you sell it on when your children are out of it.
Another important feature to look for is whether the seat backs are able to recline independently from one another because this allows you to put your child in the ideal position for naps or watching. This is particularly important if you have a child younger than in the rear seat, who will be inclined to lie down 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 seat of their vehicles to recline to a position that is almost flat, perfect for babies. For instance, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the included toddler seat and the additional RumbleSeat to multiple positions, so that your children have a the option of where they want to sit and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out.
Wider than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins to benefit from a bigger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of various age groups. They allow you to get around without having to worry about your children touching each other. They're usually a bit larger with one seat positioned behind the other and offering a fully-flat recline for infants (or an 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 one buggy. It has an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake that can be useful on hills that are steep. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, which means it makes an excellent travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in either mono or duo mode in a single click. Its innovative frame can be expanded widthwise to accommodate a second seat and it can be used with two carrycots or car seats which makes it an ideal option for older siblings who want to sit together and enjoy the view. It's a little longer than other models, yet it's easy to steer and has soft suspension to tackle the kerbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler tandems inline available - check out Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example they provide stability and quick steering. They are often folded down to size one buggie which is useful when you have trouble storing it at home or need to lug it in and out of your car when you travel on public transport.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy will be heavier and heavier than a single compact buggy. Make sure double stroller sale know what you want prior to making a purchase. You'll have to get it on and off trains, buses and subways frequently, so it must be easy to use and manage. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat in and out while taking your child to school or to nursery.
From birth
If you're expecting twins or have another child after your first, you're likely need to find a pushchair that fits the entire family. Double buggies are typically larger, heavier and more expensive than single strollers. However, they can also be easier to maneuver through 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) so you can transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other, so they're usually a better option for families with two children who are close enough in age to get along well together. But they're not foolproof Siblings in a side-by-side seat could kick or punch each other, and kids who are different heights can argue over who should sit higher. This problem can be solved by a tandem high-low design that elevates the seat in the rear. Your child's older one isn't seated at the bottom of the car and won't have much of a look out.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for an adjustable double buggy that can be converted into a carrycot that can fit both a newborn and an older child. It has an innovative frame that expands in width when you add a second child seat. It also folds flat to make it a compact storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps are easy to fasten and the buckles some of the most comfortable we've seen on any of our tests. The canopies have a generous size, UPF 50+ protection, and a the window is peekaboo. Both seats can recline independently.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit expensive. But a high-quality tandem will last you for years and retain an attractive resale value so in the end you'll probably recoup a portion of the cost. It also doesn't offer the same selection of seating configurations that some of our other top choices, but the iCandy is a great choice for families who don't want to spend a lot.