Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a great option for twins or children who are very close in age. double pram and pushchair are a bit smaller than side by side buggies, and are perfect for narrow spaces like doorways, public transport and terrain that is rocky.
Many also transform into travel systems that take 2 carrycots or car seats. They can be heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seat or converting a single stroller to double. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller that converts easily from a single model to a double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is located in front of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow provides a similar choice, but it lacks storage underneath the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other options include twin buggies that have all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can accommodate two kids. They tend to be more expensive, but they're made to last longer on rough terrain and could have greater resales value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you want a double stroller which can accommodate children of different ages, you will need one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This will allow your older child to sit back and relax while the baby is in the bassinet and vice versa.
You'll also need to consider the width of the stroller as this will impact how easy it is to navigate through doors and on public transport. If your doors are narrow, you may think about 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 generally a little longer than side-by-side models and therefore aren't easy to manoeuvre up and down kerbs, but they can accommodate a wider variety of car seat/car seat combinations, so can be a good option for twins or siblings of various ages. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are a good investment if you intend to keep it for many years and will retain a decent amount of resale value if you sell it on when your children have grown out of it.
Another important feature to look for is if the backs of the seats can recline independently of each other since this will allow you to place your child in the ideal position to nap or observe. This is particularly important if you have a child younger than in the rear seat who may prefer to lay back and take a snooze while the more mature child wants to sit and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands come with a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to completely recline into a nearly flat position, which is ideal for babies. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined in various positions. It also offers UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
Wider than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins to benefit from a larger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of different age groups and let you go about your day without having to worry about your children touching each other. They're typically a larger with one seat in front of the other. The seats can be reclined completely for newborns or in an upright position for toddlers.
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which features the slimmest side-by-side design available and features a footprint similar to one buggy. It features an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake, which is helpful on steep hills. It is suitable for use from birth, and can be used with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has an easy one-click fold and can be utilized in a duo or mono mode. Its clever frame can be expanded to accommodate a second chair and it can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots making it a great option for older siblings who wish to sit together and enjoy the view. It's a bit bigger than the other models, but it still feels light and has a comfortable suspension for the kerbs.
There are many 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. double pushchair can be folded into one buggy in case you have a small space at home, or need to transport it from your car to the bus.
It's worth bearing in mind that a double-buggy with a wider width will be heavier and bulkier than a single buggy that is smaller Make sure that it's what you need before you purchase. It will be used on trains, buses, and subways frequently therefore it must be simple to use and manage. You may also have to juggle it onto 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're a good candidate
There will be a need for a pushchair for the whole family, regardless of whether you're expecting twins or you have a second child after you've had your first. Double buggies are generally slightly heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers, but they are also easier to manoeuvre in narrower doorways or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies are compatible with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to transport three children simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs place one child ahead of the other. They're a great option if your children are of similar ages and get along well. They're not 100% secure. Siblings sitting side-by-side can punch or kick one another, and children of different heights can fight over who is sitting higher. A tandem high-low model could solve this problem by elevating the seat to the rear, which will prevent your child's older one from being sat on the bottom and not getting the best view.
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 features a smart frame that can be expanded in width when you add the second seat, and folds to flattish storage. The padded straps, buckles, and seats are all of the highest quality we have seen in our tests. You can recline both seats independently and the canopy is large and generous with UPF 50+ protection and windows that can be seen from a distance.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit costly. But a high-quality tandem will last you for years and retain the highest resale value, which means that in the end, you'll likely recoup a portion of the cost. It doesn't have the same variety of seating options as some of our other top picks however, the iCandy is a good choice for families that don't want to spend a fortune.