Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great option when you have twins or children who are close in age. They are a bit smaller than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for small spaces such as doors, public transport and terrain that is rocky.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that can take two carrycots or child car seats. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options to add a second seat or making a single stroller double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is large, gorgeous stroller that converts easily from a single stroller to double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is positioned in front of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model, but it lacks storage underneath the seat when it is used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can hold two children. They are more expensive but they are made for long trips on rough terrain and have more expensive resales.
Independent recline of the seat
If you're looking for a double buggy that can transport children of various age groups, then you'll need a buggy that has an recline that is independent for both seats. This allows your older child to relax while the baby is sleeping in a bassinet, and reverse.
It is also important to think about the size of the stroller as this will affect the ease of get through doors and on public transportation. If you have very narrow doors, it may be a good idea to consider a side-byside pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy but can still use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally smaller than side-byside models and therefore aren't difficult to maneuver around kerbs however they can be able to accommodate a bigger range of car seat/car seat combinations, so can be a good option for twins or siblings of various age. They are priced higher than single-to-double buggies however they're worth it if you plan to keep it for a few years. They also hold some value if sold when your children are old enough to use it.
Another important feature to look for is if the seat backs are able to recline independently of one another because this allows you to place your child in the ideal position for napping or observation. This is particularly important if you have a young child in the rear seat who will be inclined to lie down and sleep while the more mature child wants to sit up and look around their surroundings.
A few brands have a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to completely recline to an almost flat position which is perfect for newborns. For instance, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the included toddler seat as well as the optional RumbleSeat to multiple positions, so your kids can have a choice of where they will sit, and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that peek out.
Wider than twin buggies
You don't need to have twins in order to benefit from a bigger double buggy. They're great for siblings of different age groups. They allow you to move around without having to worry about your children touching each other. They are usually a little larger with one seat in front of the other. The seats can be reclined completely for infants, or put in an upright position for toddlers.
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It is the slimmest design side-by-side on the market, and a footprint that is similar to a single stroller. It also features an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of different heights to push and a handbrake, which is useful when tackling difficult hills. It is suitable for use from birth, and it can be combined with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in either mono or duo mode with just a single click. Its clever frame expands widthways to accommodate a second chair and can be used with up to two carrycots or car seats which makes it an ideal choice for older siblings who want to sit together and share the view. It's a little longer than other models but still feels light to steer and has soft suspension to tackle kerbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler tandems inline available such as Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies for instance they provide stability and quick steering. They can be folded into a single buggy if you have limited space at home or you need to transport it from your car to the bus.
Be aware that a double-wide buggy will be heavier and heavier than a single compact buggy. Make sure you know what you want before you purchase. It will be used on trains, buses, and subways frequently so it must be easy to manage and use. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat in and out when taking your child to school or nursery.
From birth
If you're expecting twins or have a second child after your first, you're likely to require an appropriate pushchair for the whole family. Double buggies tend to be heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are also more maneuverable in narrower doors and around obstacles such as curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or through an accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs put one child ahead of the other. They are a good option if your children are similar in age and get along well. They're not foolproof. Siblings seated side-by-side may kick or punch each other and children with different heights could argue over who is sitting higher. A tandem high-low model can solve this problem by elevating the seat towards the rear, which prevents your child's height from being sat on the bottom and not getting the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a good choice for parents looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that can fit both a newborn and an older child. It features an innovative frame that can be expanded in size when you add the second child seat. It can also fold flat for storage that is compact. The cushioned straps, buckles, and seats are all of the highest quality we have seen in any of our tests. The seats can be reclined independently and the canopies are large and generous with UPF 50+ protection and peekaboo windows.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's on the expensive side, but a quality tandem will last for a long time and will retain its resale value, so you'll probably recoup some of the cost in the long run. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating configurations as our other top selections. However, it's an ideal choice for families who don't wish to spend much money.