Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a fantastic option for twins or children who are close in age. They are smaller than side by side buggies, and are ideal for tight spaces like doors, public transport and rocky terrain.
Some can be converted into travel systems that use two carrycots or child car seats. They can be heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options to add a second seat or converting a single stroller to double. The UPPAbaby V2 is spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can be easily changed from a single to a dual by adding a Rumble seat. It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is placed in front of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar option with great seating flexibility, however it lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
double pram and pushchair include all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. They are more expensive however, they are designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain and come with more expensive resales.
Independent recline of the seat
If you're looking for a double buggy that can transport children of various ages, you'll want one that has recline that is independent for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to be able to relax while your baby is in a bassinet, and reverse.
It is also important to consider the width of the pushchair as it will impact the ease of get through doors and on public transport. If your doorways are very narrow, you may be considering a side by side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller however can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are a little longer than side-by-side models, and aren't as easily maneuverable up and down kerbs, but they can accommodate a bigger range of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations and are a great option for twins or siblings of various age. They can also be more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are a good investment if you plan to keep it for a long time and will have a decent amount of resale value should you decide to sell it when your children are out of it.
This feature allows you to place your child in a comfortable position for naps or observation. This is crucial for children who are in the back seat and wishes to take a nap while the older child prefers to sit and observe the surroundings.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to recline into a position that is almost flat, ideal for infants. For example, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the toddler seat included and the add-on RumbleSeat into various positions so that your children have a the option of where they want to sit, as well as offering an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that can be seen from afar.
More spacious than twin buggies
You don't need to have twins in order to benefit from a larger double buggy. They're perfect for siblings of different age groups. They allow you to move around without having to worry about your children touching each other. They're typically a bit longer with one seat positioned behind the other. The seats can be reclined fully for babies or placed in an upright position for toddlers.
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which is the tiniest side-by-side model available and has a footprint similar to one buggy. It also has an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of various heights to push as well as an adjustable handbrake, which is helpful when climbing difficult hills. It is suitable for use from birth, and it can be combined with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in either mono or duo mode with just one click. Its innovative frame can be expanded to accommodate a second chair and it can be used with up to two carrycots or car seats making it a great choice for older siblings who want to sit in a group and share the view. It's a bit larger than other models, but it still feels light and has soft suspension for curbs.
There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems with inline wheels that provide stability and fast steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They are often folded into a single buggy in case you have a small space at home or you need to transport it from the car to the bus station.
Be aware that a double wide buggy will be heavier and heavier than one compact buggy. Be sure you know what you want prior to making a purchase. You'll need to take it off and on subways, trains and buses frequently, so it must be simple to use and manage. You may also need to juggle it onto and off the car seat when taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to ensure it's easy to maneuver within small spaces.
From birth, you are a good candidate
There will be a need for a pushchair for the whole family, regardless of whether you're expecting twins or if you have a child after you've had your first. Double buggies tend to be larger, heavier and cost more than single strollers, but they are also more maneuverable through narrower doors 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 at once.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other, so they're generally a better option for families with two children who are similar in age to function well together. They're not foolproof. Siblings sitting side-by-side can kick or punch each other and children of different heights may fight over who is sitting higher. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low model that raises the seat in the back. Your older child isn't seated at the lower part of the car, and won't be able to get an opportunity to see.
The iCandy Wave is a good choice for parents looking for an adjustable double buggy that can be converted into a carrycot that can accommodate both a newborn and an older child. It features a clever frame that can be expanded in width when you add the second seat and folds down flat to make it a compact storage. The padded seats, straps and buckles are all of the highest quality we have seen in our tests. The seats can be reclined independently and the canopy is spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection and windows that peek out.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's a little expensive, but a quality tandem will last for a long time and will retain its resale value. So you'll probably get back some of the cost in the long run. The iCandy doesn't have the same seating options as our other top selections. However, it's a good option for families that don't want spend lots of cash.