Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children similar in age, a tandem double buggie is a great choice. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies and ideal for navigating tight spaces, such as doors, on public transport and rocky terrain.
compact double stroller www.pushchairsandprams.uk into travel systems that include two carrycots or car seats. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seating or converting a single stroller to a double. The UPPAbaby is a spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can easily be changed from a single to a double by adding the rumble seat. It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is placed on top of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with a wide range of seating options, but lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies and fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. They are more expensive but they are made for long-distance trips over rough terrain, and come with more expensive resales.
Independent recline of the seat
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 allows your child of a higher age to relax in the back while the baby is in the bassinet and reverse.
You'll also have to consider the width of the pushchair as it will impact how easy it is to get through doors and on public transportation. If your doors are narrow, you may want to consider a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller however can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally smaller than side-byside models, and aren't as easy to manoeuvre around kerbs but they can accommodate a wider range of car seat/car seat combinations, and are a great option for twins or siblings of various age. These buggies are more expensive than single buggies to double, but they're worth it if you intend to keep it for a few years. They'll also keep a good amount of value if sold when your children are old enough to use it.
Another crucial thing to look out for is if the seat backs can recline independently from one another as this will let you put your child in the most optimal position to nap or observe. This is particularly important if you have a young child in the rear seat, who will prefer to lay back and relax while the more mature child wants to sit up and observe their surroundings.
Some brands feature a unique seat design which allows the back seat to fully recline into an almost flat position, which is ideal for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined to various positions. It also comes with UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
You don't need to have twins in order to benefit from a larger double buggy. They're perfect for siblings of different age groups. They allow you to move around without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a bit larger with one seat placed behind the other and usually with a fully-flat recline option for newborns (or an upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It has the slimmest design side-by-side on the market, and a footprint like the footprint of a single stroller. It also has an adjustable handle, making it easy for parents of different heights to push and a handbrake that is useful when tackling difficult hills. It is suitable for use from birth, and can be paired with a range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in either mono or duo mode in a single click. Its clever frame can be expanded widthwise to allow for a second seat and it can be used with two car seats or carrycots making it a great option for older siblings who want to sit together and enjoy the view. It's a little longer than other models, but it feels light and has soft suspension for kerbs.
There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems with inline wheels that offer stability and quick steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They are often folded down to the size of a single buggy, which is helpful for those who struggle with storage at home or need to carry it in and out of the boot on public transport.
It's important to keep in mind that a double-buggy with a wider width will be 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 trains, buses and subways often, so it must be easy to operate and use. You may also have to juggle it onto and off the car seat when you take your children to school or nursery so you'll need to be aware it can be easily manoeuvred in small spaces.
Suitable from birth
There will be a need for a pushchair for your entire family, whether you're expecting twins or you have a second child after having your first. Double buggies tend to be a bit heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers, however they can also be more maneuverable in narrower doorways or around obstacles like curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or through an additional accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at a time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in the front of the other, and they're generally a better option if you have two kids who are close enough in age to get along well. However, they're not 100% secure: Siblings in side-by-side seats may punch or kick one another, and children with different heights may argue over who gets to sit higher. A tandem high-low model can solve this issue by elevating the seat towards the rear, which prevents your child's older one from sitting on the bottom and not getting much of a view.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can fit both a newborn in a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It features an innovative frame that can be expanded in size when you add a second child seat. It also folds flat to make it a compact storage. The padded straps, buckles, and seats are all of the highest quality we have encountered in any of our tests. The seats can be reclined independently, and the canopies are spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection as well as peekaboo windows.
The only downside of the iCandy is that it's a bit on the expensive side but a high-quality tandem will last for years and will retain its resale value. So you'll probably recoup some of the cost in the end. The iCandy does not have the same seating options as our other top choices. However, it's a good option for families who don't want to spend lots of money.