Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggy is a great choice. They're a bit smaller than side-byside buggies, and ideal for maneuvering narrow spaces like doors, on public transport and rocky terrain.
pushchair twin can be converted to travel systems that can take two carrycots or child car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs and may feel less stable bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible stroller that can be converted from a single to a double or to add another seat to an existing one, there are a variety of options available. The UPPAbaby V2 is spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can be easily changed from a single to a dual by adding an Rumble seat. However, it's expensive and less maneuverable than other dual strollers because the 2nd seat is placed in front of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar option with a wide range of seating options, but lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. These are more expensive, but they are designed to last longer on rough terrain and have more expensive resales.
Independent seat recline
If you're looking for a double buggy to transport children of different age groups, then you'll want one that has independent seat recline for both seats. This will allow your older child to relax in the back while the baby sleeps in the bassinet and vice versa.
You'll also need to consider the width of the stroller as this will impact the ease of navigate through doors and on public transportation. If your doors are narrow, you may be considering a side by side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller however it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies tend to be larger than side-by-side models, which makes them more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However they can also accommodate a wider range of combinations of seats/carrycots/car seats and can make a great option for twins and siblings of various age groups. These buggies are also more expensive than single buggies to double but they're well worth the cost if you plan to keep it for a few years. They'll also keep an impressive amount of value if you decide to sell it when your children have outgrown it.
This feature allows you to put your child in a comfortable position for naps or to observe. This is crucial when your child is in the back seat and wants to rest while the child in the front prefers to sit up and observe the surrounding.
Certain 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 babies. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined into various positions. It also has UPF 50+ sun protection and windows that peek out.
More spacious than twin buggies
You don't need to have twins to benefit from a larger double buggy. They're great for siblings of different ages and allow you to move around without having to worry about your children touching. They're typically a larger with one seat positioned behind the other. The seats can be reclined fully for babies or placed in an upright position for toddlers.
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It is the slimmest design of the two-in-ones on the market, and a footprint like the footprint of a single stroller. It features an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake, which is helpful on steep hills. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots, which means it makes an excellent travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in either mono or duo mode with just a single click. Its clever frame expands in width to accommodate the second chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal option for older siblings who wish to be seated together. It's a little longer than other models, but it's easy to steer and has soft suspension that is able to handle the kerbs.
There are also plenty of 3-wheeler inline tandems that are available such as Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for instance they provide stability and quick steering. These can often be folded into one buggy if you have limited space at home or you need to carry it from the car to the bus station.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy will be heavier and heavier than a single compact buggy. Make sure you know what you want prior to making a buy. You'll need to take it on and off trains, buses and subways regularly so it needs to be easy to use and manage. You may also have to move it on and off the car seat when you take your children to nursery or school so you'll need to know it can be easily manoeuvred in small spaces.
From birth
If you're expecting twins, or you have a child following your first, you're going need to find a pushchair that fits the whole family. Double buggies are generally a bit heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers, but they are also easier to manoeuvre through narrower doors or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies can be used with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to carry three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs seat 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 function well. They're not 100% secure. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could punch or kick each other and children with different heights can fight over who is sitting higher. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat at the back. Your older child will not be seated on the lower part of the car, and won't be able to get an eye.
The iCandy Wave is a good choice for parents looking for a convertible double buggy that includes a carrycot that can fit both infants and an older child. It features a smart frame that can be expanded in width when you add the second seat. It folds flat to make it a compact storage. The padded seats are comfortable, the straps are easy to fasten and the buckles some of the best we've seen on any of our tests. The canopies are large in size with UPF 50+ protection, as well as a the window is peekaboo. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only downside 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 a high resale price, so at the end of the day, you'll likely recoup a portion of the cost. It doesn't have the same range of seating configurations as others of our top picks however, the iCandy is a good option for families that don't want to spend a fortune.