Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great option for twins or children who are very close in age. They're a bit smaller than side-byside buggies, and ideal for maneuvering tight spaces, such as doorways, on public transport and on rocky terrain.
Some can be converted to travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats for children. They can be heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
lightweight twin stroller
If you're looking for a convertible stroller that converts from single to double or to add a second seat to an existing one, there's several options available. The UPPAbaby is a large, beautiful stroller. It is easily changed from a single to a double by adding an Rumble seat. It's costly and less mobile than other double strollers since the second seat goes to the left of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option however, it doesn't have storage under the seat when used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can accommodate two kids. These are more expensive, but they are made for long trips on rough terrain and have a higher resale price.
Reclining seat recline independently
If you need a double buggy that can transport children of various age groups, then you'll require a model with an recline that is independent for both seats. This will allow your child's older to rest in the back while the baby is in the bassinet and the reverse.
Take into consideration the size of your pushchair and consider how easy it is for you to maneuver through doors and public transportation. If you have very narrow doorways then it might be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy however, it is able to use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally slightly longer than side-by-side models and so aren't as difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs, however they can be able to accommodate a wider range of car seat/car seat combinations, and are a great option for twins or siblings of various age groups. They are more expensive than single to double buggies however they're worth it if you plan to keep it for a number of years. They'll also keep some value when sold once your kids have outgrown the buggie.
Another important feature to look out for is if the seat backs are able to recline independently of one another as this will let you place your child in the best position for naps or watching. This is especially important if you have a younger child in the rear seat, who will want to lie back and sleep while the older child wants to sit and observe their surroundings.
A few brands have a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to completely recline into a nearly flat position that is perfect for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined into various positions. It also offers a UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
More spacious 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 various ages and allow you to go about your day without having to worry about your children touching each other. They are usually a little larger with one seat positioned behind the other. The seats can be reclined fully for newborns or in an upright position for toddlers.
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design available and has a footprint similar to one buggy. It also has an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of different heights to push and a handbrake, which is helpful when climbing steep hills. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, which means it's a great travel system.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has a simple one-click to fold and can be used in duo or mono mode. The frame's clever design expands to accommodate a second chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic option for older siblings who wish to be seated together. It's a little larger than other models, but it feels light and has a comfortable suspension for kerbs.
There are plenty 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. Most of them can be folded into the size of one buggy which is useful for those who struggle with storage at home or need to transport it into and out of your car on public transport.
Be aware that a double-wide buggy will be heavier and more bulkier than a single compact buggy. Be sure you know what you want prior to making a buy. It will be used on trains, buses, and subways frequently so it must be easy to manage and use. You might also have to juggle it on and off the car seat when you take your children to school or nursery so you'll need to know it can be easily manoeuvred within small spaces.
Suitable from birth
If you're expecting twins, or have a second child after your first, you're going need to find an appropriate pushchair for the entire family. Double buggies tend to be slightly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers, however they can also be easier to manoeuvre in narrower doorways or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This lets you transport three children simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs seat one child in the front of the other, and they're often a better choice if you have two kids who are similar in age to function well together. They're not 100% secure. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could punch or kick each other, and children of different heights may fight over who is sitting higher. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat at the back. Your older child isn't seated at the bottom of the car and won't be able to get a look out.
The iCandy Wave is a good option for parents who are looking for a convertible double buggy that includes a carrycot that can fit both a newborn and an older child. It features a clever frame which expands in width when you add the second child seat. It folds flat for compact storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps easy to secure and the buckles are among the best we've seen on any of our tests. The seats can be reclined independently, and the canopies are spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection and windows that peek out.
double tandem pushchair to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit costly. But a high-quality tandem will last you for a long time and will have a high resale price, so at the end of the day you'll likely recover a portion of the cost. The iCandy does not have the same seating arrangements as our other top selections. However, it's a good option for families that don't want spend much money.