Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great choice if you have twins, or children who are very close in age. They are smaller than side by side buggies and are ideal for tight spaces like doors, public transport and terrain that is rocky.
Many transform into travel systems that include two carrycots or car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs and may not be as stable when in bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
Whether you're looking for a convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add a second seat to an existing one, there are a variety of options available. The UPPAbaby V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can easily be converted from a single to a dual by adding an seating area with a rumble. It is more expensive and less maneuverable because the second seat is positioned on top of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model however, it doesn't have storage under the seat when used as a double stroller.
Other options include all-terrain
lightweight twin buggy buggies, as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can accommodate two children. These tend to be more expensive, but they're made for long trips over rough terrain and can have greater resales value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you are looking for a double stroller that can accommodate children of various age groups, you'll need one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This will allow your child's older to sit back and relax while the baby is in the bassinet, and vice versa.
It is also important to think about the size of the pushchair as this will impact how easy it is to traverse doors and 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 similar to a
single double stroller buggy however it can use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are a little longer than side-by-side models, and aren't as difficult to maneuver through kerbs and up and down, but they can accommodate a bigger range of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations so can be a good option for twins or siblings of different age. They can also be more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are a good purchase if you plan to keep it for many years and will have a decent amount of resale value if you decide to sell it when your children are out of it.
This feature allows you to put your child in the most comfortable position for naps and observation. This is important if your child is in the back seat and wants to nap while the older child prefers to sit up and observe the surrounding.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back of their vehicles to fully recline into a position that is almost flat, ideal for infants. For instance the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the toddler seat included and the add-on RumbleSeat into multiple positions so that your children have a a choice of where they will sit, as well as offering an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that can be seen from afar.
Wider than twin buggies
They are perfect for siblings of different ages, and you can move around without having to worry about your children touching. They are usually a little more spacious with one seat in front of the other. The seats can be reclined completely for babies or placed in 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 that is comparable to one stroller. It features an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake which is useful on steep hills. It is suitable for use right from birth, and it can be combined with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in mono or duo mode with just one click. Its clever frame expands to accommodate a second chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic option for older siblings who want to be seated together. It's a bit longer than other models, but it isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for kerbs.
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 instance - which provide stability and swift steering. 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 the boot on public transport.
It's worth bearing in mind that a wide double buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a compact single buggy, so make sure you're getting what you need before you purchase. You'll have to get it off and on subways, buses, and trains frequently, so it must be easy to use and manage. You may also have to juggle it onto and off the car seat while taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to ensure it is able to be maneuvered in small spaces.
From birth
You'll need a
stroller double for the whole 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 more expensive than single strollers, however they are also easier to maneuver in narrower doorways or around obstacles like curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as a separate accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other. They're a great option for children who are of similar ages and get along well. They're not completely safe. Siblings sitting side-by-side can punch or kick one another and children with different heights may fight over who is sitting higher. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat to the rear. Your older child will not be seated on the bottom of the car and won't get much of a look out.
The iCandy Wave is a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can fit both a newborn in a carrycot, and an older child in the main seat. It has a clever frame that expands in width when you add a second seat. It folds flat to make it a compact storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps easy to secure and the buckles are among the best travel double stroller (
redirect to Speedgh) we've seen on any of our tests. Both seats can recline independently and the canopies are large and generous with UPF 50+ protection and windows that can be seen from a distance.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's on the expensive side but a high-quality tandem will last a long time and maintain its resale value, so you'll likely recoup some of the cost in the end. It doesn't have the same variety of seating options as others of our top picks however, the iCandy is a good option for families who don't want to spend a fortune.