Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very similar in age, a tandem double buggie is a great option. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies and ideal for navigating tight spaces, such as entrances, on public transportation and on rough terrain.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or car seats for children. 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 another seat to an existing one, there's several options available. The UPPAbaby is a spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can be easily changed from a single to a double by adding an Rumble seat. However, it's pricey and less maneuverable than other dual strollers due to the fact that the second seat is located to the left of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar option with great seating flexibility, however it lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other alternatives include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels and joggers with fixed wheels that can hold two kids. These are more expensive, but they are made for long-distance trips over rough terrain and come with more expensive resales.
Reclining the seat independently
If you're looking for a double stroller which can accommodate children of different age groups, you'll need one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This allows your older child to be able to relax while your baby is sleeping in a bassinet, and reverse.
It is also important to consider the width of the pushchair, as this will impact the ease of navigate through doors and on public transport. If you have very narrow doorways then it might be worth considering a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint similar to a single buggy however, it is able to accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are typically longer than side by side models, which makes 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 can make the perfect choice for twins and siblings of different ages. These buggies are priced higher than single to double buggies however they're worth it if you plan on keeping it for many years. They also hold a good amount of value when sold once your children have outgrown the buggie.
Another crucial thing to look out for is if the seat backs can recline independently of each other since this will allow you to place your child in the best position to nap or observe. This is crucial if your child is in the back seat and wishes to take a nap while the child in the front prefers to sit up to observe the surroundings.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to recline into a position that's almost flat, perfect for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined to several positions. It also comes with a UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins in order to benefit from a bigger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of different age groups and let you go about your day without having to worry about your children touching. They're typically a bit longer too, with one seat sitting behind the other and providing a flat recline for infants (or a more upright position for toddlers).
twin pushchair is a popular option. It is the tiniest design of the two-in-ones on the market and a footprint that is like one stroller. It comes with an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake, which is useful on steep hills. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, meaning it's a great travel system.
twin pushchair is the iCandy Wave, which has a simple one-click to fold and is able to be used in mono or duo mode. Its clever frame can be expanded widthwise to accommodate a second seat and can be used with two carrycots or car seats making it a great option for older siblings who wish to sit together and share the view. It's a bit longer than other models, but it's light to steer and comes with soft suspension to tackle the kerbs.
There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems with inline wheels that offer stability and quick steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They can be folded into one buggy if you have limited space at home or need to transport it from your car to the bus stop.
It's important to keep in mind that a large double buggy will feel bulkier and heavier than a compact single buggy Make sure that you're getting what you need before purchasing. You'll be taking it off and on subways, trains and buses regularly so it needs to be easy to operate 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 is able to be maneuvered within small spaces.
From birth, you are a good candidate
You'll need a pushchair for your entire family whether you're expecting twins or you have a second child after having your first. Double buggies are typically slightly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers, but they can also be more maneuverable in narrower entrances or around obstacles like curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as a separate accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other. They're a good choice if your children are similar in age and get along well. They're not foolproof. Siblings sitting side-by-side can punch or kick one another, and children of different heights may fight over who is sitting higher. A tandem high-low model can solve this issue by elevating the seat towards the rear, which will prevent your child's height from being sat on the bottom and not having the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a good option for parents who are looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that can fit both infants and an older child. It features an intelligent frame that 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 simple to secure and the buckles some of the best we've seen on any of our tests. Both seats can recline independently, and the canopies are big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection as well as peekaboo windows.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it's quite expensive. However, a quality tandem will last for many years and have the highest resale value, so at the end of the day you'll likely recover a portion of the cost. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating configurations as our other top picks. However, it's an excellent choice for families who don't want to spend much money.