Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a great option for twins or children who are very close in age. They are a bit smaller than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for tight spaces like doorways, public transport and terrain that is rocky.
Many convert into travel systems to use two carrycots or car seats. They can be heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options to add a second seat or changing a single stroller into double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a spacious, gorgeous stroller that easily converts from a single to double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). However, it's pricey and less maneuverable than other dual strollers since the second seat is located to the left of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model with a wide range of seating options, but does not have 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 are more expensive but they are designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain, and come with a higher resale price.
Reclining the seat independently
If you are looking for a double stroller which can accommodate children of different age groups, you'll require one with an independent recliner for both seats. This allows your older child to relax while the baby is in a bassinet, and vice versa.
Consider the width of your stroller and consider how easy it is for you to get through doors and public transportation. If your doors are narrow, you might want to consider a side by side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller, but can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally larger than side-by-side models, and therefore are more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of seats/carrycots/car seats and can make the perfect choice for twins and siblings of different ages. They are priced higher than single-to-double buggies but they're well worth it if you plan to keep it for a number of years. They also hold a good amount of value if you decide to sell it when your kids have outgrown the buggie.
Another crucial thing to look for is whether the backs of the seats can recline independently of one another as this will let you place your child in the best position for napping or observation. This is particularly important if you have a child younger than in the rear seat, who will be inclined to lie down and sleep while the older child would prefer to sit up and look around their surroundings.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back of their vehicles to fully recline into a position that is nearly flat, which is ideal for newborns. For example, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline both the included toddler seat and the add-on RumbleSeat to multiple positions, to give your kids a a choice of where they will sit, as well as offering an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has peekaboo windows.
Wider than twin buggies
They are great for siblings with different age groups, and you can move about without worrying about your children touching. They're usually a more spacious with one seat in front of the other. The seats can be reclined fully for newborns or 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 that is like one stroller. It comes with 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 variety of car seats and carrycots. This means it's a great travel system.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has an easy one-click fold and is able to be used in mono or duo mode. The frame's clever design expands to accommodate a second chair and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal option for older siblings who would like to be seated together. It's slightly longer than other models, but it feels light and has a comfortable suspension for curbs.
There are many 3-wheeler tandems with inline wheels that provide stability and fast steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. These can often be folded into a single buggy if you are limited in space at home or need to transport it from your car to the bus.
It's worth bearing in mind that a wide double buggy will feel heavier and bulkier than a compact single buggy, so make sure you're getting what you need before you purchase. It is likely to be used on buses, trains, and subways frequently so it should be easy to use and manage. You may also have to juggle it on and off the car seat when taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to be aware it can be easily manoeuvred in small spaces.
From birth, you're an ideal candidate
There will be a need for a pushchair for your entire family, whether you're expecting twins, or if you have a child after you've had your first. Double buggies are typically heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single strollers. However, they are easier to maneuver in tighter doorways or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies can be used with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This lets you transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in the front of the other, and they're usually a better option for families with two children who are close enough in age to get along well. But they're not foolproof Side-by-side chairs could kick or punch each other, and kids with different heights may argue over who gets to sit higher. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat to the back. Your child's older one will not be seated on the lowest part of the car and won't be able to get a look out.
The iCandy Wave is a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can accommodate a newborn in a carrycot and an older child in the main seat. It features a clever frame that can be expanded in width when you add the second seat and folds down flat to make it a compact storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps are easy to secure and the buckles are among the best we've seen on any of our tests. The canopies are large in size with UPF 50+ protection, as well as a windows that peek out. Both seats can recline independently.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit costly. However, a quality tandem will last you for a long time and will have an attractive resale value so at the end of the day you'll probably recoup some of the cost. The iCandy doesn't have the same seating configurations as our other top picks. It's nevertheless a good option for families who don't want to spend much money.