Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great choice for twins or children who are close in age. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies and ideal for navigating narrow spaces like doorways, on public transport and on rocky terrain.
Some convert into travel systems that take 2 carrycots or car seats. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
If you're looking for convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add an additional seat to an existing one, there are several options available. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a big, beautiful stroller that easily converts from a single model to double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). However, it's expensive and less maneuverable than other dual strollers because the 2nd seat is placed behind the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow provides a similar choice but lacks storage underneath the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies and fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. These are more expensive, however, they are designed for long trips on rough terrain and come with more expensive resales.
Independent seat recline
If you're looking for a double buggy to carry children of different ages then you're going to require a model with an recline that is independent for both seats. This will allow your child's older to relax in the back while the baby sleeps in the bassinet, and reverse.
Take into consideration the size of your pushchair, as this will determine the ease of you to maneuver 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 it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are slightly longer than side-by-side models, and aren't as easily maneuverable around kerbs however they can be able to accommodate a bigger range of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations so can be a good option for twins or siblings of different age groups. They are also more expensive than single buggies to double but they're well worth the cost if you plan to keep it for a number of years. They'll also keep a good amount of value when sold once your kids have outgrown it.
Another crucial thing to look for is whether the backs of the seats can recline independently from one another because this allows you to put your child in the best position for naps or watching. This is especially important when you have a child younger than in the rear seat who may be inclined to lie down and sleep while the more mature child wants to sit up and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands come with a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to completely recline into an almost flat position which is perfect for babies. For instance the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the toddler seat included as well as the optional RumbleSeat into multiple positions so your kids can have the option of deciding where to sit and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
You don't need to have twins to benefit from a wider double buggy. They're great for siblings of various ages and allow you to move around without having to worry about your children touching. They're usually a bit larger with one seat positioned behind the other and usually providing a flat recline for infants (or a more upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It is the slimmest design side-by-side on the market, and a footprint similar to one stroller. It features an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake, which can be useful on hills that are steep. compact twin stroller is suitable to use from birth and can be used with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has a simple one-click to fold and can be used in mono or duo mode. Its innovative frame can be expanded to accommodate a second seat and it can be used with up to two carrycots or car seats which makes it an ideal option for older siblings who want to sit in a group and enjoy the view. It's a little bigger than the other models, but it still isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for the kerbs.
There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems with 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 down to size one buggy which is useful for those who struggle with storage at home or have to lug it in and out of the car when using public transportation.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy will be more heavy and more bulkier than one compact buggy. Be sure you know what you want prior to making a purchase. You'll need to take it on and off trains, buses and subways frequently, so it must be simple to use and manage. You might also have to juggle it onto and off the car seat while taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to ensure it can be easily manoeuvred in small spaces.
Suitable from birth
If you're expecting twins, or have a second child after your first, you're going to need to find an appropriate pushchair for the whole family. Double buggies are generally larger, heavier and cost more than single strollers, but 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 as an additional accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front of the other. They're a great choice if your children are of similar ages and are good friends. They're not foolproof. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could kick or punch each other and children with different heights could argue over who sits taller. A tandem high-low model can solve this issue by elevating the seat to the rear, preventing your child's older one from sitting on the bottom and not having much of a view.
The iCandy Wave is a great choice 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 features a clever frame which expands in width when you add the second child seat. It folds flat to make it a 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 with UPF 50+ protection, and a windows that peek out. Both seats are reclined independently.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit costly. However, a quality tandem will last you for many years and have an attractive resale value which means that in the end, you'll likely recoup some of the cost. It doesn't come with the same variety of seating configurations that some of our other top picks, but the iCandy is a good choice for families who don't wish to spend a lot.