Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great choice when you have twins or children who are close in age. They're narrower than side-by-side buggies and ideal for navigating tight spaces such as entrances, on public transportation and on rough terrain.
Some convert into travel systems that take 2 carrycots or car seats. They can be heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add an additional seat to an existing one, there's many options to choose from. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a large, gorgeous stroller that easily converts from a single stroller to double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). https://archer-whitaker-3.technetbloggers.de/the-reasons-strollers-double-strollers-is-everyones-obsession-in-2023 and less mobile than other double strollers since the second seat goes in front of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model with great seating versatility but 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 accommodate two children. These are more expensive, but they are made for long trips on rough terrain and come with a higher resale price.
Reclining the seat independently
If you're looking for a double buggy to carry children of different ages then you're going to require a model with an independent seat recline for both seats. This allows your older child to be able to relax while your baby is sleeping in a bassinet, and the reverse is true.
Think about the width of your stroller, as this will determine the ease of you to get through doors and on public transport. If your doorways are very narrow, you might think about 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 tend to be larger than side-by-side models, and therefore are more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However they can be able to accommodate more combinations of seats/carrycots/car seats and are a great option for twins and siblings of different age. They are priced higher than single buggies to double however they're worth it if you plan to keep it for a few years. They'll also keep some value when sold once your kids have outgrown it.
This feature will allow you to put your child in a comfortable position for naps or observation. This is particularly important if you have a child younger than in the rear seat who will want to lie back and sleep while the older child wants to sit up and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to fully recline to a position that is almost flat, perfect for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined in multiple positions. It also comes with UPF 50+ sun protection and windows that peek out.
Wider than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins to benefit from a wider double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of different age groups and let you move around without worrying about your children touching each other. They are usually a little more spacious with one seat positioned behind the other. The seats can be reclined completely for babies or placed in an 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 an identical footprint to one buggy. It also has an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of various heights to push and a handbrake that is useful when tackling steep hills. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots. This means it is a great travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in duo or mono mode with just a single click. The clever frame expands in width to accommodate the second chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal choice for older siblings that wish to sit together. It's a little bigger than the other models, but it still feels light and has soft suspension for curbs.
There are also a variety of 3-wheeler tandems inline available Check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example that offer stability and swift steering. Often these can be folded down to size one buggy which is useful for those who struggle with storage at home or need to transport it into and out of the car when using public transportation.
It's important to remember that a large double buggy will feel heavier and bulkier than a single buggy that is smaller Make sure that it's what you need before you purchase. You'll have to get it on and off trains, buses and subways regularly so it needs to be simple to use and manage. You might 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 ensure it can be easily manoeuvred in small spaces.
From birth
You'll need a stroller for your entire family, whether you're expecting twins or if you have a child after you've had your first. Double buggies are generally larger, heavier and more expensive than single strollers. However, they are also easier to manoeuvre through narrower doors or around obstacles like curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via an accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front the other. They're a great option if your children are close in age and are able to get along. They're not foolproof. Siblings sitting side-by-side can punch or kick each other, and children of different heights can fight over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model can solve this problem by elevating the seat to the rear, which will prevent your older child from being on the bottom and not having the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that can fit both infants and an older child. It features an innovative frame that expands in width when you add a second child seat. It can also fold flat for compact storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps easy to fasten, and the buckles are among the best we've seen on any of our tests. The canopies have a generous size, UPF 50+ protection, and a windows that peek out. Both seats can recline independently.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's a little expensive, but a quality tandem will last for years and maintain its resale value. So you'll probably recoup some of the cost in the long run. The iCandy does not have the same seating options as our other top picks. However, it's an excellent choice for families who don't wish to spend much money.