Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggie is a great option. They are smaller than side by side buggies and are perfect for tight spaces like doors, public transport and rough terrain.
Many convert into travel systems that take 2 carrycots or car seats. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are a variety of options for adding a second seating or changing a single stroller into double. The UPPAbaby is a large, beautiful stroller. It is easily converted from a single to a double by adding an seating area with a rumble. It is more expensive and less maneuverable due to the fact that 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 it's used as a double stroller.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies and fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. They are generally more expensive, however they're designed to last longer on rough terrain, and may have a higher resale value.
Independent recline of the seat
If you're looking for a double buggy that is able to transport children of various age groups, then you'll want one that has independent seat recline for both seats. This will allow your child's older to relax in the back while the baby is in the bassinet and the reverse.
Take into consideration the width of your pushchair, as this will determine the ease of you to navigate through doors and on public transportation. If your doors are narrow, you might be considering a side by side pushchair, such as 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 longer than side by side models, which makes 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 various ages. These buggies are also more expensive than single buggies to double, but they're worth the cost if you plan on keeping it for many years. They also hold a good amount of value when sold once your children are old enough to use it.
Another crucial thing to look out for is if the backs of the seats can recline independently from one another because this allows you to place your child in the best position for naps or watching. This is crucial if your child is in the back seat and wants to rest while the older child prefers to sit and observe the surroundings.
A few brands have a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to completely recline to an almost flat position, which is ideal for babies. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined in various positions. It also has UPF 50+ sun protection and peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings of different ages, and you can move about without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a bit longer too with one seat placed behind the other and usually offering a fully-flat recline for newborns (or a more upright position for toddlers).
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design on the market and has a footprint similar to one buggy. It comes with 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 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 is able to be used in mono or duo mode. The frame's clever design can be expanded to accommodate a second chair and can be used with two car seats or carrycots which makes it an ideal choice for older siblings who wish to sit together and share the view. It's a bit larger than other models, but it feels light and has soft suspension for the kerbs.
There are a variety of 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. They are often folded into one buggy in case you have a small space at home, or need to transport it from your car to the bus.
Be aware that a double-wide buggy will be more heavy and bulkier than one compact buggy. Make sure you know what you want prior to making a buy. It will be utilized on buses, trains and subways often, therefore it must be simple to operate and use. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat while taking your child to school or nursery.
From birth, you are a suitable candidate
If you're expecting twins or have another child after your first, you're likely need to find an appropriate pushchair for the entire family. Double buggies tend to be a bit heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single strollers. However, double pram pushchair can also be easier to maneuver through narrower doors or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies can be used with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This lets you transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front the other. They are a good option for children who are close in age and are good friends. They're not 100% secure. Siblings seated side-by-side may kick or punch each other and children with different heights may fight over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this issue by elevating the seat to the rear, preventing your child's older one from being on the bottom and not getting any view.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that is able to accommodate both a newborn and an older child. It features an intelligent frame that expands in width when you add a second child seat. It also folds flat for storage that is compact. 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 canopies are spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection and windows that can be seen from a distance.
The only downside 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, so in the end, you'll likely recoup a portion of the cost. It also doesn't offer the same variety of seating configurations as some of our other top picks however the iCandy is a great choice for families who don't wish to shell out a lot of money.