Buying a Tandem
double buggy with carrycot Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great choice if you have twins, or children who are close in age. They are a bit smaller than side by side buggies, and are perfect for small spaces such as doors, public transport, and rough terrain.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or car seats for children. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may feel less stable as they bump up kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for convertible stroller that converts from single to double or to add an additional seat to an existing one, there are several options available. The UPPAbaby is a spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can easily be changed from a single to a double by adding a Rumble seat. It's costly and less mobile than other double strollers due to the fact that the second seat goes in front of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model however, it doesn't have storage under the seat when it is used as a double stroller.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. They are more expensive, but they are made for long trips on rough terrain, and come with a higher resale price.
Independent seat recline
If you need a
double buggy that is able to transport children of different age groups, then you'll need a buggy that has an independent seat recline for both seats. This will allow your child's older to sit back and relax while the baby sleeps in the bassinet and the reverse.
Take into consideration the size of your pushchair, as this will determine how easy it is for you to get through doors and on public transportation. If your doors are narrow, you might be considering a side by side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller but it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are typically longer than side by side models, making them more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However they can be able to accommodate more combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and can make the perfect choice for twins and siblings of different age. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are a good investment if you intend to keep it for years and will retain a decent amount of resale value in the event that you decide to sell it off when your children are out of it.
This feature allows you to place your child in the most comfortable position for naps or to observe. This is crucial for children who are in the back seat and wants to nap while the older child prefers to sit up to observe the surrounding.
A few brands have a unique seat design which allows the back seat to completely recline into an almost flat position that is perfect for newborns. For instance, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the toddler seat included as well as the optional RumbleSeat to multiple positions, to give your kids a the option of where they want to sit, as well as providing an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that peek out.
Wider than
twin buggy buggies
It's not necessary to have twins to benefit from a wider double buggy. They're great for siblings of different age groups. They allow you to go about your day without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a little larger, with one seat sitting behind the other, and typically providing a flat recline for infants (or a more upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It is the slimmest design side-by-side on the market, and a footprint similar to one stroller. It also features an adjustable handle, which makes it easy for parents of different heights to push, and an adjustable handbrake, which is useful when tackling steep hills. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, which means it makes an excellent travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in duo or mono mode with just one click. The clever frame expands to accommodate the second chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a great choice for older siblings that want to be seated together. It's a bit larger than other models, but it still feels light and has soft suspension for kerbs.
There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that offer stability and quick steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Often these can be folded down to size a single buggy which is useful for those who struggle with storage at home or frequently need to transport it into and out of your car when using public transport.
It's important to keep in mind that a wide
smallest double buggy buggy will feel heavier and bulkier than a smaller single buggy, so make sure it's what you need before you buy. You'll be taking it on and off subways, buses, and trains frequently, so it must be easy 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 be aware it's easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
From your birth, you are a good candidate
There will be a need for a pushchair for your entire family, whether you're expecting twins or you have a second child after you've had your first.
best lightweight double stroller buggies are generally heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However they are also more maneuverable in 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) which means you can carry three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other. They are a good option for children who are similar in age and are good friends. They're not completely safe. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could kick or punch each other and children with different heights may fight over who sits taller. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low model that raises the seat to the rear. Your child's older one will not be seated on the bottom of the car and won't have much of an eye.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can fit a newborn into a carrycot and an older child in the main seat. It has an innovative frame that increases in size when you add the second child seat. It folds flat for
compact double buggy storage. The cushioned seats, straps and buckles are all of the highest quality we have seen in our testing. The canopy is large in size and UPF 50+ protection, as well as a windows that peek out. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only downside of the iCandy is that it's expensive however, a good tandem will last for years and will retain its resale value, so you'll probably get back some of the cost in the long run. It doesn't come with the same selection of seating configurations as others of our top picks, but the iCandy is a good choice for families who don't want to shell out a lot of money.