Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a fantastic option for twins or children who are very close in age. They are smaller than side by side buggies and are great for narrow spaces like doors, public transport and rocky terrain.
Many also convert into travel systems to use two carrycots or car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may feel less stable bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seating or converting a single stroller to a double. The UPPAbaby V2 is a large, beautiful stroller. It can be easily changed from a single to a double by adding the rumble seat. It is more expensive and less maneuverable due to the fact that the second seat is placed on top of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option however, it doesn't have storage underneath the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can be used to carry two kids. These are more expensive, but they are made to last longer on rough terrain and have higher resale prices.
Reclining seat recline independently
If you require a double buggy to transport children of various ages then you're going to need a buggy that has an independent seat recline for both seats. This will allow your older child to rest in the back while the baby is in the bassinet, and vice versa.
You'll also have to think about the size of the pushchair as this will affect the ease of navigate through doors and on public transport. If you have extremely narrow doorways then it might be a good idea to consider a side-byside pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy, however it can accommodate 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 around kerbs however, they can accommodate a wider variety of car seat/car seat combinations, making them a good option for twins or siblings of various age groups. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are worth the investment if you intend to keep it for a long time and will have a decent amount of resale value should you decide to sell it off when your children are out of it.
This feature will allow you to place your child in a comfortable position for naps or to observe. This is particularly important if you have a child younger than in the rear seat, who will be inclined to lie down and take a snooze while the more mature child wants to sit and observe their surroundings.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to fully recline into a position that is almost flat, perfect for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined in multiple positions. It also has UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings of different age groups, and they allow you to move around without having to worry about your children touching. They're usually a bit longer too with one seat positioned behind the other and usually offering a fully-flat recline for babies (or a more upright position for toddlers).
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which features the slimmest side-by-side design on the market and has a footprint similar to a single buggy. It also features an adjustable handle, which makes it easy for parents of different heights to push, and an adjustable handbrake, which is helpful when climbing difficult terrains. It is suitable for use from birth, and it can be combined 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 can be used in duo or mono mode. Its clever frame expands in width to accommodate the second chair and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal choice for older siblings that want to be seated together. It's slightly bigger than the other models, but it still feels light and has a comfortable suspension for curbs.
There are also a variety of 3-wheeler inline tandems that are available such as Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example that provide stability and swift steering. These can often be folded into one 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 is heavier and heavier than one that is compact. Be sure you know what you want before you buy. It is likely to be used on trains, buses, and subways frequently so it must be easy to manage and use. You may need to juggle the car seat when you take your child to school or to nursery.
Suitable from birth
Whether you're expecting twins or have a second child after your first, you're likely to need to find a stroller that can accommodate the whole family. Double buggies are typically heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single strollers. However, they are more maneuverable in tighter doors or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies are compatible with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This lets you transport three children simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front of the other. They're a great choice if your children are of similar ages and get along well. They're not foolproof. pushchairsandprams.uk seated side-by-side may punch or kick each other and children of different heights can fight over who is sitting higher. A tandem high-low model could solve this issue by elevating the seat at the rear, which prevents your child's older one from being on the bottom and not getting much of a view.
The iCandy Wave is a great option for parents looking for an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to fit a newborn into a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It has a clever frame which can be expanded in size when you add a second child seat. It folds flat for compact storage. The cushioned buckles, straps and seats are all of the highest quality we have seen in our tests. The canopies are large in size with UPF 50+ protection, and a windows that peek out. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit costly. But a high-quality tandem will last for a long time and will have an attractive resale value which means that in the end you'll probably recoup some of the cost. It doesn't come with the same selection of seating options as some of our other top picks however, the iCandy is a great choice for families who don't want to shell out a lot of money.