Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a fantastic option when you have twins or children who are very close in age. They are a bit smaller than side by side buggies and are great for narrow spaces like doorways, public transport and rocky terrain.
Many also transform into travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and might feel less stable when as they bump up kerbs.
Convertible
There are many options to add a second seat or changing a single stroller into a double. The UPPAbaby V2 is spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can easily be transformed from a single stroller to a dual by adding a rumble seat. It is more expensive and less maneuverable due to the fact that the second seat is located in front of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with great seating flexibility, however it does not have storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies and fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. These are more expensive, however, they are designed for long trips on rough terrain, and come with a higher resale price.
Reclining seat recline independently
If you want a double stroller that will accommodate children of different age groups, you'll need one with an independent recliner 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.
It is also important to consider the width of the pushchair as it will impact how easy it is to navigate through doors and on public transport. If you have narrow doors, it could be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint similar to a single buggy, however, it is able to use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are typically longer than side by side models, which makes them more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However they can also accommodate a wider range of combinations of seats/carrycots/car seats and are an excellent choice for twins and siblings of different ages. They can also be more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are worth the investment if you plan to keep it for years and will have a decent amount of resale value should you decide to sell it off when your children have grown out of it.
This feature will allow you to put your child in the most comfortable position for naps and observation. This is especially important if you have a young child in the rear seat who may want to lie back and sleep while the older child would prefer to sit up and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to recline fully to a position that is almost flat, perfect for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined to various positions. It also offers a UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
Larger than twin buggies
There's no need to have twins to benefit from a bigger double buggy. They're perfect for siblings of various age groups and let you move around without worrying about your children touching. They're usually a bit larger too, with one seat sitting behind the other and providing a flat recline for newborns (or a more upright position for toddlers).
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which is the tiniest side-by-side model available and has a footprint similar to one buggy. It also features an adjustable handle, making it easy for parents of different heights to push and a handbrake that is useful when tackling difficult terrains. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots. This means it is a great travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in mono or duo mode in a single click. The frame's clever design expands widthways to allow for a second seat and can be used with two car seats or carrycots so it's an excellent option for older siblings who wish to sit together and enjoy the view. It's a little longer than other models, yet it's light to steer and comes with soft suspension to tackle the kerbs.
There are many 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that offer stability and quick steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They can be folded into one buggy if you have limited space at home, or need to transport it from the car to the bus.
It's important to remember that a wide double buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a smaller single buggy Make sure that it's what you need before you buy. It will be used on buses, trains and subways often, so it must be easy to manage and use. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat when taking your child to school or the nursery.
From birth
There will be a need for a pushchair for your entire family, whether you're expecting twins, or you have a second child after having your first. Double buggies are generally larger, heavier and cost more than single strollers, however they are also easier to manoeuvre in narrower entrances or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies are compatible 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 front of the other, and they're often a better choice when you have two children who are similar in age to function well. They're not foolproof. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could punch or kick each other and children with different heights could argue over who is sitting higher. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat in the back. Your older child will not be seated on the lower part of the car, and won't get much of a look out.
The iCandy Wave is a good choice for parents looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that can fit both infants and an older child. It features a smart frame that can be expanded in width when you add a second seat. It folds flat for compact storage. The cushioned seats, straps and buckles are all of the highest quality we have encountered in our tests. The canopies have a generous size and UPF 50+ protection, as well as a windows that peek out. Both seats are reclined independently.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it is quite expensive. However, double pram pushchair will last you for years and retain the highest resale value, which means that in the end you'll probably recoup a portion of the cost. It also doesn't offer the same variety of seating configurations as others of our top choices however, the iCandy is a good choice for families who don't wish to shell out a lot of money.